Physician Peer Support Program
What is peer support?
Peer support is confidential, short-term, non-clinical emotional support for physicians facing personal or professional challenges such as an adverse clinical event, college complaint, life or work transition, or burnout. It is not therapy, clinical advice or mentorship, just supportive conversations with a peer.
The CVDFP Peer Support Program is available to all physicians in Cowichan, family physicians & specialists alike.
How does it work?
- Reach out confidentially to make a request
See “How can you reach us?” below. - The physician peer will connect with you through your preferred method of communication to schedule your first conversation.
- You and your peer will connect over 1-3 conversations to discuss what you need support with.
How can you reach us?
You can connect with a CVDFP peer supporter in one of two ways:
• Email CVDFP in confidence at: tlittmann@cvdfp.ca and a peer support match will be made
• Reach out to one of our peer supporters directly – find their bios and contacts on Pathways
Confidentiality
Peer support is confidential. Peer supporters do not take notes during interactions. Your contact information can only be accessed by the local program administrator for the purpose of facilitating a match and it will not be retained in CVDFP records. No information is shared unless you provide explicit consent or as required by law.
Meet our Peer Support Team…
Dr. Alex Moll
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—maintaining a clinical neurology practice, developing a medical-legal practice, and teaching graduate courses in UVic’s Psychology Department. I’ve navigated the joys and challenges of working with patients, colleagues, hospital systems, health authorities, and yes, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC too.
Now I’m channeling my energy into volunteering with Cowichan Hospice and serving on a Doctors of BC liaison committee.
When I’m not engaged in medical matters, you’ll find me in my garden, on my bike, or out on the water in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. My blended family of five children has blessed me with three adorable and talented grandchildren who keep life interesting.
I understand that medicine can be rewarding and demanding in varying measures, and I’m here to offer support drawn from decades of experience navigating this profession and this community.
Dr. Farhana Saleem
We moved to the UAE after 11 years in Victoria where we had many great adventures. We returned to the island where I have continued to practice and have a farm in the Cowichan Valley that keeps me busy.
I have always been an advocate for physician health and wellness and peer support and have been involved in this for many years.
I am currently the co-chair of CVDFP and am privileged to work with a very competent and collegial group serving the physicians and the community.
In my non clinical time I work on my farm, am an avid equestrian, rescue many animals who need a safe place to land and spend time with my family enjoying all the activities this beautiful region has to offer.
You can find a copy of this flyer, with peer supporter contact details included, by logging into Pathways. Or reach out to the CVDFP team in confidence at tlittmann@cvdfp.ca
Dr. Maraina Smith
I immigrated in 2015 with my husband Phil (originally from Victoria, BC), and two children. I am a PRA-BC graduate, and have a clinic based family practice in Shawnigan Lake.
Since moving here I have had 3 more children, for a grand total of 5, and juggle my work with being a mum and a wife. I enjoy hiking in our beautiful Cowichan Valley, watching my children achieve their goals, gardening, and early mornings with coffee.
I am the faculty development lead for our Cowichan family medicine residency program through UBC. I am also the RCME lead for our clinic, and help coordinate educational opportunities for our team. I also serve as the international medical graduate liaison for the Cowichan Division of Family Practice. This role is largely an integrative role, aimed at helping new doctors from overseas and closer to home integrate into a new culture and community. I offer support, and advice where needed for this, and am also part of the Cowichan peer support team.
Dr. Carole Williams
We moved to the UAE after 11 years in Victoria where we had many great adventures. We returned to the island where I have continued to practice and have a farm in the Cowichan Valley that keeps me busy.
I have always been an advocate for physician health and wellness and peer support and have been involved in this for many years.
I am currently the co-chair of CVDFP and am privileged to work with a very competent and collegial group serving the physicians and the community.
In my non clinical time I work on my farm, am an avid equestrian, rescue many animals who need a safe place to land and spend time with my family enjoying all the activities this beautiful region has to offer.
Mentorship
Mentorship is a vital part of a physician’s journey, offering guidance, support and shared wisdom through lived experience. In the Cowichan Valley, doctors find strength in community—learning from one another, fostering professional growth, and creating connections.
CVDFP offers a unique mentorship program, run in conjunction with UBC CAMP (Coaching and Mentoring Program), in the areas of inpatient care and long-term care, for physicians willing to commit to at least a year of facility-based work. Stipends are paid to both mentor and mentee physician participants. For CVDFP Mentorship Program Information, please contact the CVDFP team.
More general mentorship options are also available directly through UBC CAMP with no inpatient care and long-term care expectations
Physician Health Program
The Physician Health Program is a responsive, high-quality care provider and community services navigator for physicians, trainees, retired physicians, residents, medical students, and their families.
PHP offers 24-hour intake, and a crisis support line, along with short-term counselling, system navigation, community referrals, and peer support from in-house Program Physicians. Physicians can speak with a registered clinical counsellor for immediate support, arrange ongoing counselling sessions, and schedule a 1:1 connection with a PHP Program Physician, who will provide confidential advocacy, support, and referrals to appropriate services.
Switch BC
SWITCH BC is a new organization focused on the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone working in
healthcare in BC, and is a unique collaboration of unions, physicians, and employers. SWITCH is working
to support province-wide innovation, prevention and training, and enhancing the culture of safety.
CMPA
The Canadian Medical Protection Association (CMPA) fosters and champions physician well-being through various programs and initiatives. Our aims include assisting members to mitigate medico-legal risk, supporting the delivery of safe medical care, and promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Support for New-to-Practice Physicians
Education and networking to help you thrive in your practice:
Personal Learning Plans
Start your journey with a plan made just for you.
IMGs and physicians new to rural practice can work with a physician advisor and concierge to create a personalized learning plan. The program is flexible, confidential, non-reporting, and designed to fit your schedule.
To get started, email: cpd.learningplans@ubc.ca.
Coaching and Mentoring Program
Grow your skills with the support of experienced peers.
CAMP fosters peer connections in rural practitioner networks to improve your practice, increase your confidence, and connect you to rural colleagues. Support is available virtually, in your community, or at larger centres.
Reach out to learn more: camp.rcpd@ubc.ca.
FPSC Provincial Mentorship Program
The FPSC Provincial Mentorship Program provides mentorship and networking opportunities for both new and experienced family physicians across the province to build confidence and expand their scope of practice.
Reach out to learn more: fpscmentoring@doctorsofbc.ca.
IMG Peer Support Network
Connect with peers as you settle into practice in British Columbia.
The IMG Peer Support Network connects IMG physicians with peers who understand the transition. You’ll take part in coaching, mentoring, and group sessions focused on helping you integrate into the BC medical system.
Intakes run in September and February.
To join: bc.pip@ubc.ca.
Unsure where to start?
Personal Learning Plans will help make sense of all the supports and learning opportunities available to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will I hear back?
You will be contacted within one week of submitting a request.
Who will I be connected with?
You will be matched with a trained Peer Supporter — a physician who knows the realities of rural and remote work.
How many conversations can I have?
Most physicians connect for one to three conversations. If you need more support, we will help connect you with the right resource.
Is it confidential?
Yes. No notes are taken, and no reports are shared. The only exception is if there is a concern about your safety or others safety.
Is this therapy?
No. This is peer support — a chance to talk with a colleague who understands.
What kinds of issues can I bring?
You can bring any issue that is affecting you professionally or personally. Examples include difficult cases, College complaints, burnout, discrimination, or family stress.
What if I need urgent help?
This is not a crisis service. For immediate support, call the Physician Health Program anytime, 24/7 at 1-800-663-6729.
What kind of training do peer supporters receive?
They received training by Dr. Jo Shapiro, founder of the Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital Center for Professionalism and Peer Support, through the accredited Peers for Peers course at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Wellbeing Program at the University of Western Ontario, in a coaching session by Dr. John Van Aerde, Executive Medical Director of the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders and the Founding Editor of the Canadian Journal of Physician Leadership, and through the Physician Health Program of BC.