Surgery Conference Sparks Vital Conversations on Escalating Suicide Rates

Physicians have higher suicide rates than the general population, with surgeons as one of the top groups at risk of taking their lives in the medical field. In a captivating analysis by The Guardian, Carrie Cunningham, an assistant professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, addresses this issue head on in her outgoing speech as president of the Association of Academic Surgery. After experiencing the loss of a friend and colleague to suicide, and dealing with her own battle with depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts, Cunningham realizes the need for open and honest conversations. In front of a packed audience of 2,000 surgeons, she shares her story, knowing that many can relate.

“It’s a remarkable moment in this profession to finally acknowledge that it’s okay for us to discuss these issues and work towards changing the subculture of surgery,” says one attendee. According to The Guardian, between 300 to 400 doctors die by suicide each year in the US, equivalent to a graduating class at a medical school. The intense and demanding role of surgeons leaves little space for emotional expression. “We all conceal our grief, suffering in silence,” describes a surgeon in relation to the loss of a patient. “The pain can be overwhelming.”

The culture of stoicism and overwork starts in medical school and continues in residencies, where surgeons in training have recently been compelled to reduce their hours from over 100 to 80 per week. “They feel miserable,” says Jessica Gold, a psychiatrist specializing in physician wellbeing. “We tend to believe that feeling bad is an inherent part of medicine, and we fail to recognize that we may not be doing well or that we should take time for ourselves to address potential depression.”

Female physicians experience burnout and suicide rates that are double those of their male counterparts, as noted by MedPageToday. Cunningham herself was one of them. She describes going on vacation as “torture for me … because when I sat still, all the internal stuff just percolated.” After seeking treatment and delivering her inspiring speech, Cunningham’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing. She tells her grateful colleagues that she doesn’t possess all the answers, but she understands that “things won’t improve unless we openly and honestly discuss them.” If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or concerned about a friend or loved one, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. It’s free and available 24/7. (Read more stories about mental health.)