The new head of a physician peer support program on P.E.I. says doctors helping doctors with their mental health is key to avoiding burnout and keeping them on the Island.
Increased workloads, staff shortages and the idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness are all reasons why this type of program is key for P.E.I. doctors right now, said Dr. Megan Miller.
“We’re not human if we don’t have challenges,” said Miller, the lead for the Peer-to-Peer Program from the Medical Society of P.E.I.
“It’s really trying to bring that humanity back to medicine. To say, ‘This is normal and it’s OK to reach out for help.'”
Doctors supporting doctors
The medical society launched the free program in 2021 and has about 20 trained peer supporters available. Doctors can self-refer to the program or be referred by a colleague.
Peer supporters can also proactively reach out to colleagues if they know someone may be experiencing stress or difficulty.
“We’ve all gone through stressful events in the workplace, and we can truly understand what our colleagues are going through,” said Miller, who previously worked as the medical society’s chief physician recruiter.
