Peer Supporter Program

Peer support consists of a trained physician providing psychological first aid to a fellow colleague. It is not meant to replace a physician-patient relationship or a longitudinal counseling relationship. We currently have 15 fully trained peer supporters and 6 additional peer supporters who are awaiting training. We have representation from several departments at Burnaby Hospital including hospital medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, urology, anesthesiology and nuclear medicine (view PSP details).

Burnaby Resources on Substance Abuse

This website is intended for clinicians to learn more about substance use services and information within the Fraser Health region. Here you will find information on clinical presentations, diagnostic criterion, and resources for various substance use disorders. To visit the website, click here. 

Burnaby Hospital Outdoors Club

The Burnaby Hospital Outdoors Club is a group of like-minded physicians who love hiking and spending time in nature. It was formed in spring 2023, and we aim to hike together at least once a month. The goal of this club is to increase inter-departmental camaraderie and to support physician wellness while enjoying the natural playground of British Columbia. Upcoming hikes are as follows:

If you are interested in joining, please contact contact@bhmsa.ca for more details.

Running Club

A group of like-minded doctors interested in running and fitness. We exchange running tips and do a few races a year, either 10k or half marathon. It’s a fun way to connect and commit to your colleagues outside of the work environment.

If you are interested in joining, please contact contact@bhmsa.ca.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Fraser Health Resourcesㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Well-being Psychological Support 

Going Home Checklist:

Take a moment to think about today:

• • Acknowledge one thing that was difficult on your shift.
  • Consider three things that went well today.
  • Be proud of the care you gave today.
  • Check in with your colleagues before you leave – how are they doing?
  • I will switch my attention to home – to rest and recharge.

Accessing emotional support 

• • Immediate emotional support is available (both in-person and virtually) from our Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) for employees and medical staff who are experiencing significant workplace stress and anxiety.
  • Please call 1-844-880-9142 (press 1, then 3)

Peer-to-peer psychological first aid 

• • The Peer Supporter program consists of a team of physicians trained to provide psychological first aid to struggling colleagues. You do not have to be a physician to receive help. You can find more information about the program here (view details).

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

External Resources

Physician Health Program

The physician assistance toll-free number is 1-800-663-6729 available 24/7. The Physician Health Program offers counseling for private, discreet assistance with issues that you and your family may be facing (view details).

The Colour Project 

Anonymous text-based service to provide peer support to struggling individuals (view details).

CMA Wellness Hub

An outstanding collection of wellness resources no matter what stage you are at. No matter if you need help for yourself or if you are simply looking to learn more, the resources available here will help you find the answer you are looking for (view details).

BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

If you are looking for a counsellor, the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors has an excellent tool to help you find someone who is a good fit. You can filter by a number of various criteria including delivery mode, identity characteristics of the counsellor, treatment modalities and more (view details).

Self-Compassion 

Kristin Neff is the leading researcher in self-compassion work. She breaks down a deceptively simple concept that is quite challenging to implement into a series of steps that anyone can practice regularly. Physicians in particular would benefit greatly from self-compassion practice. She also hosts regular workshops teaching principles of self-compassion (view details).

‎‎‎‎‎ㅤㅤㅤㅤ