Robert Bondurant, RN, LCSW, Executive Director of the Missouri Physicians Health Program (MPHP), resigned December 31, 2019, after 25 years of dedicated service. He decided to step down to focus on his health following a diagnosis of non-hodgkins lymphoma. We would like to pay tribute to Mr. Bondurant’s passion to his life’s work, and his commitment to physician health.
Mr. Bondurant was tireless in traveling the state to provide educational presentations to medical staffs. When he first began, the program was quite small, but with his efforts the program expanded over time. He often would leave on a Monday and return on Friday after his travels. He particularly enjoyed presenting programs to medical students and residents and teaching them about avoiding some of the pitfalls that could derail their careers. The relationships he established with medical staff leadership as well as administrators were vital in sustaining the program and providing necessary donations. (The MPHP is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization and is totally independent of the Board of Healing Arts.) He firmly believed in the organization maintaining its independence so the clinical staff could advocate for clients without concern for any repercussions.
Mr. Bondurant authored numerous articles on physician health, one of which is the following article which presents the history of the MPHP as well as the successful outcomes of the program: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188337.
He also volunteered his time as a dedicated member of the Federation of State Physician Health Programs serving on committees spearheading efforts for national policy and support on behalf of the profession. His devotion and passion to this cause was obvious to anyone who attended his educational sessions or enjoyed his presence on committee calls.
Among his many laudable accomplishments, Mr. Bondurant recently presented at the American Medical Association Interim Meeting on the evolution of physician health and the role of physician health programs (PHPs) in creating awareness and access for physicians in need of confidential assistance for their substance use, mental health needs, and behavioral issues.
Please join us in recognizing Mr. Bondurant. If you would like to send a note of appreciation or wish to make a donation in his honor, please send it to: MPHP, 1023 Executive Parkway, Suite 16, St. Louis, MO 63141.