Physician wellness is essential for maintaining safe and sustainable medical practice. Across Ontario, physicians and physician assistants (PAs) face high workloads and administrative pressures. Supporting clinician well-being benefits individuals, their patients and the health system as a whole.  

The Canadian Medical Association’s 2025 National Physician Health Survey offers insight into the current state of physician wellness. While burnout rates remain high, more physicians are seeking support and talking more openly about mental health. The findings show that wellness is influenced by many factors including workload, organizational culture and available resources, highlighting the need for continued attention to these issues across the health system. 

Practical Tools and Supports 

The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) offers the Physician Well-Being Index (WBI), a confidential self-assessment tool that helps CMPA members monitor their well-being and connect with supportive resources in their region. Completing the WBI can assist with identifying when additional support may be helpful. 

Peer connection and team-based discussions can also help reduce isolation and promote awareness of available resources. Many hospitals and clinics provide wellness committees, occupational health services or confidential counselling programs that clinicians may access as needed. 

We encourage individuals to contact their specialty societies if they have a specialty-specific issue and/or access the resources listed here and on our website.  

Resources for Physicians 

• CMPA Physician Well-Being Index: confidential self-check and resource links for members
• OMA Physician Health Program: confidential support for physicians, residents and medical students across Ontario and supportive services to family members.
• CMA Physician Wellness Hub: evidence-based wellness resources for Canadian physicians, residents and medical students. 

Resources for PAs and All Frontline Health-care Workers 

• Waypoint Centre – Frontline Wellness Program: free, confidential support programs for Ontario health-care workers
• Health Care Worker Assist Program: collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health and five partner hospitals offering confidential mental health support to health and community care workers in Ontario.   

Taking a few minutes to complete a self-check, talk with a peer or connect with a support program can be the start of meaningful change.