Home > Policyholder News > MagMutual Doctor2DoctorSM Peer Support Program Launched in Georgia, North Carolina
Fear. Isolation. Depression. These are just some of the emotions physicians say they experience while going through a trial. The very competency that defines who they are is being questioned and all the intricacies of the trial process are unknowns and overwhelming. While the physician feels he or she has done everything in his or her power to care for the patient or that every standard of care was followed, a negative outcome affects everyone involved – patients, families, and the physician.
That is why MAG Mutual Insurance Company launched its newest program for Georgia and North Carolina physician policyholders facing a lawsuit – the first of its kind. As part of the MagMutual Doctor2Doctor Peer Support Program, a physician facing a lawsuit is paired with a colleague who has seen a trial through to verdict for emotional support and empathic listening.
“More than 95% of physicians being sued experience periods of emotional distress during all or portions of the lengthy process of litigation,” writes Sara Charles, MD.1 “As with any major life event, physicians need to share their feelings and reactions with someone who is trustworthy, understanding, and sensitive to their concerns during what is, for some, the most stressful period of their entire life.”
No one can understand the experience better than a colleague who has been through the litigation process. MagMutual’s Peer Supporters have volunteered to be a part of the process, noting their own wishes for this type of support during their trial experience.
Linking colleague to colleague is what distinguishes MagMutual’s program from any others available to physicians. MagMutual policyholders privately speak to their individual supporter, who can demystify the trial process and empathize with the ensuing emotions.
MagMutual is pleased to offer the program to its insured Georgia and North Carolina physicians and plans to roll out the program in other states in 2012. “We are so proud to offer this program to our member physicians,” says MagMutual CEO and Chairman, Joe S. Wilson, MD. “It is simply the right thing to do as part of our mission to first and foremost serve physicians.”
For questions or more information, please contact Communications Manager, Jill Robbins, at (404) 842-5641.
Reference
- Charles SC. West J Med. 2001 Jan;174(1):55-8.
