Support Services for
Physicians and their Families
Physician-Specific Resources
Canada-Wide
Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Wellness Connection
About: Provides free, weekly group support sessions for medical students, residents, fellows, and practising and/or retired physicians to gather and discuss shared experiences, receive support, and seek advice and help from their peers. All sessions are led by trained facilitators and are offered in various formats and approaches, including formal peer support sessions, group support drop-ins, compassion rounds, and psychological first aid.
The Wellness Connection is available to all physicians and learners through the CMA’s Community Engagement Platform. Participants are required to register for the sessions in advance if they would like to attend.
Contact Information: Registration is completed through the CMA’s website.
Availability: 24/7 to register for sessions. Support sessions are offered every week.
Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)
About: Provides support and advice to physician members regarding various stressors and medical-legal issues. No question is too big or small. CMPA’s physician advisors are available to listen and offer meaningful support.
Contact Information: 1-800-267-6522
Availability: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (ET)
Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD)
About: Provides networking opportunities and support for physicians with disabilities. CAPD aims to provide a national forum for members to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern to physicians with disabilities, open avenues for exchange of ideas and information, foster common bonds, improve quality of care and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, influence clinical education and research pertaining to both patients and physicians with disabilities, and inform and educate the public regarding the many facets of disabilities.
Contact Information: info@capd.ca
About: The CAPD and CMA have worked together to develop an active online community for physicians, residents, and medical students with disabilities and chronic conditions looking to find a supportive community of peers and colleagues. This space is intended to give this community of practice a platform to come together and share, support, and accelerate improvements on disability inclusion in the medical workplace.
Contact Information: Log in to CMA Community to join
Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC)
About: Supports learners, residents, and practicing Indigenous physicians in their wellness and many capacities and disciplines. The Association also supports Indigenous health initiatives at community and university levels and wishes to promote health for all Indigenous peoples, mentally, physically, intellectually, and emotionally.
Contact Information: 1-604-719-7981 | info@ipac-amac.ca
Provincial
Provincial Physician Health Programs
A list of contacts for provincial physician health programs is available on the Canadian Medical Association's website.
A list of support services by province/territory is being developed and will be expanded as our work continues. Available resource lists can be accessed by selecting the links below.
Resources Available in Alberta
Resources Available in British Columbia
Resources Available in Manitoba
Resources Available in New Brunswick
Resources Available in Newfoundland and Labrador
Resources Available in Nova Scotia
Resources Available in Northwest Territories
Resources Available in Nunavut
Resources Available in Ontario
Resources Available in Prince Edward Island
Community-Based Resources
Canada-Wide
About: Provides confidential, bilingual support for individuals who are dealing with thoughts of suicide or are worried about someone else who is struggling. A trained responder will listen without judgement, provide support and understanding, and provide resources to help. 988 is available to provide moments of connection that create hope, support recovery, and save lives.
Contact Information: Text or Call 988 (service available in both English and French)
Availability: 24/7