The OMA is organizing a group mutual support initiative for physicians across the province with support from the Canadian Medical Association. These groups will offer space for supportive conversations between individuals who have shared personal or professional experiences. Mutual support has been demonstrated to improve mental health and well-being.
The project aims to organize one mutual support group in each district and two virtual groups. Each group will be comprised of four to 12 physicians who apply to participate and commit for the duration of the pilot. Groups will come together to discuss and share experiences in a guided but free-form format.
While the initiative aims mainly to organize in-person, virtual groups will also be available to support regions where geography is a barrier and to encourage participation from individuals who cannot accommodate in-person meetings. No hybrid groups will be available. Groups will determine the frequency and duration they meet (ideally at least once per month). The groups will be supported by the OMA to operate for 12 months.
The OMA will evaluate the implementation and impact of these mutual support groups for physicians with the intention of publication to raise awareness among the medical community of the impacts of group-based mutual support.
This initiative is made possible with the support of the following organizations: