When we launched the Community Physician Health and Safety (CPHS) program, we knew physicians and clinic teams needed practical, trusted support to make workplace health and safety easier.

What we have learned since then is that community clinics are incredibly diverse. Each clinic has its own team, culture, challenges, and ways of working. The best support starts by listening, understanding what matters to each clinic, and working together to find solutions.

Since the program began, the response from physicians and clinic teams has been inspiring. We have exceeded our goals for clinic assessments and received outstanding satisfaction scores. These results mean a great deal because physicians are accustomed to high standards. They expect evidence-based support, quality service, and meaningful results, and our team continues to rise to that challenge.

One of the most rewarding parts of this work has been hearing directly from physicians and staff about their experiences with our Health and Safety Advisors. They tell us our advisors show up with kindness, professionalism, curiosity, and a genuine interest in understanding each clinic’s unique needs. They don’t arrive with a one-size-fits-all approach. They listen, ask questions, and work alongside teams to find customized solutions that make sense for their clinic.

Physicians, specialists, and clinic staff who have worked with our team are sharing their experiences with their colleagues and helping others see the value of investing in workplace health and safety. That word-of-mouth endorsement is invaluable and incredibly generous.

We are also excited to continue improving the Build Your Program website. With expanded resources, easier navigation, and a stronger focus on the user experience, the website will give physicians and clinic teams more tools to build and strengthen their health and safety programs in ways that work for them.

This expansion is possible because of the continued partnership and significant new investment from Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health through the Physician Main Agreement (PMA). We are grateful for their commitment to supporting safer, healthier workplaces for physicians, clinic staff, and patients across British Columbia.

Together, we will continue doing important occupational health and safety work — listening, learning, and building solutions as we care for the people who care for us in communities across B.C.

Victoria Schmid
SWITCH BC, CEO