The vast and varied needs of members of the medical community continue to amaze Texas Medical Association Alliance (TMAA) member Sue Bailey, of Kerrville.
Many of those physicians and their families have received support and care from TMA’s Physicians Benevolent Fund (PBF) during desperate financial situations.
“If, for some unforeseen reason, you find yourself in need, we hope there would be someone out there – gentle, caring – who would provide assistance to us in our time of need,” said Mrs. Bailey, past chair of the PBF Committee.
PBF is one such figure, providing short- or long-term monetary support to help Texas physicians and their families get back on their feet amid financial crises. .
In the past decade, PBF has directed more than $800,000 to those who have found themselves unable to meet their day-to-day expenses. After evaluating a family’s needs, PBF staff suggest possible resources and ultimately make a recommendation to the PBF Committee for financial support. Funds can be used for rent or mortgage, utilities, medical bills, food, and other necessities.
TMAA member Muriel Mendell, of Houston, has served on the PBF Committee for 29 years and stays involved because she finds satisfaction in helping families that have nowhere else to go for financial assistance.
“PBF is here to help, and to contribute to the successes of our physician families,” she said.
PBF relies on the generosity of physicians and their families to support the fund – and on confidential referrals from caring friends and colleagues to learn who may be in need. Physicians or their families can also apply directly to PBF.
If you know a physician or a physician's family who could use caring assistance, direct them to the PBF webpage for qualification details and the confidential questionnaire. Alternatively, email Chris Johnson, PBF director, who will contact those who are referred to determine if they qualify for assistance. TMA strives to protect the anonymity of fund recipients.
If you’d like to help sustain the fund to support physicians in need, contribute via a secure, online donation, or send a check to The Physicians Benevolent Fund, Attn: TMA Finance Department, 401 W. 15th St., Austin, TX 78701-1680. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by federal law.