Peer Support Program Unites Colleagues Across Disciplines

The UC Irvine Peer Support Program has expanded beyond the School of Medicine to include inaugural cohorts from the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing and the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, strengthening a growing network of colleagues dedicated to supporting one another through challenging moments in their professional lives.

Overseen by Samueli Wellness Officer Anju Hurria, MD, MPH, the program provides confidential support and resources to colleagues who have experienced stressful occupational events, such as adverse patient outcomes, malpractice lawsuits or other challenging workplace experiences. Through a phone call or meeting, trained peer supporters offer understanding, connection and guidance to fellow healthcare professionals. Employees may also self-refer to the program.

The peer support program is part of the Samueli Office of Wellbeing, which focuses on supporting the employees of UCI Health. The School of Medicine first launched the peer support program in 2018. The addition of nursing and pharmacy peer supporters marks a significant milestone in building a unified support network that spans disciplines and care settings throughout UCI Health. The expanded program brings together faculty from across the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, reinforcing the collaborative culture that connects education, research and patient care.

On May 28 and 29, UCI Health welcomed nationally recognized expert Jo Shapiro, MD, associate professor of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at Harvard Medical School, to lead two days of peer support training. 

“There was tremendous energy and enthusiasm throughout the training,” said Hurria. “What stood out most was seeing colleagues from medicine, nursing and pharmacy participate with a shared commitment to supporting one another. This program reflects the culture we continue to build across UCI Health, one where no one has to navigate difficult professional experiences alone and where caring for each other is as important as caring for our patients.”

More than 40 clinicians and healthcare professionals now serve as trained peer supporters, helping foster a culture of empathy, resilience and belonging. Jefferson Chen, MD, PhD, is co-chair of the School of Medicine peer support program, Robert Eastin, PharmD, will lead the pharmacy program and Caitlin Heberer, RN, will lead the nursing program.

Employees seeking peer support may contact Hurria at ahurria@hs.uci.edu. Trained peer supporters can also be identified by badges indicating their participation in the program.

Read the full story with a list of peer supporters at UC Irvine Health Affairs.