Last Updated: Sep 16, 2021
This Friday, September 17, The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED), in partnership with the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, Berks County Medical Society, Lackawanna County Medical Society, Lancaster City & County Medical Society, Luzerne County Medical Society, and Lycoming County Medical Society will work to raise awareness of Physician Suicide through a virtual awareness event on Facebook. PAMED will share statistics, facts, resources, and real-life stories on its Facebook page throughout the day to raise awareness using the hashtags #NotOneMoreDoc and #PhysicianSuicideAwareness.
Physicians, other members of the medical community, and the public are invited to join the conversation by posting stories with the hashtag #NotOneMoreDoc. All those who participate in the awareness event by posting on Facebook with that hashtag will be entered to win a copy of “Own Your Present: A Psychiatrist’s Guide to Mindful Meditation and Living a More Conscious Lifestyle,” by Dr. Candace Good, PAMED member and past Trustee.
According to The Physicians Foundation 55 percent of physicians know a physician who considered, attempted, or died by suicide in 2020. The Physicians Foundation also reports that in 2021, 61 percent of physicians reported experiencing feelings of burnout – increasing 21 percent from 2018. Yet, only 14 percent of physicians reported seeking medical attention for their mental health symptoms.
Now, more than ever, Pennsylvania physicians need our support. One life lost to suicide is one too many, which is why PAMED says #NotOneMoreDoc.
The Physician Suicide Awareness virtual awareness event will run from 7 AM – 9 PM on Friday, September 17. Dr. Edwin Kim, Medical Director of the Physicians Health Program of the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, will wrap up the day with a live stream discussing the topic of the stigmatization of mental illness in health care professionals.
Access the PAMED Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PAMedSoc.
###
Media Contact
MediaRelations@pamedsoc.org