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Well-Being

ACS Releases Peer Support Playbook to Help Surgical Programs

February 24, 2026

acs-peer-support-program-playbook-cover.jpg

Surgical complications and adverse events are unavoidable realities in medical practice, but the emotional impact on surgeons often goes unspoken. Institutions may offer peer support programs (PSPs), confidential and safe spaces for physicians to connect with and receive support from trained colleagues who have experienced similar situations—and with the release of the Peer Support Program Playbook, the ACS provides guidance on creating an effective PSP.

The Surgeon Well-Being Coalition, managed by the ACS, has developed this useful resource to aid organizations and departments committed to surgeon well-being in establishing and maintaining a PSP for professional stressors. The playbook provides a detailed outline for how to create a PSP, describes why peer support for surgeons is critical, defines the key component in the context of an adverse event, and points to some successful PSPs used across healthcare and professional organizations (including the ACS Colleague Connection).

Department heads and healthcare leadership interested in bolstering support for surgeon well-being are encouraged to download this free playbook.

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