The Physician and Family Support Program (PFSP) is committed to removing barriers that prevent physicians from seeking help. Through the 24/7/365 Assistance Line, the PFSP offers:
- Voluntary participation
- Confidentiality
- Easy access to care
- Rapid connection to therapists
- And the opportunity to speak with an Assessment Physician — a peer supporter who truly understands the unique challenges physicians and their families face.
What makes the PFSP unique is its peer support model, which blends compassionate physician-to-physician connection with a structured approach to identifying needs and offering tailored resources. Engaging with an Assessment Physician is often the first step toward meaningful wellness.
The PFSP's Assessment Physicians are licensed Alberta physicians who bring a deep understanding of the healthcare environment and the personal dynamics physicians face. Their shared experience allows them to offer empathetic and informed guidance to fellow physicians and their families. The PFSP is proud to represent a diverse group of Assessment Physicians ensuring a rich depth of experience and perspective.
Each Assessment Physician brings their own strengths along with a desire to support their colleagues. The PFSP provides specialized training and onboarding of new Assessment Physicians and continues to offer support and oversight to ensure high quality service and support. The Assessment Physician group also:
- Shares insights and learnings in team meetings
- Hosts peer-led sessions for ongoing professional development
- Supports one another through regular meetings
This collaborative spirit is at the heart of the PFSP’s commitment to physician wellness.
Conversations between callers and Assessment Physicians lead to:
- Connection with a best-fit therapist
- Recommendations for other helpful resources
- A sense of being heard, understood, and supported
“I’m very thankful for the PFSP support—my whole immediate family uses it. Every time I’ve called and spoken with someone from the team, it’s been a great experience.”
"It was good to have someone listen and give me resources to help. I was impacted in a positive way.”
“The Assessment Physician was very supportive. It was nice to speak with another physician who understood what I was going through and offered solutions I hadn’t thought of.”
“I found it very helpful and the Assessment Physician I had was fantastic. I felt validated and way better after I spoke with them. They are very gifted in providing support. It impacted my situation positively and I gained resources from it.”
“Having someone who understood physician-related issues in the workplace helped my current situation.”
“They took the time to listen to me when I was in crisis. I needed help immediately and got a call back quickly. They helped me develop a plan and strategies for the moment, and even provided an extension I didn’t know was possible. That was so helpful.”
“It was helpful to have someone listen and validate my feelings. I felt the Assessment Physician was very resourceful with their suggestions and it positively impacted my current situation.”
“Speaking to someone who understands made a positive impact. I felt understood from a cultural and female physician perspective, and I felt calmer and less alone after the call.”
“I felt supported and was given ideas on how to move forward. The most helpful thing was having a real and open conversation; the Assessment Physician was polite, calm, and gentle.”
“I was struggling and it was very helpful. I was feeling lonely and it was great to have someone who listened. It didn’t impact my situation directly, but it was helpful in the moment.”