Physicians all around us are dying from suicide. For me, some deceased colleagues I knew more closely, others were faces that you would pass on the wards. Even two physicians that I knew peripherally died just this past week.
The issue of physician suicide is in the news now, and facts are available. At least a whole medical school class worth of physicians dies by suicide each year. The suicide rate for female physicians is 2.27x greater than the general female population.
I am one of many physicians struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts and ideation. For me, this new low is complicated by the fact that I was betrayed by a prior physician, having engaged in a sexual relationship with my prior psychiatrist during the course of my treatment.
Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
