GME Peer Support Ambassador Program
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the UCSF GME Peer Support Ambassador (PSA) Program. The inaugural cohort included 10 PSAs representing a variety of specialties, experiences, and identities. This year we have 12 PSAs. Each PSA has received training in peer support, trauma-informed care, and restorative inquiry. The PSA's look forward to providing confidential support to resident and fellow colleagues for challenging experiences that come up during the course of residency training and in the clinical environment. They also co-teach general peer support skills training sessions open to all residents throughout the year.
You do not have to be in a PSA’s program to connect. To be linked to a PSA, you can email any PSA directly or
GME Peer Support Ambassadors
Galen Bussman, MD
Emergency Medicine
John Kanter, MD
NeuroTrauma
Sean Wickers, MD
Pediatrics
PSA Faculty Leadership Team
Denise Lynne Fiddmont Davis, MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine, UCSF
Kendra Moore, MD, MBE, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF
Larissa Thomas, MD, MPH, Professor of Clinical Medicine, UCSF
For general questions about the program or skills training, contact [email protected].
2023-2024 Peer Support Ambassadors
- Max Bowman, MD Urology
- Carrie Crook, MD, MPH Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Samantha Fisch, MD Internal Medicine
- Ryan Fox-Lee, MD Pediatrics
- Michaela (Micki) Gonzalez, MD Emergency Medicine
- Francie Goodstein, MD Anesthesiology
- Ursula Griffiths-Randolph, MD Pediatrics
- Vivian Ling, MD Family and Community Medicine
- Micaela (Mica) Rosser, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Isabelle Wijangco, MD, MPP Obstetrics and Gynecology
FAQ
What is peer support?
Peer support is one-on-one support from a trained colleague to process challenges that occur during the course of clinical work. While peer support can be particularly helpful for many common challenges residents and fellows experience in training, it is not therapy or mental health support. For additional mental health resources, see additional support available.
What kind of challenges can Peer Support Ambassadors help with?
All kinds of challenges! The list includes but is not limited to:
Adverse patient experiences:
- Patient death or adverse outcome
- Difficult patient interactions
- Challenges of caring for vulnerable patients
- Making mistakes
Residency challenges:
- Moving to a new place for residency
- Navigating relationships during residency
- Transitioning to new roles during residency
- Personal or family illness during residency
- Challenges with career decisions
- Well-being in residency
What kind of training have peer support ambassadors received?
Peer Support Ambassadors (PSAs) have completed a three-module curriculum to develop skills in active listening, emotional support, trauma-informed care, and the restorative mindset. They have been oriented to mental health and support resources available to residents and fellows at UCSF. They have participated in a multi-disciplinary cohort to provide each other with support.
How do I connect with a Peer Support Ambassador?
You can reach out to any PSA individually via UCSF email or fill out the Peer Support Referral Form to be connected with an available PSA.
How can I get training in peer support?
Peer Support Ambassadors are selected annually. A call for applications is released in the spring preceding their participation year. Throughout the year, the PSA program offers two-hour workshops in basic peer support skills to programs and communities across GME. These workshops are co-facilitated by our faculty and our trained PSAs. If you are interested in organizing one of these workshops, please email Kendra Moore.
