One of the Texas Medical Association’s best-kept secrets – The Physicians Benevolent Fund (PBF) – is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
The fund helps support physicians and their immediate families who fall on desperate financial times or who are in treatment, perhaps as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or because of other circumstances.
In 2020, the fund expanded to include the PBF Wellness Fund to provide financial assistance for physicians who cannot afford treatment.
Recipients receive monthly help to pay for personal necessities – rent or mortgage, utilities, health insurance, medical bills, clothing, and food. TMA staff strive to protect the anonymity of fund recipients.
TMA family members can support PBF in two ways: contribute to the fund, or share this valuable resource with friends or colleagues who may need assistance.
The fund was started in 1961 with a $2,500 donation from the late May Owen, MD, a Fort Worth pathologist and past president of TMA.
“Dr. Owen's foresight and recognition of this unmet need within the medical community set the course for this now thriving, charitable program,” said TMA Alliance member Sue J. Bailey, of Austin, immediate past chair of The Physicians Benevolent Fund Committee.
Over the years, the fund has helped countless physicians and their families, including those who are elderly and no longer practicing medicine, are disabled or ill, and who are widowed and raising families.
"I don't know what I would have done without your help. Your generosity is a blessing. Thank you," one grateful PBF recipient said.
“PBF is successful because of the generosity of TMA members who help support their less fortunate colleagues and families,” said Mrs. Bailey. “With ongoing support, PBF will continue to care for those in need within the Family of Medicine.”
Contributions are tax-deductible and may be in the form of honoraria or memorials. To make a secure, online donation, or send a check to The Physicians Benevolent Fund, Texas Medical Association, 401 W. 15th St., Austin, TX 78701-1680.
If you know a physician or a physician's family who could benefit, please direct them to the PBF webpage for qualification details and the confidential questionnaire. Or contact Chris Johnson, PBF senior program manager, via email.
Tammy Wishard
Account Manager, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1470