DocTalks podcast: Physical and online violence - How to protect yourself

A new season of DocTalks: A Doctors of BC Production, is here.

This season, we are changing it up. In addition to our audio podcast episodes (which focus on practical, need-to-know information for doctors about running a business), our president, Dr Ramneek Dosanjh, will be hosting virtual panel discussions with fellow colleagues from across the province about health care topics that matter most to BC doctors, like the opioid crisis; diversity, equity, and inclusion; adverse childhood experiences; and tech and innovation.

On the first podcast episode of DocTalks Season Two, we speak to experts Julie Jones and Carl Prophet about how doctors can optimize their physical and online safety. We’re hearing more and more reports of violent threats—either physical, verbal, or digital—directed towards physicians, triggered specifically by tension created by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

These events have incited many individuals and organizations to increase awareness, advocacy, and support for doctors in the face of this rise in violence. A statement issued from the Canadian Medical Association this past September even stated that, “It has never been more important to stand with our health care colleagues and deplore all online or in-person threats.”

The key to prevention is perception; understanding key vulnerabilities and how physical violence escalates can enhance personal safety and even deter violent threats, both in person and online.

Guests Carl Prophet and Julie Jones, who are experts in the field of personal and online security, speak to the current political climate and its effect on violence for BC doctors. They share how through prevention planning and informed response strategies, doctors can equip themselves with a plan and the tools to increase personal and cyber security. 

Carl and Julie are currently leading live webinars, hosted by Doctors of BC’s new program Business Pathways, where doctors can learn even more about this topic and participate in a live Q&A session. More webinar dates will be announced soon, but a recording of a past webinar and a downloadable tip sheet which summarizes the key takeaways are available now.