Peer Support for Medical Trainees

Peers CARE | Community, Acceptance, Respect, Empathy

A partnership program between UCalgary and Well Doc Alberta

How does it work?

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.

Who are we?

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.

Why are we here?

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.

Is Peer Support confidential?

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.

How is Peer Support different from counselling?

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.

For questions about peer support or to connect with a peer supporter

The Peers CARE team is accepting applications from residents and fellows interested in becoming formally trained Peer Supporters. These individuals provide peer support to colleagues dealing with personal or professional challenges.

These Peer Supporters will represent a diverse group of residents and fellows who have the following attributes:

are good communicators and listeners with an interest in enhancing those skills
are able to make themselves available within 24-48 hours of receiving a request to support members needing assistance
be willing to be formally trained as a Well Doc Alberta Peer Supporter
have been a resident for at least one (1) year

The scope of the role of the Peer Supporter is to be an empathetic listener, be a guide to existing physician wellness resources, and recognize red flags for harm to self or others.

In order for prospective Peer Supporters to understand the scope of the role, and ensure they are prepared with the necessary skills, formal training is required. The role of a Peer Supporter is a voluntary position aimed at building community, enhancing collegiality, and supporting wellness at the system-level.

If you are interested in becoming trained, we encourage you to self-nominate by:

Completing the short Expression of Interest form
Requesting a referee to complete the Reference form. Your referee must be a Program Director, or Academic Advisor, or mentor or coach.

Our Office will review your application, and if accepted, your Program Director will be notified to confirm if they can release you from duty to attend the Peer Support Team Training.