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 young, future doctors from succumbing to this tragic outcome? The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated.
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 wellness is no longer just an option—it’s a critical necessity.
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. However, physicians are not the only ones suffering from burnout; physicians' spouses have reported having levels of burnout, too.
Mentorship, coaching, and therapy are all essential pillars of support for young healthcare professionals. At VITAL WorkLife, we integrate these elements into our comprehensive well-being programs, helping healthcare professionals move from isolation to connection, from silence to well-being.
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 changes. VITAL WorkLife provides leadership and management consulting to help healthcare institutions in the well-being transformation, shifting from a “culture of silence” to a “culture of well-being.” Yet, while systemic change is crucial, physicians and other healthcare professionals also need personal support tailored to their individual needs. For this reason, VITAL WorkLife provides coaching and counseling as part of a broader well-being strategy.
When deciding between coaching and therapy, it’s important to understand that both are cornerstones of the well-being culture, yet they serve different purposes. Generally, therapy focuses on the past and addressing specific psychological symptoms, giving emotions a central role in the process. Additionally, therapy often requires a diagnosis for insurance coverage. Coaching centers around the future, helping physicians envision success and navigate toward it, often through a defined number of sessions. However, the most crucial characteristic of coaching is that no diagnosis is needed, and the emphasis is on thought-provoking questions that guide clients toward clarity and action.
These principles can help to begin open discussions about suicide, mental health and burnout among young doctors and residents:
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed with the stressors of life or struggling to find the right way to support a friend or family member in need, VITAL WorkLife is here to help. If you’re struggling with feelings of suicidality or need someone to talk to, we’re available day and night at 800.383.1908 to support you and those you care about.