Peer support to foster wellbeing

What is peer support?  

• Practical and empathic support shared between two people who have common lived experiences, be it their profession, health challenges, or other adversities 

• It encourages an intentional and authentic human connection  
• Peer support differs from counselling, mentoring, diagnosing and treating 

How PHP Peer Support works 

PHP’s Peer Support program is a short-term commitment – involving one or two conversations.  

By connecting you with a physician peer who understands the unique stressors and challenges faced by physicians today, you engage in a confidential and supportive conversation.  

PHP Peer Supporters are from diverse backgrounds and have varied personal and professional lived experiences.  

They receive specialized training to serve in this unique role and offer unbiased, non-judgmental listening. In conversation, peer supporters engage not as clinicians but as human beings alongside someone who not only shares an occupation but also their lived experience and perspective.  

Hear from PHP Peer Supporters

"It’s been wonderful to share the space with colleagues who may need a listening ear, as medicine is a more challenging profession than it has ever been.”

"As physicians, we constantly navigate a challenging landscape, and providing short-term support to a colleague is very rewarding. I also think both parties benefit from the interaction. I'm glad to be part of the PHP program."   

"Being part of the Peer Support Program at the OMA has been a great experience for me. I really enjoyed participating in the training, and it helped me not only as a peer supporter but as a parent, friend and family physician.”