Wednesday, February 25, is Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-Bullying Day. It began in Nova Scotia when a student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt, spurring two classmates to distribute 50 pink shirts to their peers in a show of support and kindness. This display of solidarity sparked a global movement that, almost 20 years later, has inspired millions to stand up against bullying by raising awareness of the issue in schools, workplaces, communities, and online.
Physical and psychological health and safety in medicine
Results from our 2025 Health Authority Engagement Survey show that physical and psychological health and safety remain top concerns for physicians. More than 1,800 comments were shared on the subject, revealing that many respondents regularly encounter violence, primarily from patients, while nearly 40% described experiences of bullying and harassment from management and even coworkers.
This crisis isn’t confined to BC. The CMA’s 2025 National Physician Health survey found that a staggering 74% of respondents experienced bullying, harassment, microaggression, and/or discrimination at work.
Working to improve physician safety
Protecting physician health and safety is paramount to Doctors of BC. As part of our strategic plan, we are committed to fostering safe work environments for all BC doctors – so they feel physically and psychologically equipped to provide patient care and access the support they need, when they need it.
Part of this work includes developing and implementing programs and initiatives under our Physician Health and Safety Agreement, such as our collaborative work with SWITCH BC to create the Community Physician Health and Safety Program and the updated Physician Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC). Both initiatives include tools and resources on workplace health and safety, bullying and harassment, and violence prevention.
The results of our Health Authority Engagement Survey will also guide the ongoing development of Engagement Response Plans (ERPs) with health authorities, which have already led to several safety innovations.
"Physician wellness suffers when doctors feel psychologically unsafe or face bullying and harassment. We must foster healthier workplace environments where all physicians can deliver care without fear. Doctors of BC is committed to working in partnership with physicians and health authorities to ensure safe working conditions for doctors, enabling them to provide safe patient care.” – Dr Adam Thompson
Doctors of BC: Here to help
Physicians who experience a physical or psychological safety incident, or who have been involved in or impacted by a past event, are encouraged to connect with their local Regional Advisor and Advocate (RAA). Additionally, if you experience bullying or harassment, or are worried about a colleague, you can reach out to the Physician Health Program (PHP) for confidential help and support for anyone feeling unsafe. Visit our dedicated health and safety webpage to learn more about how we can help you.
As part of our continued work in this area, Doctors of BC will launch a digital public awareness campaign later in 2026 to highlight the ongoing challenges physicians face in providing the best possible care to British Columbians.
