OMA champions physician wellness

Burnout has become even more prevalent among physicians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, in part because of long hours, high levels of stress and time-consuming administrative burdens, according to recent OMA research. Those findings are especially worrisome given the pivotal role of physicians in keeping Ontarians healthy.

Likewise, a 2018 Canadian Medical Association survey revealed physicians were at higher risk of work-related burnout than the general population — even before the pandemic. The OMA is dedicated to addressing these important issues members continue to experience and providing them with solutions and support to help restore their health and wellness.

Tackling this epidemic within an epidemic with a toolkit of supports 

The OMA has worked hard to advocate for members by identifying the root causes of burnout and recommending concrete solutions and system-level change. That advocacy has resulted in the development of a burnout toolkit, which contains information and resources for specific groups of members — individual physicians, residents, trainees and physician leaders — to help prevent and manage burnout. Other supports available through the OMA include the Physician Health Program, as well as group disability and health insurance coverage from OMA Insurance.

And physicians are noticing that the OMA has their backs. A 2021 Ipsos survey showed that physicians view the OMA as an advocate for the problems they face today, but also as a partner in preparing them for challenges that could arise in the future — such as another pandemic.

Understanding the problem is the first step to recommending solutions

Recognizing the urgent need to identify and address the underlying causes of burnout, the OMA set up the Burnout Task Force in 2019. It surveyed physicians, residents and medical students in 2020, just as the pandemic started in Canada, and again in March 2021. Together, the research paints a troubling picture: 

• Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of physicians said they experienced some level of burnout in 2021, up from 66 per cent in the previous year’s survey
• Just over one-third (35 per cent) reported either persistent symptoms of burnout or feeling completely burned out in 2021, up from 29 per cent in 2020

Support is available through OMA Physician Health Program 

The OMA Physician Health Program provides a set of health and wellness tools to help physicians learn strategies to cope with stress and build personal resilience. The program also offers confidential support for physicians struggling with substance use and mental health concerns. 

“The good part of this is that burnout is absolutely manageable — there are many ways to help people perform better, to manage stress better. This is reversible,” said Dr. Joy Albuquerque, medical director of the Physician Health Program. “I’m grateful that the signal now is so high... There are things that can be done in the workplace to help manage burnout.”

OMA Disability Insurance covers physicians during recovery

OMA Disability Insurance is designed to cover the financial impact of taking time away from medical studies (if you are a student) or your practice as you recover from a physical, mental or emotional sickness or injury. Having disability insurance helps ensure there is a reliable flow of income at a time when a medical student, resident or physician needs to focus on their own health rather than finances.

Over the past few years, OMA Insurance has seen an increase in mental health claims and more physicians are staying longer on claim. OMA Insurance responded by introducing key initiatives to help members get the support they need and deserve:

• An expanded Mental Health Benefit for doctors and their families comprised of $10,000 for outpatient treatment per year, and up to $14,000 per lifetime for inpatient treatment programs to treat addictions and mental health disorders. These benefits are available through OMA Health Plans, including the OMA Priority Insurance Program
• Services of an independent consultant to assist members during the initial stages of submitting a claim resulting in an easier experience, a unique offering from OMA Insurance

“The OMA Group Disability program is designed for physicians. Thousands of members continue to choose group disability insurance from OMA Insurance because it’s a unique OMA-sponsored program, with oversight by a skills-based board of directors comprised of industry experts and doctors,” said Preya Singh-Cushnie, director, insurance advisory and education services at OMA Insurance. In fact, more than 19,000 OMA members — including members of the Atlantic Medical Association — receive disability coverage through OMA Insurance. The program operates on a not-for-profit basis with non-commissioned licensed advisors. OMA Insurance is focused on providing members with a valued, sustainable disability program, rather than generating shareholder dividends or corporate profits. 

Recommendations made by OMA Insurance advisors are always made to be in the member’s best interest.

Accessing appropriate care and support sooner rather than later

Whether you are in medical school or closer to retirement, the OMA is here to support the wellness and recovery of all members in all career stages.

Learn more about the OMA group disability program, reach out to an OMA Insurance advisor or get a quote.