Our History

The Physician Health Program of British Columbia (PHP) was originally established in 1979 under a different name as a confidential service to help physicians struggling with substance use disorders.

In 2006, the PHP responded to physicians’ changing needs by undertaking a comprehensive stakeholder consultation and strategic planning exercise. As part of the Physician Master Agreement of that year, the program received additional funding from the BC Ministry of Health to expand its role and range of services.

In 2009 the program added a range of services, including a 24/7 helpline, and no-charge access to a BC-wide network of clinical counsellors.

Today, we are pleased to offer a wide range of support, referral and counselling services to all physicians, resident doctors, and medical students licensed in BC, as well as their partners and dependent children. We continue working toward our vision of a healthy, connected and resilient physician community.