library
the formation library is a curated collection of resources to help support your mental and emotional wellbeing. we encourage you to share what speaks to you with your friends and peers. We're stronger together, we got this.
have an idea for a resource that should be in our library? send them to hello@myformation.ca
articles, videos, and books
Advice for when physicians feel bullied or threatened (from CMPA.)
Self Learning Opportunity: The Unforgotten (from CAMSS)
The Unforgotten is a film exploring the health and well-being of Inuit, Métis and First Nations peoples across five stages of life: birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and elderhood. the film uncovers instances of systemic racism, the impacts of colonialism and the ongoing trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples in the Canadian health care system. you can watch the film and use the accompanying toolkit to learn, lean into the discomfort, and reflect on the topics raised in the film.
We Are All Perfectly Fine: A Memoir of Love, Medicine and Healing by Jillian Horton
Physicians and the Midlife Dip by Beverly Joyce, MD
the midlife “slump,” “crisis,” or “malaise” phenomenon is actually something that has been studied and written about a lot in the last 40+ years. the article digs into how the midlife dip affects the medical industry.
video: I’m Tired of the Pandemic
short, yet very relatable video.
watch Vivek Murthy (Surgeon General) give a presentation about loneliness at ACP 2019 meeting
video: Doctors in Distress: Saving the Lives of Those Who Save Lives
video: Dr. Mona Masood, on the emotional toll the pandemic has taken on front-line workers and her Physician Support Line initiative.
resources
British Columbia Physician Leadership Training
The Specialist Services Committee (SSC) supports the development of leadership and improvement skills for specialist physicians practicing in British Columbia. Maximum funding of up to $10,000 per physician is available each fiscal year (April 1 - March 31) to cover actual tuition fees, accommodation and travel costs.
Well Doc Alberta is an initiative aimed at advancing a collaborative, co-operative, pan-provincial approach to physician wellness. they provide newsletters, support services, and a literature corner. Well Doc Alberta has numerous COVID-19 physician wellness services and hosts a physician wellness podcast series.
Alberta Health Services
AHS also has resources available for medical staff. every second Tuesday they host “AHS Physician Wellness during COVID-19” from 5-6pm via zoom. registration is available on their website link above. this meeting is hosted by the EZMSA Treasurer, Dr. Jennine Wismark, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Physician Wellness and Development at Covenant Health, and Dr. Debrah Wirtzfeld, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Diversity and Wellness at AHS.
AHS provides general resources by clicking the link above and MDwellness@ahs.ca as a contact.
Alberta Medical Association Physician & Family Support Program
the AMA's Physician and Family Support Program provides confidential support and help with personal health issues and enhances the quality of patient care and public safety by promoting health and well-being for the medical profession that cares for all Albertans. more resources are posted on the AMA website link above.
their phone line is available for you at any time:
1.877.SOS.4MDS (767.4637)
International: 403.930.0529 (you may call collect)
CONFIDENTIAL 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year
Canadian Medical Association Physician Wellness Hub
this hub provides reliable wellness tools and resources to empower physicians, medical learners and leaders to create change in the culture of medicine. they have released a new podcast featuring physicians, learners, and leaders about what being a “healthy” physician means, the barriers that still exist, and the people, programs, and projects that are helping medical professionals stay well.
Canadian Medical Association Pandemic Wellness Hub
this toolkit is a hub for wellness resources at this stage in the pandemic. connect with peers, find leadership resources and access supports needed.
Community Collect YYC
Community Connect YYC is a collaborative of Calgary-based agencies committed to helping community members quickly and easily access mental health and other social support services. the CCYYC recently released a one pager including some important statistics about the collective and feedback from those who have accessed their services.
The Canada Suicide Prevention Service
need help? connect with a responder now: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
call National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255 — available 24/7/365 or send a text to 45645. Available 4pm - Midnight ET. Standard text messaging rates apply
text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
Learn more
Physician Wellness: Tips to Reduce Stress Associated with Virtual Encounters
Physician Wellness Resources from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine
COVID-19 Physician Wellness Resources from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine
Mental Health Reading Resources from Indigo Books