Physician support programs

The SMA supports physician health and well-being through a range of programs and services. Confidential referral, assessment, treatment and ongoing supports are available to physicians, physicians in training and their families. Consultation and advice are also available to physicians handling difficult professional and interpersonal issues. Health promotion and educational sessions are available upon request.

Physician Health Program The Physician Health Program provides assistance to colleagues, students, residents and their families who may be struggling with a variety of issues, including:

Mental health Substance abuse/addiction Physical health Marital and family concerns Support is available to physicians throughout the spectrum of their careers, from medical school and residency, through active practice and into retirement. Referral sources and those accessing service can be reassured that all information remains strictly confidential.

Physicians who offer support through this program come from a variety of backgrounds and expertise, the common denominator being a dedication to the provision of nonjudgmental and confidential assistance and support.

Member Advisory Component The SMA’s Member Advisory Component assists SMA members who request help in responding to investigations or inquiries such as:

Patient complaints to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan. Formal interviews or disciplinary proceedings by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.

• Billing investigations by the director of professional review or the Joint Medical Professional Review

Committee. • Proceedings initiated by the Saskatchewan Health

Authority. Its purpose is to: Provide counsel to members of the association who require assistance in responding to inquiries or investigations; assist members under investigation in preparing the best possible responses to inquiries; make appropriate recommendations when investigative procedures are deemed to be unfair or biased; and advise members under peer review when legal counsel is desirable. Activities are designed to supplement, and not replace, those of the Canadian Medical Protective Association. All details of involvement are kept strictly confidential.

Medical Benevolent Society The Medical Benevolent Society provides financial assistance to physicians, residents, medical students, their surviving spouses and/or dependent children in need.

The Medical Benevolent Society is a registered, charitable foundation established and directed jointly by the Saskatchewan Medical Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.

For more information about the Physician Health Program, Member Advisory Component or Medical Benevolent Society, contact:

Brenda Senger, Director, Physician Support Programs Email: brenda.senger@sma.sk.ca

Jessica Richardson, Clinical Coordinator Email: jessica.richardson@sma.sk.ca

Priscilla Bam, Admin. Assistant, Physician Support Programs Email: priscilla.bam@sma.sk.ca

Find out more at www.sma.sk.ca • Self-reflection tools (member login required) • Physician Health Program contact information (member login required)