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 Canadian
Medical Association Journal
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Alberta support program for MDs more popular than expected
Physicians are using Alberta's Physician and Family Support Program twice as much as expected. When the program was created in 1997, the Alberta Medical Association anticipated that 2% to 2.5% of eligible Alberta physicians and trainees would use it annually; in fact, 5.5% of physicians, medical students and residents have taken advantage of the free confidential referral and counselling service, and prevention and education sessions. Robin Robertson, the program manager, says the high usage is due to publicity, effective word-of-mouth advertising and clients who trust that the service will be beneficial. The service is available to eligible Alberta physicians, residents and medical students, and to their immediate family members. The predominant topics dealt with are family and psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, which account for 68% of primary presenting problems. "Callers may have more than one issue, but we record the primary presenting issue and this is where the statistic comes from," says Robertson. Work-related problems account for 9% of calls and the remainder involve issues such as addiction and legal problems. The counselling programs, including retreats, are also popular. More than 100 doctors have attended "Reclaiming Equilibrium," a 2.5 day retreat during which facilitators help participants discuss the challenges of balancing a medical career with family life. — Grace Visconti, Calgary
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