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E Komo Mai - Welcome From Dr. Angela Gough, Medical Director
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Puʻulu Lapaʻau Is Hawaiʻi's Premier Independent Healthcare Provider
Program Serving As An Advocate For Hawaiʻi's Providers To Assist Them In Their Journey In Life And Medicine |
Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au: Healing the Healer
The mission of Puʻulu Lapaʻau, the Hawaiʻi Program for Healthcare Professionals, is to promote patient safety and care by improving the health, well-being and effectiveness of healthcare professionals. We achieve this by offering confidential support and advocacy to healthcare professionals with potential conditions including substance use disorders, mental or physical illness, work-life imbalance and behavioral concerns. We also help determine fitness to practice and practice re-entry.
There are many reasons a healthcare provider may not function at their full potential. They may include work-life imbalance but can also include serious conditions, such as mental and/or physical health issues and substance use disorder. Our goal is to aid our colleagues by providing a path for wellness and professional success. A healthy provider is our best resource for the care of Hawai‘i's community!
The mission of Puʻulu Lapaʻau, the Hawaiʻi Program for Healthcare Professionals, is to promote patient safety and care by improving the health, well-being and effectiveness of healthcare professionals. We achieve this by offering confidential support and advocacy to healthcare professionals with potential conditions including substance use disorders, mental or physical illness, work-life imbalance and behavioral concerns. We also help determine fitness to practice and practice re-entry.
There are many reasons a healthcare provider may not function at their full potential. They may include work-life imbalance but can also include serious conditions, such as mental and/or physical health issues and substance use disorder. Our goal is to aid our colleagues by providing a path for wellness and professional success. A healthy provider is our best resource for the care of Hawai‘i's community!
More About Physician's Health Programs (PHP)
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CBS Morning Show Segment Features Physician Health Programs
We’re excited to share that CBS Mornings Plus recently featured the vital work of State Physician Health Programs (PHPs), which help doctors recover from substance use and mental health challenges while protecting patient safety. The segment follows surgeon Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown, who shared her courageous story of recovery and return to practice — showing that with the right structure, support, and accountability, healing is possible. As she put it, “I’m a better surgeon, doctor, wife, daughter, sister — you name it — than I ever was before.” FSPHP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chris Bundy also reminded viewers: “A monitored physician is a safe doctor.” These programs have quietly helped thousands of physicians find lasting recovery, reduce stigma, and continue serving patients safely. We encourage you to share this story with your networks to help raise awareness and support compassionate, evidence-based approaches to physician health and well-being. |
Watch the video here or at https://www.cbsnews.com/video/inside-the-rehab-program-helping-doctors-recover-from-addiction/.
In an exclusive "CBS Mornings Plus" report, a unique program is giving doctors battling substance abuse a second chance. The initiative allows physicians to keep treating patients while receiving care themselves. It is among the most successful recovery programs ever studied. Oct 8, 2025 |
Dr. David John Shares About Puʻulu Lapaʻau, the Hawaiʻi Program for Healthcare Professionals
Puʻulu Lapaʻau is a Physician Health Program (PHP) in Hawaiʻi. We help medical professionals with a variety of issues enabling them to continue productive careers in healthcare.
Puʻulu Lapaʻau is a Physician Health Program (PHP) in Hawaiʻi. We help medical professionals with a variety of issues enabling them to continue productive careers in healthcare.
Unprecedented: A Candid Conversation about Physician Health Programs
Carrie Cunningham, MD, MPH, a surgeon, and Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, a psychiatrist and nationally recognized expert in physician health, shatter stigma and shame by publicly revealing their personal stories of loss and redemption so that others may find hope and healing. Discover how physician health programs helped them, the unprecedented outcomes they achieve, the complex challenges that they face, and how you can partner with PHPs to save careers and lives.
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Christopher Bundy, MD, MPH, FASAM
Past President, Federation of State Physician Health Programs Executive Medical Director, Washington Physicians Health Program |
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Carrie Cunningham, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Surgery Harvard Medical School |
To access video, click on photo
A Candid Conversation about Physician Health Programs
Dr. Christopher Bundy FSPHP and Dr. Carrie Cunningham PHP Client
Dr. Christopher Bundy FSPHP and Dr. Carrie Cunningham PHP Client
To access video, click on photo
2023 Association for Academic Surgery Presidential Address-Removing the Mask
Dr. Carrie Cunningham
Conversations at HMA, June 20, 2024. Exploring Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au: Healing the Healer
Dr. Geri Young and Dr. Angela Gough from Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au
Dr. Geri Young and Dr. Angela Gough from Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au
Federation of State Physician Health Programs: Trusted Help for Healthcare Professionals
This insightful video highlights the critical role of Physician Health Programs (PHPs) and how they support the health and well-being of healthcare professionals, and features inspiring stories from PHP program graduates and heartfelt reflections from the FSPHP leaders across the country. Together, they share how PHPs provide hope, healing, and a path forward, providing reassurance of safe practice and promoting workforce sustainability.
This insightful video highlights the critical role of Physician Health Programs (PHPs) and how they support the health and well-being of healthcare professionals, and features inspiring stories from PHP program graduates and heartfelt reflections from the FSPHP leaders across the country. Together, they share how PHPs provide hope, healing, and a path forward, providing reassurance of safe practice and promoting workforce sustainability.