Who cares for the caregivers? This is becoming an important question within medicine, since 64% of physicians think their workload is too heavy and 58% say their family and personal life is suffering because they chose a medical career (CMA Physician Resource Questionnaire, 2001).
The CMA has responded with a comprehensive guide on physician health issues. President Dana Hanson says the CMA Guide to Physician Health and Well-Being was designed to provide physicians with facts, advice and resources. “Physicians are at risk for illness and family breakdown,” he says. “We need to find the right balance between our professional and private lives.”
The new publication features information from experts and provides a directory of provincial and territorial support and assistance programs. Many of the articles are based on a joint CMA–American Medical Association international conference on physician health and well-being held in Vancouver last October.
“This publication will raise awareness, improve knowledge and reduce the stigma associated with illness among physicians,” says Hanson. “As a profession, we haven't always been as open and supportive as we should be.”
CMA members can order a free copy of the brand-new 36-page publication in English or French by calling 888 855-2555; cmamsc{at}cma.ca. — CMAJ