Physicians should strive to manage professional and personal stress to maintain their own health and well-being and to maximize their ability to provide quality health care to their patients. This policy outlines strategies and recommendations that address a range of health and well-being issues throughout the physician life cycle. Implementation requires commitment and action by many individuals and groups, including medical students, residents and practising physicians; governments, regional authorities and decision-makers in health care facilities; medical school deans, faculty, and undergraduate and postgraduate program directors; and those representing national, provincial and territorial medical organizations.