As stories of physician burnout, depression and suicide become more common, doctors and their support networks are doing more to support those who are suffering from the unique stresses of the profession. Some within the profession, however, feel that provincial medical associations are not doing enough for their members who need help with mental health issues.
In a letter to CMAJ, one Ontario doctor said the extended health insurance offered by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) through the company Sun Life is inadequate. It offers only $350 per year for counselling, and denies coverage for counselling and medication if the insured member has a history of mental health concerns. To obtain coverage, physicians with such a history must prove they have not needed treatment in the past two years. Read more in CMAJ.