The story below is one of several features included in Providence’s Well Being Trust 2025 annual report.
View the full report here.
“Serving as a peer supporter allows me to offer colleagues a compassionate, understanding presence. It’s really about providing emotional support and helping clinicians process challenging experiences.”
— Ben Ware, M.D., peer supporter and hospice and palliative care physician at Providence Portland Medical Center
A growing network of peer supporters offer physicians and APPs confidential support when they need it most
For clinicians, the emotional impact of a difficult case, an unexpected outcome, or a challenging
patient interaction can linger long after a shift. These moments are common, yet too often faced alone.
Providence’s Physician and Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Support Program
was designed to change that. Volunteer physician and APP peer supporters provide a confidential,
compassionate space for colleagues to process difficult patient events, adverse outcomes, and other
challenges with someone who speaks their language and understands their experience.
A trusted support network clinicians can rely on
Since launching systemwide in 2025, the P2P program has quickly become a highly valued
resource for clinicians. Feedback highlights its impact:
• 100% would use peer support again.
• 100% would recommend it to a colleague.
• 100% found the support helpful.
One participant shared, “I was surprised that a busy physician actually responded to my request for support in less than 24 hours. The supporter was personable, compassionate and kind.”
Why peer support remains essential
National data shows a significant need for peer support. High job-related stress among U.S. physicians declined to 45 percent in 2025, but that percentage is still much too high. Peer support is now recognized by the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program as a key component of clinician well-being.
Dr. Ben Ware, peer supporter and hospice and palliative care physician at Providence Portland Medical Center shared, “Serving as a peer supporter allows me to offer colleagues a compassionate, understanding presence. It’s really about providing emotional support and helping clinicians process challenging experiences.” Dr. Ware also oversees and directs the P2P Support Program at Providence Portland Medical Center.
Looking ahead
Providence is committed to expanding its P2P program as demand grows. Dr. Ware hopes more clinicians will train as peer supporters, helping build a sustainable, compassionate community where no clinician must navigate
emotional challenges alone.
