The Canadian healthy resident – healthy patient study

Research has shown that physicians with healthy personal habits are more likely to encourage patients to adopt such habits. This suggests that improving the health of physicians may, in turn, contribute to improved health of patients. Dr. Erica Frank is leading the ‘Canadian Healthy Resident–Healthy Patient’ study which is examining the link between physician health and patient health. Using a survey questionnaire, Dr. Frank is collecting personal and clinical information from medical residents nationally. These data will form the basis for development of interventions to improve the personal and clinical health practices of health professionals in training and practice. Dr. Frank’s study will then pilot those interventions in BC, and disseminate the results nationally and globally. Results from this research hold promise for informing policies and programs involving healthcare providers and communities.