Given growing concerns with physician burnout and disengagement, supporting physician wellness is a priority for Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS). This means investing in efforts to support physicians before they become burnt out and unwell, as well as providing services to physicians who need personal and professional support.
Restoring the Joy in the Practice of Medicine
In January 2020, DNS engaged a consultant to conduct a brief environmental scan to support the development of a framework to guide the organization’s efforts in supporting physician wellness. The results of that environmental scan were used to help develop a framework that will guide the association’s work to support physician wellness in the coming years.
Restoring the Joy in the Practice of Medicine takes a three-pronged approach, working at the individual, community and system levels to bolster physician wellness, create strong communities of physicians and influence organizational change.
The framework is supported by funding through the Scotiabank and CMA Affinity Fund.
Mentorship
The mentorship program is dedicated to creating a feeling of connection and community for international medical graduates (IMGs) who are navigating the Nova Scotia health-care system and are looking to secure support as they prepare to complete their exams for full licensure.
The program connects IMGs with their peers through group and peer-to-peer mentorship. Join this program if you are an IMG who is looking for support navigating the Nova Scotia health-care system, help with practice efficiency, study support for exam preparation and other areas mentees may identify as requiring the support of a mentor.
Mentees can participate in group and/or one on one mentorship.
We are also recruiting IMG mentors who can provide advice about navigating the health care system, provide exam support and/or practical insights related to daily practice.
Professional Support Program
Doctors Nova Scotia’s Professional Support Program (PSP) provides confidential peer-to-peer support for members and their families who are dealing with personal or professional problems.
The PSP program responds to the mental health and wellness needs of members and also supports initiatives, workshops and other resources that promote wellness, resiliency and balanced living.
Help is a call away
Need assistance? Email professionalsupport@doctorsns.com or call the Physician Wellness Navigator, Katelyn Junus, at 902-329-8689.
Read more about the PSP.
Family Plus Counselling
Doctors Nova Scotia is pleased to have added Family Plus Counselling to the association’s physician wellness resources. This service provides up to six free counselling sessions per year for physicians and their dependent family members (spouse/partner and children under the age of 25).
Family Plus therapists are registered counselling therapists, registered counselling therapist candidates and registered social workers licensed to work in private practice. They offer tailored support through short-term counselling, including in-person, telephone or video sessions, for individuals, couples and groups.
It’s quick and easy to get started with Family Plus – just complete a short intake interview – either by phone or virtual appointment. Contact Katelyn Junus, physician wellness navigator, to set up an appointment. Call 902-329-8689 or email katelyn.junus@doctorsns.com.
Members with disabilities and chronic conditions
There is a supportive community space for physicians and learners with disabilities and chronic conditions called the Physician Health Inclusion space on CMA Community. Created and managed by peers, this closed group aims to accelerate improvements on disability inclusion in the medical workplace. It is open to non-CMA members.
Click here to log in to CMA Community and request to join the Physician Health Inclusion community. In order to join, you will be asked to confirm that you are a physician, resident or medical student living with a disability or chronic condition. There is no need to disclose your diagnosis. Your confirmation will only be seen by the moderator granting you access to the group.