Physician Health Program
What is it?
The Physician Health Program (PHP) provides assistance to physicians, medical learners, and their families who may be struggling with issues such as:
- Mental health
- Relationship issues (professional and personal)
- Substance abuse/addiction
- Physical health
- Work and family concerns
The program provides assessment and treatment, education, counselling and coaching, monitoring, and advocacy to help physicians continue in effective medical practice. PHP’s certified mental health professionals provide one-on-one compassionate support. While members of the committee that oversees the program come from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise, they share a dedication to providing non-judgmental and confidential assistance and support.
All information provided by those accessing service is kept strictly confidential. The PHP operates independently from the Ministry of Health, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and College of Medicine.


Accessing Support

Who can access the Physician Health Program?
Support is available to physicians throughout their careers, from medical school and residency, through active practice and into retirement. Family members are also eligible.
How do I access the program?
If you are in need of assistance or would like to refer someone to the Physician Health Program, contact:
Tracy Danylyshen-Laycock, PHD
Director, Physician Wellness and Support Programs
P (direct line): (306) 657-4571 / Toll-free 1-800-667-3781 (Sask. only)
E: tracy.danylyshen-laycock@sma.sk.ca
Jessica Richardson
Clinical Coordinator, Physician Wellness and Support Programs (Regina)
P (direct line): (306) 359-2750
E: jessica.richardson@sma.sk.ca
Lorraine Scott
Clinical Coordinator, Physician Wellness and Support Programs (Saskatoon)
P (direct line): (306) 657-4585
E: lorraine.scott@sma.sk.ca
Mitch Berg
Clinical Coordinator, Physician Wellness and Support Programs (Saskatoon)
P (direct line): (306) 657-4553
E: mitchell.berg@sma.sk.ca
If you require immediate medical assistance, visit your local hospital emergency room.
For contact information of Physician Health Program committee members, please contact Tracy Danylyshen-Laycock,.
Resources
- Terms of Reference (Physician Health Program committee)
- Physician Wellness and Support (SHA) | Including Physician Wellness Boost Presentations
Did You Know?
- Physicians in need of support often feel guilty about accepting care and shame for needing it. As a result, many struggle with undiagnosed, untreated or self-treated mental health issues.
- The most common reasons physicians and their families contact the Physician Health Program (PHP) are:
- Mental health issues
- Relationship issues (personal and professional)
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Work or family disharmony
- One out of every 10 physicians will become dependent on psychoactive drugs or alcohol sufficient to impair the practice of medicine at some time during their careers.
- One out of every 100 physicians will become a narcotics addict at some point during their career.
- For many physicians, their work is the last area to be affected when they are struggling with mental, physical, or relationship stress.
Risk factors for physicians
Characteristics:
- Need for control
- Perfectionism
- Dedication and devotion to work to the exclusion of pleasure and interpersonal relationships
- High emotional investment
- Chronic self-doubt
Occupational Factors:
- Sleep deprivation
- Excessive workload and demands
- Potential for complaints/litigation
- Witnessing trauma and human suffering
- Job dissatisfaction
