These physicians provide confidential support to their colleagues. Because they’re located across the province and have different expertise and interests, you can always connect with someone who best meets your needs.
Dr. John Chiasson
Program director
A family physician who has practised in Antigonish for more than 40 years, Dr. Chiasson is passionate about physical activity, lifelong learning, and balancing work and play. Supporting the well-being of his colleagues has been a focus for Dr. Chiasson for the last 10 years and he advocates for system change that will affect that outcome. He derives joy from time with family and friends, and leading change that improves the lives of others. “I have been influenced by the thinking of Stoic philosophers who advocate attention to things within our control in order to lead an intentional life.”
Dr. Muna Chowdhury
Physician counsellor
Dr. Chowdhury is a GP psychotherapist with extensive practice experience in the areas of mental health and substance use. She is very familiar with CBT and mindfulness-based therapies. She also has experience with solution-focused therapy as well as interpersonal therapies. Her career has focused on working with marginalized people, including those struggling with mental illness, substance use disorders, gender dysphoria, refugees and underhoused/homeless people, particularly youth. “I’ve experienced how hard it can be when you don’t have the right supports around you. I enjoy helping my colleagues in whatever small capacity I’m able to.”
Dr. David Martell
Physician counsellor
Dr. Martell has lived and worked in Lunenburg since 2004. For the first 20 years of his career, he practised full-scope family medicine. He now focuses on addiction medicine. “Having worked in every variety of front-line medical practice, I can relate to what front-line providers face in their daily grind. Having dealt with some of the emotional challenges and events that come with the work of being a caring provider while maintaining a private life, I can connect with my colleagues who have to deal with these same issues.”
Dr. David Saunders
Physician counsellor
With his practice focusing on addiction medicine, Dr. Saunders specializes in opioid assisted treatment, general addiction consultation and inpatient consultation at the IWK (pre-and antenatal). He is also an abstinence-based rehabilitation medical consultant at Crosbie House in New Minas. “I became interested in physician health when I transitioned from family medicine to addiction medicine. My focus is on addiction, career fatigue and burnout.”
Contact your wellness navigator today
Your mental health matters. Don’t delay reaching out to learn more about Family Plus and how it can support you and your family. Call 902-329-8689 or click the button below to connect with the DNS physician wellness navigator, Katelyn Junus. All information is confidential.
Contact your wellness navigator today