The suicides of two medical residents in New York City last fall have thrown a spotlight on a real problem among health care professionals, particularly physicians.
Medical students, residents, and practicing physicians commonly report symptoms of burnout and depression. Rates vary depending on the group, but range from 20–60 percent.
Frank suicidal ideations (when someone has serious thoughts or plans about suicide) are reported in 5–10 percent of physicians.
I was discussing this with a colleague who told me that four of his medical school classmates have taken their own lives. He graduated in a class of 160 students, so that means that more than 2 percent of his class died by suicide.
Why is burnout—and suicide—so prevalent among medical students, residents, and physicians? At least a part of the problem stems from the fact that people in general and physicians in particular are reluctant to be honest about such things for fear of consequences.
