Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Who Cares for the Caring Profession?



With thanks to Dr Crippen and Newsnight for highlighting these grave statistics. Next month Newsnight are showing a documentary, "Struggling in Silence". They explore the dark side of the profession, about the little-known and rarely discussed problem of depression and suicide among physicians. The unsettling truth is that doctors have the highest rate of suicide of any profession. They report:

“Every year, between 300 and 400 physicians take their own lives—roughly one a day.”
That shocking statistic speaks for itself.

5 comments:

Ellee Seymour said...

I'm truly appalled to learn of this. I hope it is an issue that will be given the highest priority.

Dr Michelle Tempest said...

Thanks Ellee for your concern.

Unknown said...

Hi Michelle,

A sad account for a respected profession. What formal support mechanisms exist now? Paul

Jeremy Jacobs said...

This is awful.

Jobbing Doctor said...

I think Juvenal had it 2000 years ago:

Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?