Mission and Objectives

The Ontario Medical Association’s Physician Health Program (PHP) is fully supported by the OMA and governed by its Board of Directors. The PHP, based in Toronto, provides a range of services to physicians, residents and medical students across the province and supportive services to family members. PHP services align with the belief that physician health matters and that education, early intervention and treatment are important in helping to sustain a healthy medical workforce. Services to members include timely connection to treatment and resources (for example treatment of substance use or mental health conditions, counselling, coaching and more). The PHP provides evaluative services for physicians and trainees where health or behavioural issues are a concern to training programs, workplaces or medical regulators.

The PHP advisory panel that includes stakeholders, regulators and OMA board membership provides guidance on PHP activities, policies and programming. All information from members, received by the PHP, is kept in confidence as governed by policy and compliant with PHIPA.

PHP Program Mission

The Physician Health Program of the Ontario Medical Association will serve the needs of physicians at risk of, or suffering from substance use disorders, and/or mental health disorders through prompt intervention, referral to treatment, monitoring and advocacy.

It is the mandate of the Physician Health Program to educate and promote the biological, psychological, social and spiritual health of physicians generally and especially for those who are at risk of substance use disorders or mental health disorders.

PHP Program Objectives

To offer advice, help, and support to physicians and members of their families who are experiencing personal difficulties including substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders.
To provide intervention services on behalf of physicians who may be impaired due to substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders.
To arrange appropriate assessment and treatment services for physicians as required.
To monitor, advocate, and function as a case manager for all physicians requiring this service after treatment for substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders for improved health and functioning by the physician participant.
To offer primary prevention and health promotion activities to the medical professions.
To conduct and participate in research on physician impairment and health.
To complete a comprehensive program evaluation every five years in order to improve program service and performance.