Medical Society Launches Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Program for Physicians

For Immediate Release

Medical Society Launches Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Program for Physicians

Revolutionary Program Connects Physicians with a Peer to Talk about Life Stressors

Trained Individuals Offer Support, Empathy and Perspective

Westbury, NY—July 7, 2020—The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) today launched a revolutionary program to provide physicians, residents, and medical students the opportunity to talk with a peer about their life stressors.  Under the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) program, physicians may engage in a one-time confidential discussion with a peer supporter—an individual trained to share experiences, listen without judgment, and validate feelings.

The pillars of the P2P program are Support, Empathy and Perspective.

“MSSNY is excited to offer this valuable tool to our physicians,” says MSSNY President Bonnie Litvack, MD.  “It is well documented that physicians, residents, and medical students have enormous stressors that can range from the emotions that arise in the context of patient care to the demanding environment in which we practice medicine.”

MSSNY’s Committee on Physician Wellness and Resiliency played an integral role in the creation of the P2P program—which grew out of a MSSNY survey that found over 50 percent of New York physicians suffer from life stressors.

“Physicians are healers that too often are reluctant to seek help for themselves. We hope that colleagues will connect to peer supporters to discuss daily stressors, including work, school, family, substance, or financial issues,” continues Dr. Litvack. “Especially in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are additional stressors burdening our colleagues’ lives.”

MSSNY has established a confidential helpline phone number (1-844-P2P-PEER) and an email address (p2p@mssny.org) so that physicians may be connected with a peer 24 hours a day/7 days a week. In addition to offering a trained, empathetic ear, peer supporters may provide information on specific resources that can offer further support, provide positive coping skills, or connect physicians to professionals for more focused assistance.

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About MSSNY
Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 

Press Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications/Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x302
rraia@mssny.org