Population Health Research Brief Series

Physicians have the highest suicide rate of all professions. High-stress working environments, long hours, burnout, substance use, and financial stress all contribute to high physician suicide rates. Adding fuel to the fire, COVID-19 has intensified this long-term problem.

This issue brief describes the unhealthy workplace conditions that contribute to poor mental health among physicians and calls for policies that encourage physicians to seek help and rest without the fear of punishment.