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Thrive MD Physician Wellness Hub

Thrive MD Wellness Hub

The Thrive MD Physician Wellness Hub offers webinars and courses for physician wellbeing. Program content includes the accredited Thrive MD Foundation Program and the Thrive MD Enrichment Courses, a variety of accredited webinars across all THRIVE health domains.

What is the Thrive MD Physician Wellness Program?

The Thrive MD Physician Wellness Program is a "hub" of offerings within the Thrive Learning Centre. The Thrive MD Physician Wellness Hub offers webinars and courses specifically developed by physicians for physician wellbeing. Program content includes the accredited Thrive MD Foundation Program and the Thrive MD Enrichment Courses, a variety of accredited webinars across all THRIVE health domains. Thrive MD was developed by physicians, for physicians. The program is based on the THRIVE © Approach to Wellbeing, a unique integration of key findings from research on wellbeing, brain neuroplasticity, resilience, preventative medicine, and behaviour change.

“The Fountain of Health is the first nationally scaled wellness and resilience program of its kind, developed by physicians to offer a scientific, evidence-based approach to improving health and wellness. We are proud to support and enhance this unique program, especially at this time where wellness of health workers is critical.“ - Dr. Katharine Smart, President, Canadian Medical Association

"Thrive MD has helped me jumpstart a number of great initiatives, one small step at a time. I have learned that we are what we repeatedly do. My Health Habit goal of walking to work a couple or times a week became almost daily -- and now it is two trips a day because I no longer drive so I walk home for lunch and back again. Encouraged by my progress, I started walking for fitness and I added in 6 km four or more times a week! Feeling better overall, then I stopped night time snacks. I lost 10 pounds in a month. Then I added in Interests and Relationships: I started playing guitar regularly with two friends. My joy has returned and I thank you." -Dr. John Chaisson, Family Physician, Nova Scotia

The Thrive MD Foundation Program
Tap into the Science of Wellbeing…in just 2 hours!

The Thrive MD Foundation Program is delivered by experts in the field. I Program content was co-created with input from doctors across Canada at different career stages. Meet our team of contributors.

The program is offered in two 1-hour accredited interactive webinars, 1 month apart:

Part 1: Jumpstart selfcare!

Apply the THRIVE © Approach to Wellbeing, an effective 3-step approach to jumpstart a new health behaviour. The Wellness App can be used to track the goal, and receive support and encouragement.

Part 2: Assess impact!

Assess the impact of the THRIVE © Approach on your wellbeing one month later.
Learn about more wellbeing resources and the Thrive MD Physician Wellness Hub.

Note: Additional dates and times for webinars will be updated on the above registration form, as well as in doctorsNS.com and Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) e-newsletter, (link is external)Latest News.

Thrive MD Enrichment Courses

The Thrive MD Enrichment Courses are accredited webinars offered by experts in their fields across all THRIVE health domains.

See sample of Spring 2022 THRIVE MD Enrichment Courses below:

(Note: All course times are listed in Atlantic Timezone)

THOUGHTS	Self-Compassion for Physicians Radical Self-Compassion for Women Physicians	Apr 22 (12-1 pm) or May 2 (12-1 pm) June 16 (6-8 pm) in person Women's Council House, Halifax
HEALTH HABITS	Physician Nutrition Downward Docs: Yoga for Physicians	May 31 (12-1 pm) May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 9 (12:00 -12:30pm)
RELATIONSHIPS	Optimal Aging 2-part series	May 4 & June 1 (7-8 pm) or May 13th & June 10th (12-1 pm)
INTERESTS	“5-Minute CBT” 5-week Course Less Screen, More Green Course	Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 5 (4-5:30 pm) May 30 (12-1pm)
VALUED GOALS	Use the Wellness App (not accredited)	Self-directed! Visit (link is external)www.wellnessapp.ca
EMOTIONS	Intro to Mindfulness 4 - Week Mindfulness Course “A to Zzzs” of Better Sleep (1-hour webinar)	Apr 25 (12-1 pm) or Apr May 3, 10, 17, 24 (12-1 pm) May 9 (12-1 pm) or May 16 (12-1 pm)

YOU ARE INVITED TO REGISTER
Click below for all Thrive MD Foundation Program & Enrichment Courses:

EXPLORE COURSE DETAILS UNDER EACH HEADING BELOW:

Thoughts: Positive Thinking Courses

Self-Compassion Course for Physicians (1-hour online course)

Physicians tend to be perfectionistic and self-critical. Do you have a habit of thinking in harsh or negative ways? The self-compassion course can help.

Course objectives:

Develop an understanding of self-compassion and its benefits

Learn steps to integrate self-compassion into daily

Instructors: Dr. Keri-Leigh Cassidy and Mr James Torbert

Learn more and Register here

Radical Self-Compassion Course for Women in Medicine (2-hours in person)
Women physicians: Learn about radical self-acceptance and self-compassion to realize your fuller potential.

Course objectives:

Understand the relevance of radical self-compassion for women in medicine

Learn to integrate radical self-compassion into daily life

Instructor: Dr. Keri-Leigh Cassidy

Learn more and Register here

Health Habits Courses:
As a physician, you take great care of others’ health. Are you ready to make your own physical health a greater priority?

Downward Docs: Online Yoga Classes for Physicians (6 week online course)

This 6-week yoga course specifically for busy physicians will be offered on Thursdays from 12:00-12:30 pm for a nominal fee. Note this course is not accredited.

Instructor: Jolene d’Entremont

Learn more and Register here

Physician Nutrition Course:
Improve Your Relationship with Food to Nourish Yourself (1-hour online course)

Course objectives:

Identify opportunities for healthier eating habits

Develop a personalized plan to improve your relationship with food

Instructor: Dr. Michael Vallis

Learn more and Register here

Relationships Courses:

Thrive MD: Optimal Aging Course for Physicians 50 years+ ( 2-Part series)

Do you tend to keep challenges about life and work to yourself? Don’t go it alone! Connecting with your peers can help.

Course objectives:

Set and meet goals to promote healthy aging

Learn to improve your outlook on aging

Instructors: Dr. Margaret Casey & Dr. Amy Gough

Learn more and Register here

Interests Course:
As physicians, we tend to spend time on familiar interests and our areas of expertise. Are you ready to learn something completely new?

“5-minute CBT”: 5-Week Online Course for Clinicians

In this 18-hour CME-accredited course, you will learn to apply the THRIVE © Approach to Wellbeing and jumpstart your own self -care and wellbeing, as well as your patients. Deepen your understanding of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) - based tools to apply to yourself and your practice.

Course objectives:

Apply 3 key steps for effective health behaviour change with a range of patients using SMART goals and the Behaviour Change Toolkit developed by the Fountain of Health

Be familiar with indications for CBT, readiness assessments and understand how to apply behaviour change across of patient types, health conditions and stages of patient readiness.

Apply the approach to managing your own stress and well-being, particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instructors: Dr. Michael Vallis & Dr. Keri-Leigh Cassidy

(link is external)Learn more and Register here

Less Screen, More Green: Wellness Strategies for This Digital Age

This CME-accredited course will describe the Mindful Tech Plan and how to implement wellness strategies in this digital age.

Course objectives:

Learn the evidence of harm of excessive screentime; digital dependency; internet and social media addiction

Introduce evidence-based strategies for better screen time

Learn the benefits of more time in nature, including greentime prescriptions and nature therapy

Instructor: Dr. Kerry Crofton

(link is external)Learn more and Register here

Valued SMART Goal-Setting
As physicians, we tend to set overly-ambitious goals we fall short on, that can leave us feeling defeated. Learn how to set meaningful goals that you can actually meet. SMART goals are: Specific, Measurable, Meaningful, Action-orientated, Realistic and Time-limited.

Available to all clinicians, The Wellness App supports you to set and meet valued SMART goals and to receive support along the way. Useful for your own wellbeing, and for patients in your practice too.

Note: Physicians who register to use The Wellness App, please register yourself “I am a Physician using the App for myself.”

Using The Wellness App is a self-guided experience. If you would like to earn CME credit for using the Wellness App, and have some support to set and meet your goals for yourself or in your practice, then please register for our “5 minute CBT” Online Course listed under Thrive MD Courses “Interests” category, or (link is external)Learn more and Register here

Emotions Courses:
A to Zzzs of Better Sleep (1- hour webinar)

Would you like to get a better sleep and lower your stress level? Now is a good time to take better care of your emotional wellbeing.

Course objectives:

Review good sleep principles

Introduce strategies and techniques of good sleep

Learn about resources that physicians can use personally as well as professionally with their patients

Instructor: Dr. David Gardner

Learn more and Register here

Introduction to Mindfulness for Physicians (1-hour webinar)

Join this one hour introductory session on mindfulness physicians. This course should be taken prior to enrolling in the 4 - week mindfulness course.

Course objectives:

Understand what mindfulness is and what it isn’t

Learn a mindfulness of breathing practice and a mindful walking practice

Learn about how mindfulness can be practiced informally in daily life

Instructor: Dr. Nicole Herschenhous

Learn more and Register here

4 - Week Mindfulness for Physicians (4- week webinar)

A 4 - week course to deepen your practice of mindfulness.

Note: 4-week course participants must first take the “Introduction to Mindfulness” course above.

Course objectives:
Week 1: Mindfulness of the Body and Feeling Tones

Develop awareness of physical sensations in the body

Begin to notice different feeling tones (pleasant/unpleasant/neutral)

Learn practices to cultivate present-moment awareness in daily life
Week 2: Mindfulness of Speaking/Listening and Mindfulness of Emotions

Learn practices for mindful speaking and listening that can be used in clinical encounters and elsewhere

Learn mindfulness-based emotion regulation skills that can be used in clinical encounters and elsewhere

Review formal and informal practices that can be used in daily life
Week 3: Compassion

Review 3-step breathing space practice

Understand the role of compassion in physician wellness

Learn compassion practices for self and other that can be used during and after clinical encounters
Week 4: Review, Choiceless Awareness, Wrap Up

Learn practices of narrow and broad attention

Consolidate learning from the series and address questions

Learn about resources for further practice

Instructors: Dr. Nicole Herschenhous & Dr. Elisabeth Gold

Learn more and Register here

Thrive MD Course Instructors

Dr. Keri-Leigh Cassidy, MD FRCPC, is a Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry at Dalhousie University, and the founder of the Fountain of Health™ Initiative for Optimal Aging. Dr. Cassidy is a faculty member of the Atlantic Contemplative Centre and a mindfulness instructor.

Dr. John Chiasson is a family physician practicing in Antigonish with a passion for music and a special interest is physician wellness. Dr. Chiasson has been director of Doctors Nova Scotia’s Professional Support Program for the past five years. Dr. Chiasson is a valued member of the Thrive MD Physician Wellness Program and is an instructor of the Thrive MD Foundation Program.

Dr. Ali Manning is an Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Isaac Walter Killam Hospital in Halifax. Dr. Manning has a passion for education, and is involved in teaching and curriculum design within both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education.

Jim Torbert, BArch, MHSA, director of the Atlantic Contemplative Centre (ACC), has been teaching and facilitating applied mindfulness for over 40 years. He has facilitated mindfulness sessions for businesses, healthcare providers, public programs, and educational institutions.

Dr. Zenovia Ursuliak MD, PhD, FRCPC, is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University. As a psychiatrist she integrates pharmaceutical approaches with nutritional and lifestyle counselling, psychotherapy, and herbal medicines.

Jolene d’Entremont has been a Yoga Teacher, Studio Owner, Breathwork Facilitator and Coach for 20 years. She has been offering yoga to healthcare providers for a number of years. Jolene’s yoga practice will help you ease stress, build muscle, or focus on the present, yoga has something for everyone.

Born and brought up in Toronto, Margaret Casey graduated from the Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine in 1968. In 1972, She began to work at the North End Clinic as it was then known, which had been established in Halifax the preceding year.

Dr. Michael Vallis is a registered health psychologist based in Halifax. He is a health behaviour change consultant and associate professor in family medicine at Dalhousie University. He spends most of his time training health-care providers in behaviour change for chronic disease management.

Dr. David Gardner is a professor with the Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. He completed training in pharmacy, community health, and epidemiology at U of T, UBC, and Dalhousie University.

Dr. Nicole Herschenhous is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie, a perinatal psychiatrist at the IWK, and the psychotherapy coordinator for the Dalhousie Psychiatry Residency Program.

Learn more about the Fountain of Health and

Thrive MD Physician Wellness Program

Founder Dr. Keri-Leigh Cassidy
Introduces the Thrive Learning Centre

Dr. Ali Manning shares her
Thrive story

Thrive MD Stories

What Are Physicians Saying?

Physicians across Canada are using the Thrive MD approach to thrive, even in these stressful times. Hear their stories below.
Video testimonials:

Dr. Chris Frank posted his Thrive MD goal on social media! Using Thrive MD goal-tracking he accomplished something he had wanted to do for 50 years, just before his 57^th birthday!

Dr. Linda Gobessi used the Thrive MD approach to stay connected with her friends during the pandemic while spending time in nature. Hear Dr. Gobessi’s inspiring message!

Testimonials

“Thrive MD was a really powerful experience to set goals with someone else. It can also be enlightening. When you drill down and realize the barriers to coming up with a concrete move, it’s a humbling experience, and it helps to have support around that.”
– Thrive MD Physician Participant

“The program integrates the evidence about brain health and wellbeing, and offers tools to support healthy behavioural change. The opportunity for impact is significant… Our brains can change in response to our activities throughout our whole lives… (This means) it is never too late or too early to learn how to shift lifestyle habits.”
- Family Physician

“The Thrive MD program helped shift my habits and my outlook, and it didn’t take much time to do… In just a few weeks my thinking changed from “I’m too busy for self-care,” to “I actually can fit this in, and want to keep going.” It shifted my outlook, and now I find myself wanting to add a few more microgoals that are doable for me, and help me to keep better balance.”
– Early Career Physician

We would love to hear from you!

If you have a Thrive MD story to share, email us or share a short video to tell us about or share your THRIVE activity at info@fountainofhealth.ca.

Are you a member of a professional organization?

Our National Speakers’ Bureau members are expert clinicians, academics and leaders in the field from across Canada. To request a talk from our Speakers’ Bureau at your upcoming conference or meeting, visit our Organizations page.

Additional Physician Wellness Resources:

CMA’s Physician Wellness Hub (Website)
Wellness Connection Stress Reduction Techniques Offers stress reducing techniques designed to restore balance improve well-being, guided by a physician and certified yoga instructor. Practices can be done at home or at work. No experience required. (Resources available to all Canadian physicians and learners.)
Wellness Support Line The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Wellness Support Line is for all Canadian physicians, learners and their families offering short-term, solution focused support, 24-7. (Non- members of CMA can also access the service.)
Self-care is a professional duty (Article)
Medical Societies of Canada (By province)
Doctors NS Physician Wellness (Nova Scotia’s Medical Association)
Self-care is a professional duty . Putting yourself first (CMPA)
Medico-legal problems and their emotional impact (CMPA)
CBT for Insomnia (Website)
Open Heart Project (Meditation Community)
Iron Doc (Book)
AMA’s Physician Health
The Happy Doc
The Raft (a community to Canadian Women in Medicine)

Why is the Thrive MD Program needed?

The Thrive MD Program promotes physician wellness at both individual and system levels. A 2016 meta-analysis in the Lancet showed physicians can benefit from both systemic and individual interventions to reduce burnout with sustained benefits. The Thrive MD Physician Wellness Program also supports systems and cultural change by normalizing physician self-care in medicine. The Thrive MD Physician Wellness Program supports change at the individual level by supporting physicians to create their own individualized self-care plans.

Research also shows that physicians who practice preventative health practices themselves are more likely to recommend preventative health practices to their patients, and their patients are more likely to adhere to healthy behaviours.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout among physicians was prevalent. By 2019, 75% of healthcare providers report high levels of stress and 50% report depression, anxiety and insomnia. In Ontario in 2021, almost three-quarters (72.9 %) of physicians reported some level of burnout.

For more information on the Thrive MD Physician Wellness Program, please email our Project Manager at info@fountainofhealth.ca or follow us on Twitter @NSThriveMD. If you are interested in bringing the Thrive MD Physician Wellness Program to your Department or colleagues where you are, please reach out to us at info@fountainofhealth.ca

THRIVE includes six high impact actions known to promote wellbeing.

LINKS TO THE THRIVE LEARNING CENTRE