Trigger Warning: This article discusses topics related to suicidality and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek mental health support or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. 

Physicians tragically face a higher rate of suicide than the general population, a deeply concerning reality, especially as female physicians are at an even higher risk than their male counterparts.

This crisis within the healthcare field is alarming, and it becomes even more dire when we recognize that suicide is the second leading cause of death among medical residents. The question we must ask is: how can we prevent these future doctors from succumbing to this tragic outcome?  

A Medical Culture of Silence 

From the beginning of medical school, students are immersed in a culture that often discourages emotional expression. The emphasis on the scientific method as the foundation of education shapes this environment. Cultures are always based on values, and the medical culture is no exception. Other values like competition and individualism leave residents feeling isolated and lacking a sense of community. In fact, residents report higher isolation levels than the general population and deepened isolation during residency than before medical school. While there has been some positive movement in creating more wellness plans and initiatives, shifting from a culture of silence to one of well-being is no longer just an option, but a necessity. 

Resident Burnout and Mental Health 

National rates of depression for physicians are at 30% and burnout at 50%. It’s no surprise—residents are often required to work up to 80 hours a week; the maximum permitted by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). On top of long working hours, residents generally have little time for sleep, let alone self-care. For many, seeking mental health support becomes an afterthought, as long hours and fear of judgment from peers or faculty create barriers to getting the help they need. In the competitive, high-pressure medical culture, asking for help can feel like admitting defeat. In addition, dual-physician relationships, particularly those who are surgeons, experience greater burnout and challenges balancing personal and professional life. 

Mentorship, coaching, and therapy are all essential pillars of support for residents and young physicians. VITAL WorkLife integrates these elements into its well-being programs, helping early career physicians move from isolation to connection, from silence to well-being. 

A Culture of Well-Being and Communication 

Open communication is the foundation of transforming healthcare culture. Moving from a “culture of silence” to a “culture of well-being” requires open dialogue, peer support, and mentorship. Sharing experiences and talking about ourselves with peers is a powerful tool in the self-care journey. Mentors can also play a role by guiding young physicians through the complexities of institutional pressures and medical culture. Shifting to collaboration from competition fosters safe spaces for this dialogue. 

However, this cultural change requires more than individual effort. Systemic changes, such as reducing work hours and recalibrating responsibilities, must be addressed to fully support residents and students. This is where institutional commitment to well-being becomes paramount. 

Some specialists can help you navigate these organizational changes. VITAL WorkLife provides leadership and management consulting to help hospitals and health systems in the transformation into a culture of well-being. Yet, while systemic change is crucial, physicians and other healthcare professionals also need personalized support like coaching and counseling as part of a broader well-being approach. 

When considering coaching and therapy benefit offerings, it’s important to understand that both are cornerstones of a well-being culture, yet they serve different purposes. Generally, therapy focuses on the past and addresses specific psychological symptoms, giving emotions a central role in the process. Coaching centers around the future helping physicians envision success and navigate toward it, often through a defined number of sessions. The emphasis is on thought-provoking questions that guide physicians toward clarity and action. 

5 Steps to Start Well-Being Conversation with Physicians 

These five steps can help to start open conversations about suicide, mental health, and burnout among young doctors and residents: 

1. Inquire about self-care. In each encounter, part of the conversation should be based on what the resident is intentionally doing for their self-care. 
2. Assess for burnout and address mental health needs regularly. Use these results to guide future conversations. 
3. Acknowledge reality. Encourage conversations about hospital culture and stigma. 
4. Be flexible about scheduling. Physicians are busy, and they need flexible scheduling formats,  like in-person, by phone, or virtual. 
5. Talk about their families. Burnout affects a person’s home life, too. And dual-physician spouses tend to have higher levels of burnout. 

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to talk to a trained crisis counselor who can help.