Keeping our physicians healthy, too

Doctors help patients get better. A physician’s focus and passion is helping others heal and be happy and healthy - whether it be as simple as prescribing medication for a little girl's ear infection, to performing emergency surgery, or partnering with a patient and other healthcare providers to address a debilitating case of depression.

Doctors face enormous pressures that can be hard to fathom. They see and deal with things on a daily basis that are outside the realm of many people’s experience. Plus, they face external pressures of working within a healthcare system that is strained past its capacity in many areas.  It’s easy for them to end up burning the candle at both ends. 

And while they do a lot of work in the community to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, when it comes to their own mental health, they can experience this stigma directly and personally.  This is why they sometimes hesitate to reach out when they might need help for themselves.

A recent article by Andre Picard in the Globe and Mail is helping to shed light on high rates of burnout and suicide among physicians.  

"Paradoxically, the very qualities that make someone a good doctor – empathy, caring, perfectionism – make them vulnerable to burnout, depression and suicide." - Andre Picard, Globe and Mail 

Doctors are so focused on the healing of others, they can find it easy to postpone taking care of themselves. That's why it is so important to provide physicians with the immediate and confidential support they need when they find themselves in difficulty. 

Physician Health Program of BC

The Physician Health Program of BC (PHP) offers confidential advocacy, support, and referral assistance for doctors and trainees (residents and medical students). The PHP supports and assists physicians and trainees in overcoming challenges that can impact their health and well-being. These challenges can include: physical health, mental health and addictions, relationship issues, workplace issues and burnout. 

The program also offers a variety of preventative and educational services that address professional and personal issues, such as burnout, stress management, conflict resolution and improving collegiality. 

If you or another physician you know needs support, please reach out. 

Help is available 24/7 at: 1-800-663-6729.

For more information on the Physician Health Program of BC, please visit their website.