Physician Depression and Suicide: A Shared Responsibility

Abstract

Issue: Although the exact number is often disputed, it has been reported that approximately 300 to 400 physicians in the United States take their own lives annually. Despite calls from key interest groups for prevention and treatment protocols of physician suicide, little systematic change has taken place. Evidence: Research on suicide risk factors among physicians has expanded. Increasing reports are surfacing that highlight suicidal ideation and depression in medical school, residency training, and later professional practice. Implications: The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the problem of physician suicide with an emphasis on the role of medical education. Multiple accreditation bodies should be involved to effect a change in physician suicide prevalence. Thirty years have demonstrated that without mandates, large-scale change will not occur. We adapted some of the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention goals to medical education as a guide.