Surgeons face one of the most alarming suicide rates within the medical community. Of the 697 physician suicides documented by the CDC’s national violent death reporting system from 2003 to 2017, a startling 71 were surgeons. These numbers likely only scratch the surface, with many more cases going unreported.

In the world of surgery, discussions surrounding mental distress have been notably absent for years. Surgeons have traditionally upheld a culture of silence when it comes to their own emotional struggles. They are renowned for their stoicism, unwavering determination, and relentless drive. Over the course of a demanding decade of training, they are conditioned to disregard their body’s innate signals, such as the need for rest, sustenance, or a bathroom break.

The patient’s needs are paramount in surgery – a fundamental principle that distinguishes a skilled surgeon. Nevertheless, this ethos can exact a toll on a surgeon’s mental well-being, highlighting the urgent need to address the mental health crisis within the profession.