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Physician Wellness

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There are many excellent programs and resources to support physicians and physician assistants struggling with aspects of their physical or mental health. We encourage individuals to contact their specialty societies if they have a specialty-specific issue regarding wellness.

 

Physician Wellness Content from CPSO

The College recognizes the importance of its registrants’ health and well-being, both at a personal level and in relation to their performance as physicians and physician assistants. 

CPSO has explored the issue of physician wellness from a variety of perspectives over the years:

Burnout and Moral Injury
The approach to clinician distress in health care has gradually evolved to focus less on an individual's level of resilience and more on system-level challenges that impact their sense of wellness and their risk of moral injury. We discussed the changing language around clinician distress in a Dialogue article. We also interviewed Dr. Jillian Horton about the importance of practising self-compassion, and the need for institutional and system change to address burnout.

Discrimination
Experiencing racism or other forms of discrimination can lead to serious consequences for clinicians, including feeling unsafe at work, burnout and/or physical and mental health issues.

Seeking Help
Physicians and physician assistants may be reluctant to seek support for fear of being judged or reprimanded. It is important that they feel safe being vulnerable and accessing resources when they need assistance. We spoke to Dr. George Photopoulos about his experience using the Ontario Medical Association’s confidential Physician Health Program (PHP). Dr. Jon Novick, PHP’s medical director, sheds light on the program's work in this podcast interview.

 

Programs, Services and Information Hubs

  • Physician Health Program, Ontario Medical Association
    The PHP provides confidential support for physicians struggling with mental health concerns, substance abuse or other behaviours that have a personal and professional impact. It also offers support and education to physician leaders, hospitals and other worksites. Contact PHP’s confidential, toll-free line at 1-800-851-6606 or email [email protected].
    One of the services PHP provides is a virtual Doctors Drop-In Group for the exchange of support and encouragement. Sessions are held daily and led by family doctors with expertise in group facilitation.
  • Resources for Health Care Workers, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
    CAMH has expanded some of its supports to help health care workers maintain their health and wellness while coping with a wide array of stressors, including crises such as the pandemic.
  • Physician Wellness Hub, Canadian Medical Association
    A website with resources (links and articles) about physician wellness, including a wellness and healing resource guide for Indigenous physicians and learners.
  • Physician Wellness, Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)
    Offers a variety of resources on the importance of physician wellness by CMPA and other services. One of the tools offered to members is the Physician Well-Being Index (WBI). Validated by the Mayo Clinic, the Physician Well-Being Index (WBI) is a quick, user-friendly tool designed to help users measure their well-being, track it over time, and gain access to Canadian wellness resources.
  • Resource Hub, Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities
    This not-for-profit provides resources for a variety of disabilities and encourages physicians living with disabilities to build communities on the site.  
 

Courses and Activities

 

Wellness & Mindfulness Resources

  • Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities Training 
    Mindful Self-Compassion North offers a six-hour, evidence-based course that aims to improve healthcare professionals’ well-being and personal resilience. It teaches mindful self-compassion skills to help physicians deal with distressing emotional situations as they occur at work and at home. 
  • BounceBack
    BounceBack offers free support for individuals experiencing stress, burnout, anxiety, mood changes and more, through free online videos and optional coaching, with practical tips on managing moods, sleeping better, building confidence, increasing activity, problem solving and healthy living.
  • Healthy Minds Program app
    The Healthy Minds Program app uses meditation and podcast-style lessons to help users focus, reduce stress and maintain positive social connections.
  • Insight Timer app
    The Insight Timer app offers thousands of guided meditations and talks led by the world's top meditation and mindfulness experts, neuroscientists, psychologists and teachers.
  • Headspace app
    The Headspace app provides hundreds of guided meditations, courses and mindfulness exercises on subjects like stress, general anxiety, worry, building resilience and more.