Note: This article refers to suicide. If you or a loved one is in crisis, you can call 988 for help.

Each day, the modern medical system demands more from physicians and other healthcare providers than ever before. From doctor shortages to the rising costs of pharmaceuticals, systemic problems within healthcare can add debilitating levels of stress to physicians who are expected to make life-and-death decisions and provide exceptional care to their patients.

Most disturbing, there are elements of medical practice that make it extremely difficult for physicians who are experiencing burnout, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions to receive needed care.

Without proper care, untreated mental health conditions may become exacerbated and lead to problematic behaviors, including substance abuse, inappropriate conduct toward patients and colleagues, or medical errors.

The experienced attorneys with the Lento Law Firm know that untreated mental health concerns may jeopardize your license and place your health and life at risk. We can help you understand the requirements of your medical license so that you can make decisions that best support your health and career. Call our offices at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

Tragic Death Focuses Attention on Lack of Mental Health Care for Physicians

An investigation into the suicide of William Ballantyne West Jr., MD, has led to a heightened awareness of systemic deficiencies within the healthcare and physician training systems that are contributing to a mental health crisis for physicians. West was an ophthalmology resident at George Washington University Hospital when he committed suicide.

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers are often required to receive mental health care through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Physicians often fear that if they admit a mental health concern to an EAP, they will lose their job or jeopardize their medical license. These physicians believe that pursuing needed care is just too risky.

Additionally, the training of medical residents includes 80-hour work weeks in an assigned healthcare facility and hours of additional study. Critics have labeled these long hours and the lack of choice as exploitative and further evidence of a broken system.

In fear of seeking help and desperate to maintain their career, medical license, and reputation, physicians are suffering from burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges in isolation.

You Are Not Alone

If you are a physician suffering from a mental health challenge and fear it may jeopardize your professional license, the Lento Law Firm can help. You deserve to continue to practice medicine and maintain your health. Let our Professional License Defense Team answer your licensure questions, address your concerns, and help you strategize about the best methods for protecting both your mental health and professional license.

The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team fights on behalf of licensed professionals across the United States. With the Lento Law Firm in your corner, we will work tirelessly in support of your professional license, your career, and your health. Contact our offices by phone at 888-535-3686 or complete an online consultation form.