Supporting Physicians, Strengthening Medicine
At the Kansas Medical Society, advocacy extends beyond legislative efforts. It includes fostering a culture where physicians can openly discuss challenges and celebrate achievements. Our Professionals' Health Program (PHP) is dedicated to helping physicians maintain their health and well-being by developing strategies to help them practice successfully. Through a confidential and supportive approach, the program promotes early recognition, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for physicians facing personal or professional challenges. We encourage you all to start meaningful conversations about mental health and well-being with your peers. It is an act of strength that benefits the entire profession.
This month, we also recognize the countless contributions of women physicians and women in medicine. Through their compassion, leadership, and dedication to service, women continue to make a meaningful impact in their communities and in the lives of those around them. Whether they are caring for patients, mentoring future physicians, advancing research, supporting their families, or advocating for positive change, women bring diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich the health care landscape. Their resilience, innovation, and commitment to service help build stronger communities and inspire future generations to pursue lives of purpose and impact. We express our deep gratitude for each and every woman who has served or is serving in the medical field.
Whether through teaching, collaboration, or advocacy, every connection within our medical community contributes to a healthier environment for physicians and the patients they serve. By listening, sharing experiences, and supporting one another, we continue to strengthen a united voice for medicine across Kansas.
National Physician Suicide Awareness Day
September 17th is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day, a time to recognize the unique mental health challenges physicians face and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting one another. The day serves as an important reminder that burnout, stress, depression, and other mental health concerns can affect anyone, regardless of experience or specialty.
By fostering open conversations, reducing stigma, and encouraging early access to support, we can help ensure physicians receive the care they need before a crisis develops. Together, we can strengthen a culture of compassion, connection, and well-being for all physicians. Please review the resources below to learn more and access support.
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KMS PHP Resources
Through the KMS Professionals' Health Program (PHP), we support physicians facing personal or professional challenges that may affect their well-being. Recognizing concerns early and taking action can make a critical difference, helping protect a physician's health, career, and quality of life.
By law, all reports to the KMS–PHP are regarded as privileged and confidential. Any person who, in good faith, reports or provides information about a healthcare provider shall not be liable in a civil action for damages or other relief arising from the reporting or providing information unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the report or information was completely false and was known to the person making the report. (KSA 65-4923 or 65-4924).
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Additional Resources
National Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline (24/7/365)
Website: https://988lifeline.org/
Chat: 988lifeline.org
Phone: 1 (800) 273-8255 or 988
*Both will take you to the same line*
Physician Support Line (8am-1am)
*Psychiatrist available 8AM-1AM every day. No appointment necessary.*
Website: https://www.physiciansupportline.com/
Phone: 1 (888) 409-0141
Medicare Payment Reform Update
The Patients First Act (H.R. 9693), introduced to Congress on July 15th, 2026, aims to create a more stable and predictable Medicare physician payment system. Based on data from the proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, recent analysis indicates that many common physician services would receive higher reimbursement under the bill than under current law, particularly for work-intensive services and practices serving rural and non-metropolitan communities.
Supported by KMS and the AMA, the legislation reflects longstanding physician priorities, including payment stability, recognition of rising practice costs, reduced administrative burden, and improved patient access to care.
Join Us for Advocacy Day
Change begins with physician engagement. Join your fellow physicians across Kansas for the annual Physician Advocacy Day & Legislative Luncheon, which will take place on Wednesday, January 27th, 2027 at the Kansas Medical Society office in Topeka, KS. This is an opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators, advocate for your patients and profession, and help influence decisions that will shape healthcare across our state.
Click here for more event details.
*Registration coming soon
Contribute to KaMPAC
The Kansas Medical Society Political Action Committee (KaMPAC) supports candidates and elected officials who value physician input and are committed to thoughtful discussions on healthcare policy. By contributing to KaMPAC, physicians help ensure that the medical profession continues to have a voice in the conversations shaping healthcare across our state.
Start the Conversation Today
Advocacy Day is most effective when it's part of an ongoing relationship. Take a few minutes to identify your elected officials and introduce yourself as a local physician and healthcare resource.
Year-round communication helps build trust, strengthen dialogue, and create more productive conversations when you meet in person.
