Physician Mental Health & Suicide

Physician mental health has been brought to the forefront due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but not enough has been done to address this issue truly to address the plight of physicians. For example, did you know that physicians are more burnt out and die by suicide greater than any other professional? In addition, death by suicide is 250-400% more likely for female doctors than the general population, compared to 130% for male physicians, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Need for Summit

Physician mental health has not addressed the topic managed and focused on in detail and presented in mainstream media or conversations. With this in mind, we have made it a mission to suggest to those we encounter simply ask their physicians on their next visit and the regular, “How are you feeling or doing today?”

Through the summit, we aim to change the narrative and increase awareness of the plights of physicians, de-stigmatize their mental health challenges and prevent physician suicide. We aim to do so by creating:

  • Engagement - develop mental health communication and connections
  • Education - expand knowledge about mental health issues and suicide warning signs
  • Empowerment - improve the avenues for communication and outreach
  • Enlightenment - strengthen our faith in the culture of medicine
  • Impact - enhance the prospects and opportunities to address preventive measures

About Doctors Under the Radar

Doctors Under Radar strives to increase awareness of physician mental health and suicide and re-evaluate how physician suicide risk factors are assessed to enhance preventive measures in medical institutions. In addition, we will evaluate and examine current infrastructures and implement change by creating training programs for medical administrators and personnel to assure physician psychological safety within the workplace.

For more information, visit our website at docur.org or check out our Media Kit