Peer Support for Medical Trainees

A list of Peer Support Team members is provided. You may contact any person on the list by cell phone or email to set up a time to talk. You can expect a response within 24-48 hours, recognizing that certain Peer Supporters may be unavailable at times. If you do not receive a response within 24-48 hours, we encourage you to reach out to another peer supporter on the list. 

We are a group of UCalgary residents and fellows who are formally trained Peer Support team members available as a resource to our colleagues. We aim to be supportive listeners, to guide those seeking support to additional professional services, and to be alert for risk of harm.  

The practice of medicine is rewarding but can be challenging, and at times, you may feel the need to seek support from a colleague. This need may arise from many different situations such as issues within the learning environment, distress surrounding an adverse event, a challenging workday or interaction, mental health issues, conflicts at home or work, financial concerns, career transitions, or any other issue that is troubling you. 

We take confidentiality seriously. The conversations you have with Peer Support Team members will be held in strict confidence. This commitment to confidentiality would only be limited if there is a perceived immediate safety concern for you and/or others. Such safety concerns would necessitate the involvement of the Resident Peer Support Team Physician Coordinator and/or the Residency Training Program Director. 

Peer listeners are trained to provide empathetic listening and referral resources to residents who seek Peer Support. They are not counsellors and are therefore not qualified to provide the level of therapy that registered counsellors do.