Peers for Joy in Work
In 2024 the Q&I Program launched the Peers for Joy in Work (PJW) Program. The aim of the program was to help reclaim what family physicians love about family medicine. There are meaningful and evidence-based methods that can foster joy in work –feeling safe, engaged, and having some choice and control over your time to focus on those activities that you know add value to your patients.
The program involved 1:1 support from a family physician that has been trained as a Peer Guide for Joy in Work. This training enabled Guides to be a source of support for their peers during the formal program and beyond. The goal of the program was to increase joy in work for both Peer Learners and the Peer Guides.
“Joyful experience! It was a well organized program where our well-being was addressed by our own peers through the creation of a cheerful environment, mindfulness and fitful schedule.”Dr. Erum Raheel, Family Physician, Scarborough (Peer Guide)
Contact us
For more information, please contact peersforjoy@utoronto.ca
Resources for Peer Guides
- Peer Guide 2-pager
- Slides: Peer Guide Training
- Video: Train the Trainer Introduction
- Article: “Effect of a Professional
- Coaching Intervention on the Well-being and Distress of Physicians”
- CBT.ca
- The Life Coach School Podcast
- Lodestar Trauma Informed Coaching
- Podcast: Dr. Kemia Sarraf
Acknowledgements & Funding
Acknowledgements
Peers for Joy in Work is a program that has been co-designed by members of the DFCM, Women’s College Hospital, and family doctor and Certified Professional Coach, Dr. Sarah Smith, also known as the Charting Coach. This collaborative effort is led by Dr. Tara Kiran, Dr. Noah Ivers, Dr. Navsheer Gill, Dr. Jennifer Shuldiner, Dr. Noor Ramji, Dr. Susie Kim, Erin Plenert and Kirsten Szymanski.
Funding
Peers for Joy in Work is offered by the DFCM and has received funding support from St. Michael’s Hospital Medical Services Association (SMHA) Alternate Funding Plan (AFP) Innovation Fund, Women’s College Hospital Academic and Medical Services Group (WCHAMSG) Alternate Funding Plan (AFP) Innovation Fund, Dr.Bill, and a grant from the Ontario Medical Foundation.