Physician Burnout Resources-AOFAS at Home 2020 Keynote Presentation: Preventing Physician Suicide featuring Pamela Wible, MD

AOFAS at Home 2020 Keynote Presentation: Preventing Physician Suicide featuring Pamela Wible, MD

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Pam Weibel, a physician, gave a keynote speech on the topic of physician suicide prevention. She shared her personal experience with suicidal thoughts as well as the loss of colleagues to suicide. Dr. Weibel discussed the need for open conversations about mental health and the stigma that prevents physicians from seeking help. She emphasized the importance of removing mental health questions from medical licensing applications and promoting non-punitive and confidential mental health care for physicians. Dr. Weibel also highlighted the power of appreciation and encouraging physicians to express gratitude to their colleagues and patients. She suggested that simple gestures, such as sending a text or writing a thank-you card, can make a difference in preventing suicide. Dr. Weibel concluded by urging physicians to create a culture of support and understanding, making it safe for individuals to share their struggles and seek help.

Asset Subtitle

Keynote Speaker: Pamela Wible, MD

In between treating patients and helping doctors launch community clinics, Dr. Wible devotes herself to the prevention of medical student and physician suicide. Her extensive database from investigating nearly 1,300 doctor suicides reveals the highest-risk specialties and ways individuals and institutions can prevent these deaths.

Keywords

Dr. Pam Weibel

physician

suicide prevention

mental health

stigma

medical licensing

confidential care

appreciation

support