PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Lina Al-Imari AU - Jaisy Yang AU - Nicholas Pimlott TI - Peer-support writing group in a community family medicine teaching unit DP - 2016 Dec 01 TA - Canadian Family Physician PG - e724--e730 VI - 62 IP - 12 4099 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/62/12/e724.short 4100 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/62/12/e724.full SO - Can Fam Physician2016 Dec 01; 62 AB - Problem addressed Aspiring physician writers need an environment that promotes self-reflection and can help them improve their skills and confidence in writing.Objective of program To create a peer-support writing group for physicians in the Markham-Stouffville community in Ontario to promote professional development by encouraging self-reflection and fostering the concept of physician as writer.Program description The program, designed based on a literature review and a needs assessment, was conducted in 3 sessions over 6 months. Participants included an emergency physician, 4 family physicians, and 3 residents. Four to 8 participants per session shared their projects with guest physician authors. Eight pieces of written work were brought to the sessions, 3 of which were edited. A mixed quantitative and qualitative evaluation model was used with preprogram and postprogram questionnaires and a focus group.Conclusion This program promoted professional development by increasing participants’ frequency of self-reflection and improving their proficiency in writing. Successful elements of this program include creating a supportive group environment and having a physician-writer expert facilitate the peer-feedback sessions. Similar programs can be useful in postgraduate education or continuing professional development.