Physician peer support: Finding healing and connection

Many physicians will say that while working in health care can be immensely rewarding, it comes with unique challenges. Support from trusted physician colleagues who you also feel safe with can make a real difference when seeking help or advice. The Physician Peer Support Initiative, a collaboration between the Physician Health Program (PHP) and the Joint Collaborative Committees (JCCs), helps physician groups and organizations create local peer support programs—complete with training and startup funding—to provide 1:1 emotional support to their colleagues.

Since its inception in 2022, more than 60 physicians throughout BC have received formal peer support training through this Initiative, including a broad range of physician groups such as the North Shore Division of Family Practice, the Kelowna General Hospital MSA, and the Prince George MSA.

Physicians supporting their peers – The Prince George story

The Prince George MSA was one of the first sites to apply and take part in the initiative. Dr Ingrid Cosio, the Physician Lead for the Prince George program, notes there was both an appetite for culture change and an “apprehension about being vulnerable and admitting we need support as physicians.” She credits support from PHP and other site leaders as “critical” to getting things up and running. To Dr Cosio, the program is important because she thinks “human connection is vital for wellness in all people. There's an even higher level of connection when it's between people with a similar training and work background, so I think it has incredible healing potential.” Physician wellness is a personal passion for Dr Cosio, who was the UBC FP Residency program faculty lead for behavioural medicine for ten years—a portfolio that included resident wellness.

A diverse team of peer supporters

As of January 2024, there are eight peer supporters in the Prince George group, including three family physicians, one general surgeon, one internist, two anesthetists, and a family physician currently in psychiatry residency. Says Dr Cosio, “I think each of these doctors understands the importance of peer connections and communicating about the challenges we face as physicians inherent in the work we do, the [culture of] training we have had, the stress and responsibility—all made quite a bit more tangible with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Since the group began, Dr Cosio has noticed an increased interest from physicians when it comes to taking part in medical social and wellness activities, including a special wellness event in October of last year. She added that ongoing support from PHP and the JCCs—including templates, toolkits, and general advice— has helped her and her colleagues hit the ground running. “They are an engaged, supportive, and very accessible and responsive team.” When asked what she would say to other physician leaders considering taking part in the program, her answer is an emphatic “Do it!”

Interested in the Peer Support Initiative?

If you are a physician organization keen on taking part in this initiative, applications are being accepted until July 2nd for the 2024 cohort. Visit the PHP website for detailed information, the commitment involved, and to apply. Terms of Reference are available or you can email View Email Addressprograms@physicianhealth.com if you require further information.

The establishment of this peer support training initiative is made possible thanks to funding from the Joint Collaborative Committees, and Scotiabank, MD Financial Management Inc., and the Canadian Medical Association.