Physicians First
Physicians First
The Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management and Scotiabank
Welcome to Physicians First – a podcast series that explores unique and home-grown wellness initiatives that are impacting the lives and livelihoods of Canada’s physicians. In this series, we’ll introduce you to the people creating customized solutions that improve physician health and wellness and strengthen the medical profession; whether through coaching programs, peer support groups, or leadership training sessions. And you’ll hear how these initiatives are making a difference to physicians. The Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management, and Scotiabank together are firmly committed to putting physicians first, supporting the medical profession, and advancing health in Canada. As proof of this commitment, and in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, and MD Financial Management, Scotiabank is investing 115 million dollars over 10 years to support physicians and the communities they serve across Canada. This podcast is just one of many initiatives. Physicians First is hosted by Dr. Caroline Gérin-Lajoie, a psychiatrist and physician wellness expert.
Episode 4: Doctors Manitoba
Welcome to Physicians First – a podcast series that explores unique and home-grown wellness initiatives that are impacting the lives and livelihoods of Canada’s physicians. In our fourth and final episode, Director of Planning and Physician Health at Doctors Manitoba, Trina Larsen,  discusses their three-year Communities of Practice Pilot Program. Trina and her team have developed physician-led, evidence-informed action plans for systemic change. The program addresses the broad, institutional issues that drive physician burnout and distress. Small pilot hubs give doctors a voice and provide them with avenues for informal peer support in otherwise isolated, remote communities.
Sep 13, 2022
20 min
Episode 3: College of Family Physicians of Canada
Welcome to Physicians First – a podcast series that explores unique and home-grown wellness initiatives that are impacting the lives and livelihoods of Canada’s physicians. In our third episode of the series, Psychiatrist and physician wellness expert Dr. Caroline Gérin-Lajoie interviews Dr. Michael Allan, Director of Program and Practice Support at the College of Family Physicians of Canada about new CFPC wellness programs specifically for family physicians. The CFPC has found effective ways to support family doctors who are feeling isolated from their peers, experiencing high levels of stress, practicing little self-care, and being pressured to volunteer their precious personal time. 
Jul 19, 2022
19 min
Episode 2: New Brunswick Medical Society
Welcome to Physicians First – a podcast series that explores unique and home-grown wellness initiatives that are impacting the lives and livelihoods of Canada’s physicians.  In our second podcast of the series, Anthony Knight, CEO, and Lisa LePage, COO, from the New Brunswick Medical Society discuss their Tailored Counseling Program, which provides physicians with timely, one-on-one mental health treatment. They also talk about their Professional Coaching for Physician Leaders Program, which delivers tools and skills to help physician leaders manage anxieties around interpersonal relationships and balance leadership roles with other demanding responsibilities.
Jun 1, 2022
22 min
Episode 1: Well Doc Alberta
Welcome to Physicians First – a podcast series that explores unique and home-grown wellness initiatives that are impacting the lives and livelihoods of Canada’s physicians.  In this episode, listen as host Dr. Caroline Gérin-Lajoie discusses how Well Doc Alberta is addressing physician wellness at the system-wide level. This podcast features the insights of Well Doc Alberta Directors Dr. Jane Lemaire and Alicia Polachek, MA. 
Mar 25, 2022
25 min