KCMS Wellness & Prevention
Committed to the health & well-being of physicians
Kansas City Medical Society & Foundation is committed to the health and well-being of physicians in the greater Kansas City area. We recognize that the healthcare system exerts significant effects on physicians across various dimensions, influencing their professional lives, well-being, and ability to provide optimal patient care. The most common insults that directly affects physician health and well-being include:
- Workload and Stress
- Professional Autonomy
- Financial Pressures
- Technology and Documentation
- Interprofessional Dynamics
- Access to Resources and Support
- The Corporation of Medicine
- Third-party influence in physician-patient relationships
As the leading medical society in greater Kansas City, our focus is supporting our local physicians so that they can focus on providing optimal patient care. These efforts include:
List of Services
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Advocacy and PoliciesList Item 1
We advocate for policies and practices within healthcare organizations and government bodies that prioritize health and well-being. In 2024, KCMS sponsored a MSMA Resolution titled Promoting Physician Mental Health Wellness.
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Education and AwarenessList Item 2
KCMS hosts the annual greater Kansas City Physician Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaign. This campaign brings awareness and education to the public, healthcare organizations, and government bodies about the increasing rates of physician suicides.
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Peer Support NetworksList Item 3
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ResourcesList Item 4
- Physician Support Line is a national, free, and confidential support line made up of 600+ volunteer psychiatrists to provide peer support for physician colleagues and American medical students. Call 1-888-409-0141. It’s open 8am to 1am every day, no appointment necessary.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Crisis Text Line offers free 24/7 mental health support. Text “SCRUBS” to 741741 for help.
- Therapy Aid Coalition provides free therapy for physicians.
- The Emotional PPE Project connects physicians and other health care workers with licensed mental health professionals who can help. This service is free.
- Missouri Physician Health Program (MPHP) - https://www.themphp.org/
- Kansas Medical Society Professionals’ Health Program - https://kmsonline.org/php/php-services
- PeerRxMed is a free peer-to-peer program for physicians and other health care professionals.
*Resources found on 5/13/2024 at: https://npsaday.org/share-suicide-prevention-resources/
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Cultural Change Initiatives
KCMS partners with area healthcare organizations to implement changes that foster physician health and well-being. Encourage leadership commitment to foster environments where physicians are respected, valued, and empowered to care for their patients solely based on what is right for the patient.
Raise Awareness
Use this curated list of resources to connect physicians, colleagues or loved ones in a mental health crisis to the help they need.
