Doctor peer support program helps prevent burnout, says P.E.I. medical society
'It’s really trying to bring that humanity back to medicine'
The new head of a physician peer support program on P.E.I. says doctors helping doctors with their mental health is key to avoiding burnout and keeping them on the Island.
Increased workloads, staff shortages and the idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness are all reasons why this type of program is key for P.E.I. doctors right now, said Dr. Megan Miller.
"We're not human if we don't have challenges," said Miller, the lead for the Peer-to-Peer Program from the Medical Society of P.E.I.
"It's really trying to bring that humanity back to medicine. To say, 'This is normal and it's OK to reach out for help.'"
Doctors supporting doctors
The medical society launched the free program in 2021 and has about 20 trained peer supporters available. Doctors can self-refer to the program or be referred by a colleague.
Peer supporters can also proactively reach out to colleagues if they know someone may be experiencing stress or difficulty.
"We've all gone through stressful events in the workplace, and we can truly understand what our colleagues are going through," said Miller, who previously worked as the medical society's chief physician recruiter.
This emphasis on physician health and well-being sets P.E.I. apart from some other places in Canada, Miller said — and is an important tool in physician recruitment.
"People want to go and work in a place where they know those supports are going to exist and where they know that that's valued," she said.
Creating resilient doctors
The importance of mental health support for doctors starts from the beginning of their training, said Dr. Preston Smith, the dean of UPEI's new medical school.
"It's something that all medical schools really take to heart in terms of trying to equip our learners to be successful throughout their careers and be resilient in the face of the challenges that are associated with this profession," said Smith.
The new school, whose first students will start classes in August 2025, will follow the curriculum from Memorial University for the first few years.
"We actually build into the curriculum how [students] can learn to take care of themselves," Smith said.
Miller has been a peer supporter with the medical society's program since it began in 2021. She said she has also experienced the benefits of the society's other supports, including the physician health and coaching programs.
Doctors can face a variety of stressors on the job, she said, from patient deaths to systemic challenges.
"When they see people struggling to get the care that they need, that causes a lot of moral injury and can be very stressful," Miller said.
She hopes P.E.I. physicians will take advantage of the peer support program before they face burnout.
"If we can get to people early and help support them in meaningful kinds of ways, then I think over time the trauma that they may be experiencing … we hope will be less."
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With files from Tony Davis