Where were you in 1978?

The Tennessee Medical Foundation was in its inception -- an idea inspired at a national conference on Impaired Physicians that was brought home by leaders of the Tennessee Medical Association and grew into what is now known as the Tennessee Medical Foundation. The TMF is now in its fourth decade as a lifeline for physicians and other health professionals struggling with addiction, mental and behavioral health disorders and other conditions that impact their health and their ability to care for their patients. Read on to learn more about our beginnings.

OUR HISTORY

In September 1978, Tennessee Medical Association President John Dorian, MD, attended a presentation on impaired physicians at a national American Medical Association conference; he returned home determined to address the problem in Tennessee.

Dr. John Dorian in 1978	Dr. Bill Anderson in 2012

The TMA Board of Directors established a Committee on Impaired Physicians, with William C. Anderson, MD, as volunteer and then part-time medical director. Dr. Anderson’s vision and dedication to helping troubled physicians across the state laid the foundation for the program in the decades to come.

Dr. Roland Gray (L) with his predecessor, Dr. David Dodd, in 2002

The TMF hired its first full-time medical director, David T. Dodd, MD, in 1984; he is still remembered for his passion and leadership. In 1992, the program was transferred to a nonprofit, the Tennessee Medical Foundation, and was renamed the Physician’s Health Program (PHP). In 1996, Gary Olbrich, MD, succeeded Dr. Dodd as medical director until 1998, when Dr. Dodd returned. In January 2002, Roland W. Gray, MD, succeeded Dr. Dodd and led the PHP until his retirement in February 2017. Today, Michael J. Baron, MD, serves as medical director and continues to provide confidential care for physicians and other healthcare professionals the program is charged to assist.

Dr. Baron (R) with Meharry Medical College leaders following a 2023 presentation.

Initially focused on substance use, the TMF mission has expanded to assist with a wider range of problems, including mental, emotional, and behavioral health disorders. Today the TMF seeks to provide proactive help, education, and resources, and is active in state and national efforts to reduce stigma and encourage health professionals to seek help before a problem threatens patient safety, their career, or their lives. More recently, the PHP has been retitled as the Professionals Health Program, due to its expansion and service to additional health professions.

Sadly, we have lost five of these TMF leaders: Dr. Dodd in December 2010; Dr. Anderson in November 2013; Dr. Gray in October 2018; Dr. Dorian in July 2021, and Dr. Olbrich in May 2024. We honor their legacy and pledge to carry on the mission to Save Lives, Save Careers far into the future.

“To me, there’s not anything the TMA has ever done that’s been as important as the Impaired Physicians Program, not just for physicians in the state but for the public.”

--Don Alexander
TMA Staff 1978 / TMA CEO 1995-2013

Everyone deserves a second chance.

Give now to ensure that Tennessee health professionals receive that through the TMF for decades to come.

Read more about our 45-year history, founders, and timeline,  in our special Anniversary-themed  Annual Report from 2022.