Honoring a Legacy of Physician Support: Terry Bedient Retires from CPH after 28 Years of Service
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Ensuring that physicians have access to trusted, confidential support systems is essential not only for individual well-being but for maintaining safe and effective patient care across New York State.
After more than 28 years of service to the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY), Terry Bedient, FACHE, retired recently from his leadership role as Vice President of MSSNY and Executive Director of the Committee for Physician Health (CPH). Since 1997, Terry has helped guide the growth and evolution of one of the state’s most important physician support programs, connecting more than 4,000 physicians, physician assistants, residents, and medical students with resources designed to help them address health concerns while continuing to practice safely.
“Terry made incredible contributions to both New York State’s physicians and their health, but also nationally in the way that PHPs operate and are legislated,” says MSSNY Executive Vice President Thomas Lee, MD. “Terry was a leader who elevated those around him, inspired others with his dedication, and above all was a great friend to any and all who needed him.”
Through his work with MSSNY, the Federation of State Physician Health Programs, and other recovery and assistance initiatives, Terry helped establish a culture of accountability, compassion, and professional sustainability, ensuring that physicians facing challenges had access to pathways that support recovery while protecting patient safety.
Complementing his physician health leadership, Terry volunteered as a Class A Trustee of a recovery program’s General Service Board (GSB) in New York City, serving as Treasurer before his Chairmanship from 2013-2017. During this tenure, he advanced strategic outreach to foster hope in diverse communities, ensured governance stability amid transitions, and provided fiscal oversight to reinforce the program’s principles of recovery, unity, and selfless service—efforts chronicled in newsletters like the Summer 2013 issue featuring his appointment and the July 2017 Quarterly Report reflecting his legacy. Terry remains an active national leader with Alcoholics Anonymous and continues to serve on their board.
Terry’s distinguished healthcare career spans over four decades, from U.S. Army Medical Service Corps service to executive roles at Beekman Downtown Hospital, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Michigan, and as President/CEO of Myers Community Hospital near Rochester, New York. His board service includes the Hospital Association of New York State (HANYS), Rochester Regional Hospital Association, and appointment by Chief Judge Judith Kaye as a charter member of the Lawyers Assistance Trust, overseeing substance abuse programs for attorneys and judges.
As Terry enters retirement, MSSNY welcomes Michael Reynolds as Vice President, MSSNY and Director, CPH. His leadership will help continue MSSNY’s commitment to supporting New York physicians through evidence-based wellness initiatives and confidential assistance programs.
MSSNY remains committed to standing alongside New York physicians, protecting your practice, supporting your health, and strengthening the future of medicine in our state.
