Welcome to the Wellness Hub!
The South Island and Victoria Divisions of Family Practice have partnered to form a Joint Wellness Committee dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of our physician members. We recognize the significant demands placed on physicians, both professionally and personally, and are committed to providing a range of resources tailored to support your well-being and promote a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Greater Victoria Physician Peer Support Program
The Greater Victoria Physician Peer Support Program offers short-term, one-on-one peer support to physicians across our region. Our trained local peer supporters are available to listen and guide their colleagues through various challenges.
What is peer support?
Peer support fosters authentic connections with others who share similar experiences and understand the unique stressors and challenges faced by physicians. Our peer supporters provide confidential, non-judgmental listening and support, focusing on life and work issues, but do not offer clinical care, therapy, or mentorship.
When might someone benefit from peer support?
Peer support can be valuable for physicians dealing with:
- Adverse clinical events or patient outcomes
- Complaints from patients or colleagues
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Acute life stressors impacting career
- Burnout or moral injury
- Emotional responses to workplace changes
Goals of peer support
- Provide a safe space for sharing experiences and seeking emotional support
- Listen non-judgmentally, validate experiences, and offer empathy
- Empower peers by recognizing their strengths and coping strategies
- Connect peers with additional resources if needed
- Foster a supportive community and positive workplace culture
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is crucial to effective peer support. Peer supporters adhere to strict confidentiality agreements and do not take detailed notes during sessions. While conversations are legally discoverable, the focus is on emotional impact and coping strategies. Requests for support are private and not reported to the College, Island Health, or colleagues, except in rare cases where there is a risk of harm.
Get Involved!
Want to make a meaningful impact on your colleagues’ lives and develop your communication skills? Consider training as a peer supporter. The next remunerated one-day training session will be held in November 2024. We are seeking Greater Victoria physicians interested in joining our peer support team.
For more information, contact peersupport@southislandmsa.ca.
