Journal Club - Physician Depression and Suicide

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Journal Club - Physician Depression and Suicide

Suicide is disturbingly prevalent among patients we care for in the Emergency Department. It is unfortunately also common among physicians. Most estimates suggest that approximately 400 physicians die by suicide annually. Physicians also have a higher rate of suicide than the general population. Male physicians have a 40% increased risk of suicide compared to their age-matched peers and female physicians have a 130% increased risk. We chose this topic for Journal Club with the goals to raise awareness around these shocking statistics, discuss etiologies behind these high rates of suicide and to normalize the discussion around physician mental health.

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Beyond Burnout: Physician Depression and Suicide

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Beyond Burnout: Physician Depression and Suicide

The statistics on physician suicide are frightening. Each year approximately 400 physicians commit suicide. That is more than one per day and roughly the equivalent of two entire classes of graduating medical students. Suicide accounts for 26% of deaths among physicians aged 25-39 - more than twice (11%) that of same age group in the general public. When screened, approximately 10% of medical students and physicians report current suicidal thoughts. Why are these numbers so high in the medical profession? Dr. Casey MacVane helps shed some light on this neglected crisis and what we can do to help our suffering colleagues.

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