New Medscape Report Finds Alarming Trend Continues in Physician Suicide; Highlights Need for Action
NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Medscape Physicians and Suicide Report 2025: 'A Lot More Still Needs to Be Done' reveals a concerning reality within the medical profession: at least 1 in 6 doctors had contemplated or attempted suicide. The frequency of suicidal thoughts had declined in two prior reports following the COVID-19 pandemic but surged again signaling a critical mental health concern for healthcare providers.
Additionally, nearly 6 in 10 survey respondents view the issue of physician suicide as highly significant for their profession, yet more than half also feel their profession is not sufficiently helping.
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The Medscape report also found that 66% of physicians believe the demands of a medical career play an important role in the suicidal thoughts experienced by their colleagues. This concerning statistic calls for immediate attention to the systemic issues contributing to physician burnout and mental health challenges. The high-stress environment, long working hours, and emotional toll of patient care contribute to the increased risk, while stigma and concerns about professional repercussions often prevent doctors from seeking help.
"These numbers highlight the pressing need for even more attention and change in the medical community," said Jon McKenna, Executive Editor, Medscape Business of Medicine. "There is a need to focus on enhancing mental health support for physicians and to create an environment where seeking help is not only accepted, but also encouraged. Prioritizing the well-being of physicians is essential to help ensure they can provide the best care for their patients."
Medscape Survey Methods
The 2025 Medscape Physician Suicide Report was completed by 5,741 U.S. physicians representing more than 29 specialty areas. Respondents were invited to respond to the online survey. The margin of error for the survey was +/- 1.29% at a 95% confidence level using a point estimate of 50%.
About Medscape
Medscape is the leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for health care professionals. Medscape offers specialists, primary care physicians, and other health professionals the most robust and integrated medical information and educational tools. Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free C.M.E. and C.E. courses and other educational programs for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. Medscape is a subsidiary of WebMD Health Corp.
About Medscape 2050
In 2025, Medscape marks its 30th anniversary, a milestone that highlights three decades of commitment to providing healthcare professionals with the latest medical news, clinical information, and educational resources. To commemorate this milestone, Medscape has launched Medscape 2050: The Future of Medicine, a dedicated hub on its platform that explores the future of medicine. This hub will be continually updated with a range of insights, videos and resources focused on the advancements shaping the medical landscape.
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SOURCE Medscape