Who We Are
Physician Supporting Physicians
The BCMHSUS Physician Peer Support Program is designed for physicians belonging to the Forensic Physician Engagement Society, Concurrent Disorders Physician Engagement Society, and the Correctional Health Services Engagement Society. Each peer supporter is a physician from one of these groups who has received specialized training to provide confidential, short-term, and non-judgmental assistance.
Get to know the physicians below serving in the BCMHSUS Physician Peer Support Program, trained peers dedicated to providing confidential, compassionate support.
Dr. Robert Schlagintweit
Get to know Robert
Robert graduated from UBC Medicine in 1985 and has been providing GP medical services in BC Corrections since 1987. He is passionate about helping colleagues navigate the complex landscape of correctional medicine, with the goal of fostering a work experience that is both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.
Dr. Georgia Walton
Get to know Georgia
Georgia is a forensic psychiatrist with nine years of clinical experience. She is dedicated to helping colleagues manage the unique stresses and challenges of their work, focusing on reducing burnout and fostering resilience. Georgia believes in normalizing peer check-ins as an essential practice to support physician wellness and create a culture of open, compassionate connection.
Dr. Olutade Olajitan
Get to know Olutade
Olutade works in Concurrent Disorders and brings over 20 years of experience in psychiatry across Canada and the UK. His background spans multiple specialties, including General Adult, Senior, Forensic, Child and Adolescent, and Addictions Psychiatry. A collaborative team player, he is eager to support and mentor colleagues, with a focus on fostering wellness and making a positive contribution to the overall well-being of the BCMHSUS community.
Dr. Vijender Balain
Get to know Vijender
Dr. Vijender Balain has been a practicing psychiatrist since 1998, currently working with the Red Fish Healing Centre and Correctional Health Services. He brings extensive teaching and leadership experience, having served as Ex-Co-President of the Concurrent Disorders Physician Engagement Association and currently leading the Psychiatrist Working Group for Correctional Health Services. Dr. Balain has developed clinical protocols and guidelines for addiction psychiatry, crisis teams, and inpatient care, and has led multiple audits to support quality improvement and guideline adherence. Experienced with ECT coordination and supervision, he is also a strong advocate for physician wellness and peer support.
Dr. Anthony Jong
Get to know Tony
Tony has worked in correctional medicine at both the provincial and federal levels since 1983. His extensive career has also included full-service community practice with obstetrics, hospitalist work, emergency medicine, medical directorship of a long-term care facility, founding an addiction clinic in Victoria (Pandora Clinic), and serving as a contracted mental health counsellor for the provincial mental health department, as well as providing rural medical care in Dease Lake. While he has since stepped away from most of these roles, Tony continues to focus on provincial correctional medicine. His decades of experience have given him unique insight into the challenges and complexities of caring for incarcerated individuals.
Access Support
Support can be accessed in whatever way feels most comfortable, whether reaching out for yourself, referring a colleague, or connecting anonymously. The process is simple and discreet, ensuring privacy every step of the way. All conversations and inquiries are kept strictly confidential, creating a safe space to share openly without fear of judgment or breach of trust.