650 Factors Influencing the Rising Trends in US Physician and Surgeon Suicide Rates 2003–2017: Analysis of the CDC-National Violent Death Reporting System

Abstract

Abstract Introduction With the rate of physician suicide increasing, more research is needed in order to implement adequate prevention interventions. This study aims to identify trends and patterns in physician/surgeon suicide and the key factors influencing physician suicide from 2003–2017. Methods Retrospective review of physician and dentists listed as dying by suicide as reported to the CDCs National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) for 2003–2017. Twenty-eight different medical, surgical, and dental specialties were included in our search. Results 905 reported suicides were reviewed. Physician suicides increased from 2003–2017. Majority of reported surgeons dying by suicide were middle-aged, Caucasian males. Majority of physicians were from North Carolina and 53.5% died by firearms. Orthopedic surgeons had the highest incidence of suicide among surgical fields (28.2%). Compared to the general population, surgeons were 6% more likely to die by suicide at an older age (OR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.04–1.08). Black/African American surgeons were 56% less likely (OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.06–3.16) and Asian/Pacific Islander were 438% more likely (OR=5.38, 95% CI: 2.13–13.56) to die by suicide. Surgeons were 362% more likely to have a history of a mental disorder (OR=4.62, 95% CI: 2.71–7.85), were 139% more likely to use alcohol prior to dying (OR=2.39, 95% CI: 1.36–4.21), and were 289% more likely to have experienced civil/legal issues (OR=3.89, 95% CI: 1.36–11.11). Conclusions The incidence of physician suicide increased over the 2003–2017 time frame with over a third of deaths occurring from 2015–2017. Among surgeons, orthopedics has the highest incidence of reported suicide. Surgeon suicide risk factors include Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity, older age, history of mental disorder, alcohol use, and civil/legal issues.