03/11/2026
Check out this wellness program launched by the Dalhousie University Department of Psychiatry! More information can be found below ⬇️
What is Wellness4MDs?
Wellness4MDs is a bilingual, evidence-based, cost-effective program that supports the mental health of physicians, postgraduate medical trainees, and medical students in Canada using daily supportive text messages. Text messages in English or French will be delivered to anonymous subscribers for six months at no cost.
How to subscribe:
Physicians, residents, and medical students in Canada can subscribe to the program by texting “WELLMD” for access in English or “BIENMD” for access in French to 1-855-947-4673. Subscribers can opt in to participate in the program evaluation by completing surveys when they begin the program and at designated follow-up times.
How it works:
Subscribers will have access to the program for six months throughout which they will be asked to complete voluntary surveys so researchers can measure the program’s effectiveness. Subscribers will continue to receive the daily supportive text messages whether they participate in the surveys or not. After six months, participants can resubscribe to continue receiving the text messages.
Text messages are based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles and were developed by psychiatrists, mental health therapists, clinical psychologists, and mental health service users.
What is the goal?
The program aims to significantly reduce levels of stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression among physicians, residents, and medical students in Canada.
Why was Wellness4MDs developed?
Physicians experience high levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression and many may not seek out care because they are too busy or are reluctant due to lingering stigma around mental health issues. With increasing levels of these symptoms negatively impacting the healthcare workforce, the need to support physician mental health and well-being is great.
