How TMA Helped This Physician Fight Depression, Financial Stress
By Alisa Pierce

After debilitating pain and limited mobility forced Lubbock anesthesiologist Robert Boyd, MD, to leave his practice, he turned to the Texas Medical Association’s Physicians Benevolent Fund. 

At first, Dr. Boyd was hesitant to reach out for help, especially from other physicians. He was used to taking care of patients, instead of “being the one needing care,” he said. However, he soon began to consider his decision to apply to the program “tremendously lifesaving,” he said. 

“I didn’t want to ask for help,” Dr. Boyd told Texas Medicine Today. “But you reach a point in your life, as a doctor, where you’ve given so much to everybody else, that you realize it doesn’t hurt for you to get a little bit back in return.” 

Created in 1961 by past TMA President May Owen, MD, PBF financially supports Texas physicians and their immediate families during times of hardship, such as injury, health decline, and disability. Over six decades, the program has grown to include two additional offerings under the umbrella of the PBF Family of Assistance Funds, adding to its list of services financial support for treatment for impairing conditions and natural disaster aid for physician practices. 

Since its inception, the program has given more than $4.6 million in financial assistance to over 800 Texas physicians in their times of need.  

“I’m unaware of any other state associations providing direct financial assistance to physicians,” said PBF Associate Vice President Gail Schatte. 

Through PBF, physicians receive aid necessary to stay on top of personal expenses such as mortgage, utilities, transportation, and health care bills. 

The connections PBF recipients often build with the fund’s committee members and TMA staff take many forms over the years, Ms. Johnson adds, from offering a listening ear to helping beneficiaries with grocery shopping.  

“We often sit with people who cry through the whole meeting,” Ms. Schatte told Texas Medicine in 2022. “Their situations can be tough. We try to process all the information, all the emotions, because in essence, they are transferring all their need on us … We leave there carrying all that they need.” 

For Dr. Boyd, receiving help from PBF has been an “emotional experience,” as he says his friendships with both Ms. Johnson and Ms. Schatte have offered more than financial support. 

“My financial stress … increased the depression I suffered with,” he said. “But if I need anything, I can call Chris, who will work to help me. To know that somebody out there cares for doctors, well, I can’t say how much that means to me.” 

For medical professionals used to providing care instead of receiving it, at times asking for help can be an obstacle. A friend or colleague can refer a physician who is hesitant to apply, which ensures qualified applicants receive assistance quickly and confidentially. Protecting the anonymity of fund applicants and recipients is a top priority for TMA. 

“Physicians are not alone. TMA stands behind them when they face difficult times,” said TMA President-Elect Jayesh B. “Jay” Shah, MD, who has served on the PBF committee that reviews applications since 2023. “We want Texas physicians going through hardship to understand that we have their back.” 

Despite this, Ms. Schatte says the fund struggles with finding recipients. She encourages physicians to share information about PBF to their colleagues. 

“Physicians need to know this aid exists,” she said. “The [most difficult] thing for PBF is that people still say they don’t know about this program. We’re trying our hardest to change that.” 

If you or someone you know needs assistance, email pbf@texmed.org for more information.