We provide advice, support, counselling, advocacy, referrals, and education services.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains some of the questions that we receive here at the Physician Health Program from time to time. This is not a complete list, and is a page-in-progress. If you have a question about the program that you would like answered, or that you feel would fit here, please drop us a line through the website feedback form.
What types of services does the Physician Health Program provide?
Who does the Physician Health Program serve?
We offer help to all BC physicians, including retired physicians, residents, and medical students. We also offer help to the immediate families of all BC physicians. If you are in doubt about your eligibility, please get in touch with us.
Are services offered by the Physician Health Program only available to physicians who are established in practice?
Our services are available to medical students, residents, and retired physicians as well, plus the immediate families of each. If you are in doubt about whether or not you qualify to receive assistance, please contact us.
Are the services confidential?
Yes. Your identity and any information you provide to the PHP will be held in confidence. Information pertaining to you will only be released to third parties with your explicit consent or as required by law.
Do you assist anonymous callers?
Yes. We will accept anonymous calls, and will do our best to provide as much help as we can to those who wish to remain anonymous. However, some of our services cannot be provided without disclosure of your identity.
How many free counselling sessions can I get?
Each individual who is eligible for our services may receive up to six hours of counselling per year at no charge. Individuals may access more counselling hours at their own expense. We will do our best to meet the needs of clients who would like more support, and who demonstrate financial need.
Is the Physician Health Program part of the BCMA? Is it part of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC?
No. The Physician Health Program is an independent nonprofit society that is governed by its own board of directors. Our mandate is different from that of the BCMA, and from that of the College (CPSBC). We are grateful to receive funding from the BCMA, CPSBC and Ministry of Health Services, but are completely independent of all these organizations.
There’s a physician I know, who I’m concerned about. Should I call you?
Yes. If you have concerns about the mental or physical health of a physician, resident or medical student, please call us. You do not have to be a physician or family member to receive help from us in this case.
What do your services cost?
We do not charge for the counselling, support, advisory, advocacy and referral services we provide to BC physicians, residents, medical students and their immediate families. We do not, however, reimburse for similar services you may have received elsewhere.
What's happening?
Feb 22 2012 (All day)
Nov 12 2011 - 9:30am