Practicing medicine in a rural or remote community can feel isolated at times. The Rural and Remote Physician Peer 2 Peer (P2P) Support Program offers a confidential, non-clinical conversation with a fellow physician who understands the pressures of rural practice. Wherever you are in British Columbia, you can connect with a supportive colleague who understands your context without being a part of it. Our diverse team of peer supporters consists of physicians from rural communities across the province, each trained to offer safe, confidential, non-judgmental conversations.
- A Safe, Colleague-to-Colleague Space
P2P connects physicians and nurse practitioners (if applicable) with trained peers for short, private conversations focused on listening and support. P2P is designed for the everyday challenges of medicine — the kinds of issues that do not require a formal referral but are too heavy to carry alone.
This is not a crisis service. If you need immediate help, the Physician Health Program (PHP) is available 24/7 at 1-800-663-6729.
- When P2P Can Help
- After a difficult case or adverse event
- When facing a patient or College complaint
- In times of conflict with a patient or colleague
- When experiencing burnout, moral injury, or professional isolation
- When life outside of work is taking a toll
- When the isolation of rural practice weighs heavily
- When experiencing discrimination or feeling “othered” in the workplace
- What P2P It Is… and What It Is Not
What It Is:
- Short, confidential conversations (usually 1 to 3 sessions)
- Conversations with a physician who understands the realities of practice in small communities
- A chance to talk things through and hear reassurance that you are not alone
What It Is Not:
- Therapy or counselling
- Clinical care or medico-legal advice
- A long-term mentorship or coaching program
How It Works
- Request support through a short, confidential form: Self Referral Form
- Refer a colleague, with their consent, through: Refer a Colleague Form
- Matching: Our program lead will connect you with a Peer Supporter from across the province.
- Timely response: You will hear back within one week of submitting your request.
- Connect your way: Phone or video is most common connection method for Rural and Remote P2P support. You can indicate your connection preference on the request form.
- Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an integral part of our program. Only the peer support program administrator and your peer supporters have access to your name and contact information for the purpose of facilitating a match and contacting you.
Conversations are private. Peer Supporters do not take notes, and there is no report back to anyone. The only exception would be situations where someone’s safety is at risk.
- Meet our Peer Supporters
Peer Supporters are rural and remote physicians trained in peer support. They are colleagues who understand the realities of long call shifts, travel challenges, small-town visibility, cross-cultural communication, and the unique pressures of rural practice. A full list and bios of our Peer Supporters will be available soon.
- Become a Peer Supporter
If you would like to support colleagues, training and resources are provided. We keep the role clear and manageable — usually a few conversations a year, with backup from the program. Email P2P Program Coordinator, Nusrat Zarin at: nzarin@rrdfp.ca.
- Additional Resources
- Physician Health Program - 24/7 confidential support for physicians, medical students, and families. Offers counselling, referrals, addiction support, and crisis response. (24/7): 1-800-663-6729.
- Canadian Medical Protective Agency Wellness - Helpful resources on medical-legal assistance.
- Doctors of BC Regional Advisors & Advocates - RAAs provide local advocacy, conflict resolution, and system navigation for physicians. Particularly valuable for rural doctors needing support around contracts, workload, or system challenges.
- BIPOC Peer Support Group - This group offers Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) physicians a safe space to discuss their challenges and share their lived experiences.
- Canadian Medical Association – Physician Wellness Hub, a collection of resources, information and programs leading the way to physician wellness.
- UBC Resident Wellness Office – Counselling and Peer Support.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How quickly will I hear back?
You will be contacted within one week of submitting a request.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q: 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.
Q: Is this therapy?
No. This is peer support — a chance to talk with a colleague who understands.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Have Questions?
For more information about the Peer 2 Peer (P2P) Support Program, email Program Coordinator, Nusrat Zarin at: nzarin@rrdfp.ca.
