Physician Peer Support Program

 An adverse patient event can have a powerful negative effect on physicians.  We have a confidential and anonymous program in place to help faculty in these situations - to provide a friendly ear and to counteract the sense of isolation that often occurs.

Faculty volunteers (and also residents and fellows) have been trained to help physicians cope, provide perspective, and direct colleagues to resources.  Physicians will be matched with a peer supporter with a similar skills background, but from a different department or division.

This program has no feedback to Risk Management, administration, or individual departments, and is legally protected from discovery. The only break in confidentiality is if an individual’s safety is in question, with psychiatry back-up 24/7.

When we learn of an adverse event, we take the initiative to contact the physicians involved; however individuals can also access the program for themselves, or if they are concerned about a colleague, by contacting medpeersupport@stanford.edu.  Participants will receive an email with the subject line “Touching Base”.

Learn more at http://wellmd.stanford.edu/get-help/peer-support.html. Dr. Harise Stein, Peer Support Program Director, is also available to speak briefly at faculty/department meetings to answer questions.