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Learner Wellness

Learners have a multitude of individual program support structures to provide assistance when they are experiencing professional or personal challenges. Beyond these supports exists numerous resources that are available at McMaster and through professional associations. Explore these below.

Accordion List

Resident Affairs Office

The resident affairs office works to ensure the success of learners by promoting wellness and resilience and by helping address issues of concern in their professional and person lives.  There is a resident affairs director at each campus that can assist and direct learners in finding appropriate supports.

Mental Health & Wellness Supports

  • Lisa Giles, Wellness Counselor, Hamilton Campus is a registered psychotherapist who provides free counselling services to all trainees.
  • Dr. Tom Ruttan, Psychologist, Waterloo Regional Campus provides counselling services to trainees based at the Waterloo Regional Campus.
  • Mohawk Employee Assistance Program is a full-service, confidential, bilingual employee assistance program for learners and their families, offering counselling and connection with wellness resources.

Professionalism & Equity Supports

  • Robin Edwards, Professionalism Adviser, Faculty of Health Sciences can offer confidential assistance on issues of professionalism, harassment, and intimidation.
  • McMaster Equity & Inclusion Office provides guidance and assistance with issues related to harassment and intimidation.
  • Student Accessibility Services SAS offers support services to learners with disabilities, including chronic health, psychological, neurological, ADD/ADHD, learning, sensory, and mobility disabilities.
  • Meaghan Ross, Sexual Violence Response Coordinator, Sexual Violence Response Protocol offers support and information to survivors of sexual, intimate partner, or family violence
  • Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO) is the official representative voice for Ontario’s doctors in training, with the mandate of advocating on behalf of its members and optimizing the training and working experience of trainees. 24/7 confidential helpline: 1-866-HELP-DOC (1-866-435-7362) for emergency or urgent matters, as well as for referral to resources on a variety of issues. Resource to note:
  • OMA Physician Health Program (OMA-PHP) provides confidential advice, preliminary assessment, intervention coordination, and referral for counselling and clinical services to trainees and their family members. They will assist with issues such as stress, burnout, marital and family issues, substance abuse or dependency, conduct or behavioural problems, sexual boundary issues, gambling, and mental health. Confidential helpline (M-F 8:45am-5:00pm): 1-800-851-6606. Resource to note:

For current learners requiring further wellness information, please visit MedPortal