In recognition of the unique demands COVID-19 is placing on the medical profession, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is launching a new Wellness Support Line. Funded by Scotiabank and MD Financial Management, this specialized support line will provide 24/7 mental health support and counselling to physicians, residents, medical students and their immediate families, to complement existing resources provided through provincial and territorial physician health programs.
“Even before COVID-19, medicine was a high-stress profession and physician wellness often suffered. Today, the pressures have multiplied — a shortage of PPE, demanding hours, changing practice protocols, and the constant threat of contracting the virus can all lead to distress,” says Dr. Sandy Buchman, CMA President. “Our goal is to ensure equity so that all physicians and trainees across Canada can call a help line in their own province if needed. “
“Scotiabank is proud to uphold its tradition of supporting the communities where we live and work. The mental health of the physician community is so very important, especially now as they continue to battle this pandemic. We hope this Wellness Support Line will provide some relief when and where it is needed,” says Alex Besharat, Executive Vice President, Canadian Wealth Management at Scotiabank.
“Despite the toll that the pandemic is taking on physicians’ mental health, they have continued to show an unfaltering commitment to the care of Canadians,” says MD CEO and President Daniel Labonté. “MD is proud to be part of the Wellness Support Line that will provide easy access and a safe avenue for physicians and their families to have meaningful mental health conversations.”
The Wellness Support Line is confidential, fully bilingual, with ongoing support in multiple languages. The service is offered through Morneau Shepell, and all calls are fielded by counsellors trained to address the specific needs of medical professionals. The service is offered to all physicians, learners and their families.
The Wellness Support Line is being offered in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon and Nunavut – through partnerships with the provincial/territorial medical associations in these areas. Other regions in Canada currently offer highly tailored, established services, which will continue to support their physicians. Our combined efforts will ensure that there is coverage and support for all physicians and their families from coast to coast.
This is the latest in a series of collaborations between Scotiabank, MD and the CMA who are dedicated to supporting the medical profession and advancing health in Canada, having committed a total of $26 million to date.
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The Wellness Support Line was sunset on Nov. 30, 2022.