The Oregon Wellness Program (OWP) promotes Oregon Healthcare Professionals’ well-being through education, coordinated regional counseling services, telemedicine services and research. Currently, the program is open to physicians, advanced practice providers, physician assistants and dentists.
All medical professionals experience remarkable stress dealing with work and personal demands. Many aspects of the profession are rewarding and enhance the wonder of their lives. Other demands, however, can be negative and may become disabling. While medical professionals are resilient in the face of severe stress, they may become overwhelmed. Those are the times to reach out for support. OWP is structured to support physicians, advanced practice providers, physician assistants and dentists during these difficult times by helping them find the necessary resources to rebuild rewarding professional and personal lives.
Clinicians offer free, confidential counseling in private settings or, in some areas, through telemedicine.
Program Tenets
- Developed and sanctioned by physician peers
- Healthcare professional initiated only; no relationship with third parties
- Confidential, private appointments
- Appointments available quickly and easily at physician-friendly times
- Locally selected clinicians experienced with caring for healthcare professionals
- Minimal record keeping
- No cost up to a limit, no insurance billed, no report
- 24/7 support for healthcare professionals
Currently, the OWP will cover the cost of physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice providers and dentists counseling. Collaborative agreements were made with the Central Oregon Medical Society (COMS), the Marion-Polk County Medical Society (MPCMS) the Lane County Medical Society (LCMS) and the Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland (MSMP). Similar services will be implemented through collaborative agreements with other regional medical societies and statewide institutional programs. Membership in an Oregon medical society is encouraged but not required to access the OWP services.