News and Articles

• Why Peer Support Matters to Me as an OB/GYN Physician and Leader

  by Dyanne Tappin, MD, MPH, FACOG

  As an OB/GYN physician, I have long recognized that the work we do is both profoundly meaningful and deeply demanding. We walk with patients through moments of great joy, profound loss, and everything in between. These experiences are powerful, but they can also weigh heavily on us. For me, peer support is essential because it acknowledges that physicians, nurses, administrators, and staff, while resilient, are still human. Having a safe space to share experiences, process challenges, and support one another reduces isolation and helps us sustain the compassion and presence that our patients deserve.

  On a professional level, peer support has given me the opportunity to connect authentically with colleagues, to listen and be listened to, and to build relationships grounded in trust and empathy. These connections help me navigate the complexities of my own career and remind me that I am part of a community that understands the unique weight of this work.

  As one of the co-leaders of our pilot peer support program, this work carries even greater significance. I see firsthand how creating structured opportunities for colleagues to support one another can transform the culture of departments, units, and hopefully the institution as a whole in the future. It signals that well-being is not secondary, but a priority—that we value the whole person, not just the professional role. At the institutional level, this program will contribute to a broader culture of safety, respect, and compassion. By normalizing conversations about stress, burnout, and emotional impact, we not only strengthen individual resilience but also enhance collaboration, trust, and retention across our healthcare system.

  Leading this work matters deeply to me because it reflects a vision of medicine where caring for one another is inseparable from caring for our patients. Building a sustainable culture of peer support means creating an environment where physicians and staff feel valued, supported, and able to bring their best selves to their work every day. For me, that is not just a programmatic goal—it is a professional calling.

  I encourage you to continue visiting the Peer Support page, where you’ll find resources and updated content added every few months. We are also looking to expand this program—more to come soon!