If your question is not addressed in this list, please contact our administrative office at 604-398-4300 or send us an email.
What services does the Physician Health Program provide?
We provide advice, support, counselling, advocacy, referrals, community service navigation support and education services. You may read more about our services here.
Who does the Physician Health Program serve?
We are here to help to all BC physicians, including retired physicians, resident doctors, and medical students. We also provide some services to their partners (including common law) and dependent children (up to the age of 21, or up to the age of 25 if living at home or in full time education). You do not need to be a member of Doctors of BC to access our services. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us at 604-398-4300 or send us an email.
Are your services only available to practicing physicians?
Our services are available to medical students, residents, retired physicians, partners and dependent children of each of these qualifying groups. If you are not sure whether you qualify for our services, please contact us at 604-398-4300 or send us an email.
Are your services confidential?
Yes. Speaking to us is as confidential as speaking to your family physician. Your identity, personal information, and the fact you contacted us will be held in full confidence. Information pertaining to you and/or your family will only be released to third parties with your explicit consent or as required by law. You may read more about our confidentiality and privacy policies here.
Do you assist anonymous callers?
Yes. We accept anonymous calls, and we will do our best to help those who wish to remain anonymous. However, some of our services cannot be provided unless eligibility for them can be established through disclosure of identity. We will let you know when this is the case and you may choose whether or not to disclose your identity.
How many free counselling sessions can I have?
Generally those who are eligible for our services can receive up to six hours of counselling at no charge. Individuals may access more counselling hours at their own expense. We do our best to further help clients who have an acute need for more support, and who demonstrate financial need.
Is the Physician Health Program part of Doctors of BC?
The Physician Health Program is primarily funded by the Ministry of Health and governed by both Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC representatives. Similar to other joint collaborative initiatives, the program services are delivered by Doctors of BC staff and associated sessional physicians.
Is the Physician Health Program affiliated with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC)?
No. The PHP receives no funding or governance support from the CPSBC. The PHP does not share any information with the CPSBC unless the physician-patient provides explicit consent or as required by law.
I’m concerned about a physician I know. Should I call the Physician Health Program?
Yes. If you are concerned about the mental or physical health of a physician, resident doctor, or medical student, please call us. You do not have to be a physician or family member to contact us and receive help.
What do your services cost?
We do not charge for the counselling, support, advisory, advocacy and referral services we provide to BC physicians, resident doctors, medical students, and their eligible dependents. We cannot reimburse for similar services you may have received outside our program.