Physician Wellness Network: Supporting physicians through challenging times

Physician wellness is one of several key priorities for Doctors of BC, as outlined in our Strategic Plan. One of many ways we support physician wellbeing is through the Physician Wellness Network (PWN), an initiative established by the Physician Health Program (PHP) that promotes alignment and coordination of physician wellness supports throughout BC. This November, the PWN hosted its fall gathering to foster in-person connections, discover alignment opportunities, and eliminate siloes in physician wellness services. 

Creating systemic change to support physician wellbeing 

Representatives from more than 27 organizations took part, including Vancouver Island Health, SWITCH BC, UBC CPD, and several Divisions of Family Practice and Medical Staff Associations. Attendees participated in breakout discussions and heard from two PWN member organizations on innovative physician wellness initiatives: 

• The Office for Medical Staff Safety and Wellness (OSWELL) Group from PHSA (Provincial Health Services Authority), discussed their successes including introducing violence prevention training, a resources webpage for staff, regular Community of Practice meetings, and much more. 

• Dr David Unger from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC presented on their health monitoring department, which monitors physicians as they navigate health conditions and helps ensure they are well enough to return to work. 

Participants also heard from keynote speaker, Dr Cecile Andreas, vice-chair of the East Kootenay Division of Family Practice, who spoke to physician leadership in challenging times, exploring how coaching principles can support leaders working closely with physicians. And a World Café-style conversation explored a variety of topics including what makes a physician-friendly organization, quality improvement and combating burnout through system change, and exploring how to continue fostering collaboration in leadership spaces.

“Wellness is not a 'nice-to-have'—it’s a necessity, as essential as food and water. By creating spaces where physicians feel seen, supported, and empowered, we lay the foundation for personal and professional growth that strengthens patient care and community health.” – PWN Working Group Member Dr Daisy Dulay 

Key takeaways 

Participants valued the opportunity for collective learning, the space to exchange strengths, challenges, and ideas with colleagues, and learning about the various initiatives happening across the province. Attendees also shared ideas for future gatherings, including how to secure funding for wellness initiatives, how to build engagement in physician wellness spaces, and possible opportunities to improve physician wellness through an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion lens.

“The PWN gatherings have grown to become productive spaces filled with collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support. Physician wellness is such an important topic, and our Working Group looks forward to continuing building engagement that meets the needs of our members.” – Tom Rapanakis, Vice President and Executive Director of the Physician Health Program 

Want to join the Physician Wellness Network?

If you are part of a non-profit organization with a professional responsibility for physician wellness, or that provides physician wellness or support services to physicians, you can register on the PHP website. The next gatherings will be in Spring (virtual) and Fall (in-person), 2025.

The Physician Wellness Network is made possible thanks to sponsors Scotiabank, MD Financial Management Inc., and the Canadian Medical Association, as part of the Physician Wellness+ Initiative. 

Need support? 

If you are a physician who would like support with any health-related concerns, you can call PHP’s confidential helpline 24/7 at 1.800.663.6729, or visit the PHP website for more information.