Physician Health Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

A physician’s health and well-being impact the quality of care they provide to their patients. The Physician Health Program (PHP) supports physicians, residents, medical students, physician assistants and clinical assistants who choose to prioritize their personal health, while continuing to provide safe and effective care to patients. Our goal is to keep members working or enable them to return to practice as soon as it is safe to do so.

The program is safe, confidential, and non-punitive.

 S­­­AFE: We strive to provide a place where members feel safe acknowledging they require support.

 CONFIDENTIAL: Any involvement and information shared with the program is kept private.

 NON-PUNITIVE: The program focuses on enabling program participants to maintain their practices and aids in their rehabilitation. The program does NOT have the authority to suspend Certificates of Practice.

 

SELF-REPORTING

We recognize that when caring for others, a caregiver’s own well-being may be affected. Hectic schedules, heavy workloads and long hours have historically been a part of the culture of medicine. This leaves many practitioners vulnerable to stress, various mental health issues, substance abuse, overall fatigue, and other chronic health issues. Early reporting is essential; reporting in the midst of a crisis is never an easy thing. Every referral we receive to the PHP is handled with compassion, discretion, and a personal connection.

There are several ways to self-report your health concern: 

By phone 204-560-4205

Email physicianhealth@cpsm.mb.ca

Confidential fax 204-775-7945

On your Annual Renewal

When you report a change in your practice or registration status

 

REFERRALS

Aside from receiving referrals from CPSM members and their colleagues, referrals can come to the Physician Health Program in a variety of other ways:

  • Based on information received from CPSM’s Qualifications or Complaints & Investigations departments, and sent to The Registrar’s office
  • Based on information received from the CPSM Quality Improvement program
  • Employers or health authorities
  • The University of Manitoba

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I RECEIVE A REFERRAL LETTER?

Regardless of whether they are self-reported or referred, all referrals to the program must participate in a personal intake phone call with the Assistant Registrar or the program coordinator. Depending on the nature of the health concern, a few different outcomes are possible:

  • No formal follow-up required (file closed).
  • Planned follow-up linked to an expected change in condition.
  • Additional conversation with Assistant Registrar, the program director and coordinator.
  • A formal relationship with the Physician Health Program.

 

HOW CAN THE PHYSICIAN HEALTH PROGRAM HELP ME?

The Physician Health Program can assist you in a variety of ways. While the program does not provide direct care, we can connect members with the appropriate care. Here are a few other ways we can help:

  • Providing guidance for setting boundaries within the practice environment to support optimal well-being.
  • Providing formal direction to employers/health authorities regarding recommended work hours, call frequency, volume of shifts, etc.
  • Formal agreements to support abstinence and recovery.
  • Collegial support and encouragement.

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A COLLEAGUE IS UNWELL?

If you suspect one of your colleagues is unwell, talk to them about your concerns and let them know that you care. Recommend that they connect with their regular healthcare provider or MD Care (a confidential clinic run by Doctors Manitoba).

 You are required to notify the Physician Health Program if you have concerns regarding the safety of a colleague and their patients. 

As physicians, the Standard of Practice for Duty to Report Self, Colleagues, or Patients states that you must report any health issue that could cause impairment (see Part 2 of the Standard - Duty to Report a Colleague – CPSM and Other Regulated Health Professionals). Disclosures are handled with maximum discretion and confidentiality; the identity of the reporting member is not shared. All disclosures are intended to support and assist the member in getting the help they need. You do not need to have hard facts or conduct an investigation of your own before reporting. Disclosures do not result in punitive action for you or the member that you are reporting.

 

QUESTIONS?

For more information or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Coordinator of the Physician Health Program at physicianhealth@cpsm.mb.ca or 204-560-4205.