By Dr. Lisa Meeks
4.9
4848 ratings
The podcast currently has 120 episodes available.
Content Warning:
This content addresses mental health issues, including research and narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available.
Interviewer
Interviewees
Narrator
Transcript
Keywords: Suicide, Postvention, Prevention, Aftermath, Proactive, Support, Parents, Peers, Memorial, Staffing, Response from School, Medical School, Depression, Mental Health, Support, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Self-compassion, Disabilities, Medical education, Crisis response, Contagion, Memorial service
Description
In this poignant fifth episode of the series on suicidality in medical training, John and Jennifer Ruddell share their heartbreaking journey after losing their son, Jack, to suicide during his medical education. The discussion focuses on how institutions can respond in the aftermath of such tragedies, with an emphasis on the AFSP Postvention Toolkit, which offers compassionate and actionable guidance for schools. The episode underscores the importance of fostering open conversations around mental health, implementing proactive institutional support, and creating environments that encourage students to seek help.
Join the conversation by sharing this episode and participating in discussions to help protect and support future healthcare providers.
Description of Series
DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who tragically died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations.
Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide.
Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Experts for the Series
Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel?
David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn
Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study
Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story
Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME
Episode Release Schedule:
September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training.
September 17: Episode 103 – Suicide and Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.
September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education.
September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments?
September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide.
Executive Producers:
Lisa Meeks
Rylee Betchkal
John Ruddell
Jennifer Ruddell
Sound production:
Jacob Feeman
Mark Koha
Next Day Podcast
Consult Psychiatrist
Joseph Murray, MD
Resources:
24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org
Intern Health Study
https://www.internhealthstudy.org
https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study
How are you? By Jessi Gold
https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/
Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be
Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide” Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents, and Fellows
https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508
Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience
National Academy of Medicine
https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/
Content Warning:
This content addresses mental health issues, including research and narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available.
Interviewer: Lisa Meeks
Interviewees
John Ruddell
Jennifer Ruddell
Roja (friend of Jack Ruddell)
Dr. Stuart Slavin
Dr. Christine Moutier
Dr. Srijan Sen
Dr. David Muller
Dr. Justin Bullock
Dr. Jessi Gold
Narrator
Dr. Joseph Murray
Transcript
Keywords: Mental health, Medical training, Stress, Well-being, Jack Ruddell, Depression, Suicidality, Financial counseling, Career counseling, Transferable skills, Medical errors, Medical culture, Opt-Out, Trust, Vulnerability, Open Discussions, Sharing Stories
Description
In this episode, we address the urgent issue of suicidality in medical training, reflecting on the personal and systemic challenges that contribute to this crisis. Building on episodes 102, 103, and 104, we continue to explore the deep impact of these challenges.
We begin by examining the need to address both individual and systemic factors, emphasizing the importance of cultural shifts within medical environments and advocating for meaningful systems change.
As the episode concludes, our experts highlight actionable steps medical schools can take to better support mental health, including fostering open dialogue, ensuring accessible resources, and creating a culture of vulnerability. In memory of Dr. Jack Rudell, we close with a piece of his music—a poignant reminder of the personal nature of this issue and the critical need to keep every trainee’s light shining.
Description of Series
DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who tragically died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations.
Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide.
Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Experts for the Series
Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel?
David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn
Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study
Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story
Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME
Episode Release Schedule:
September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training.
September 17: Episode 103 – Suicide and Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.
September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education.
September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments?
September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide.
Executive Producers:
Lisa Meeks
Rylee Betchkal
John Ruddell
Jennifer Ruddell
Sound production:
Jacob Feeman
Mark Koha
Next Day Podcast
Consult Psychiatrist
Joseph Murray, MD
Resources:
24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org
Intern Health Study
https://www.internhealthstudy.org
https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study
How are you? By Jessi Gold
https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/
Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be
Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide” Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents, and Fellows
https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508
Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience
National Academy of Medicine
https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/
References:
Hogan, W. B., Del Re, A. M., & Daniels, A. H. (2021). A Voice, Singing: Reflections on Losing a Colleague to Suicide. Rhode Island Medical Journal, 104(6), 68-69.
Knaak, S., Mantler, E., & Szeto, A. (2017, March). Mental illness-related stigma in healthcare: Barriers to access and care and evidence-based solutions. In Healthcare management forum (Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 111-116). Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.
Malone, T. L., Zhao, Z., Liu, T. Y., Song, P. X., Sen, S., & Scott, L. J. (2021). Prediction of suicidal ideation risk in a prospective cohort study of medical interns. PLoS One, 16(12), e0260620.
Meeks, L. M., Cleary, J., Horwitz, A., Pereira-Lima, K., Zhao, Z., Fang, Y., & Sen, S. (2022). Analysis of depressive symptoms and perceived impairment among physicians across intern year. JAMA Network Open, 5(1), e2144919-e2144919.
Slavin, S. J., & Chibnall, J. T. (2016). Finding the why, changing the how: improving the mental health of medical students, residents, and physicians. Academic Medicine, 91(9), 1194-1196.
Tandon MD, H. K., Kratochvil, M. D., Taylor, J., Keiser, M. S., LIMHP, K. L., Kent BS, N. J., ... & Gold, J. P. (2024). UNMC Quick Checks: An “Opt-Out” Model for Health Profession Student Appointments with Mental Health Counseling Services. Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal, 2(1), 2.
Content Warning:
This content addresses mental health issues, including research and narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available.
Episode 104: Silent Struggles – Mental Health and Medical Education
Interviewer
Lisa Meeks
Interviewees
John Ruddell
Jennifer Ruddell
Roja (friend of Jack Ruddell)
Dr. David Muller
Dr. Justin Bullock
Dr. Jessi Gold
Narrator
Dr. Joseph Murray
Transcript
Keywords: Mental health, Medical training, Stress, Well-being, Competitive environments, Performance, Self-care, High-stakes exams, Residency match, Learners with disabilities, Jack Ruddell, Depression, Suicidality, Dr. Jessi Gold, Dr. Justin Bullock, Dr. David Muller, Imposter syndrome, Research, Publications, Fitness for duty, COVID pandemic, Identity, Physician identity, Self-harm, Vulnerability, Stigma, USMLE Step 1, Dr. Catherine Lapidus, Docs with Disabilities
Description
In this deeply impactful third episode of our series on mental health and suicide in medical training, we delve into the unique pressures and challenges that medical students face including high stakes exams, aggressions in training, lack of safety, and fear of help seeking. This episode is a continuation of our exploration into how the demanding environment of medical education can contribute to mental health struggles, including depression and suicidality.
Description of Series
DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who tragically died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations.
Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide.
Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Experts for the Series
Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel?
David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn
Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study
Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story
Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME
Episode Release Schedule:
September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training.
September 17: Episode 103 – Suicide and Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.
September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education.
September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments?
September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide.
Executive Producers:
Sound production:
Consult Psychiatrist
Resources:
24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org
Intern Health Study
https://www.internhealthstudy.org
https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study
How are you? By Jessi Gold
https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/
Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be
Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide” Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents, and Fellows
https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508
Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience
National Academy of Medicine
https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/
References:
Lapedis CJ. Murky water. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2018 Sep 18;169(6):415-6.
Meeks, L. M., Case, B., Stergiopoulos, E., Evans, B. K., & Petersen, K. H. (2021). Structural barriers to student disability disclosure in US-allopathic medical schools. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development, 8, 23821205211018696.
Mirza, A. A., Baig, M., Beyari, G. M., Halawani, M. A., & Mirza, A. A. (2021). Depression and anxiety among medical students: a brief overview. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 393-398.
Rotenstein, L. S., Ramos, M. A., Torre, M., Segal, J. B., Peluso, M. J., Guille, C., ... & Mata, D. A. (2016). Prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Jama, 316(21), 2214-2236.
Content Warning:
This content addresses mental health issues, including research and narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available.
Episode 103: Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.
Interviewer
Lisa Meeks
Interviewees
John Ruddell
Jennifer Ruddell
Roja (friend of Jack Ruddell)
Dr. Christine Moutier
Dr. Srijan Sen
Dr. Justin Bullock
Dr. Jessi Gold
Narrator
Dr. Joseph Murray
Transcript
Keywords: Suicide, Death, Mental health, Jack Ruddell, Medical training, Depression, Suicidality, Burnout, Anxiety, Medical trainees, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Tourette's, Disabilities, Medical education, Medical school, Discrimination, Academic pressure, Clinical practice, Imposter syndrome, Perfectionism, Shame, Mental disability, Learning challenges, Accommodations, High-stakes testing, Inclusivity, Stigma
Description
In the second episode of our series on medical training and suicide, we explore the mental health crisis through the story of Jack Ruddell, a medical student who died by suicide. The episode delves into the pressures, stigmas, and barriers that prevent trainees from seeking help, combining expert insights with personal narratives. We also hear from Jack’s partner and parents, who stress the need for systemic change and de-stigmatization of mental health struggles in medical education.
Description of Series
DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who tragically died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations.
Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide.
Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Experts for the Series
Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel?
David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn
Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study
Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story
Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME
Episode Release Schedule:
September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training.
September 17: Episode 103 – Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.
September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education.
September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments?
September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide.
Executive Producers:
Sound production:
Consult Psychiatrist
Resources:
24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org
Intern Health Study
https://www.internhealthstudy.org
https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study
How are you? By Jessi Gold
https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/
Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be
Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide: Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents and Fellows
https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508
Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience
National Academy of Medicine
https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/
Suggested Readings
Baker, K., Warren, R., Abelson, J. L., & Sen, S. (2017). Physician mental health: depression and anxiety. Physician Mental Health and Well-Being: Research and Practice, 131-150.
Brådvik, L. (2018). Suicide risk and mental disorders. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(9), 2028.
Bullock, J. L. (2020). Suicide—rewriting my story. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(13), 1196-1197.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) Fatal Injury Reports. https://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) Fatal Injury Reports. https://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html
Goldman, M. L., Shah, R. N., & Bernstein, C. A. (2015). Depression and suicide among physician trainees: recommendations for a national response. JAMA psychiatry, 72(5), 411-412.
Halperin, S. J., Henderson, M. N., Prenner, S., & Grauer, J. N. (2021). Prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Journal of medical education and curricular development, 8, 2382120521991150.
Hampton, T. (2005). Experts address risk of physician suicide. Jama, 294(10), 1189-1191.
Malone, T. L., Zhao, Z., Liu, T. Y., Song, P. X., Sen, S., & Scott, L. J. (2021). Prediction of suicidal ideation risk in a prospective cohort study of medical interns. PLoS One, 16(12), e0260620.
Rotenstein, L. S., Ramos, M. A., Torre, M., Segal, J. B., Peluso, M. J., Guille, C., ... & Mata, D. A. (2016). Prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Jama, 316(21), 2214-2236.
Schernhammer, E. S., & Colditz, G. A. (2004). Suicide rates among physicians: a quantitative and gender assessment (meta-analysis). American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(12), 2295-2302.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Major depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
Warning:
This content addresses mental health issues, including research and narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available.
Interviewer
Lisa Meeks
Interviewees
John Ruddell
Jennifer Ruddell
Roja (friend of Jack Ruddell)
Dr. Christine Moutier
Dr. Jessi Gold
Narrator
Dr. Joseph Murray
Description
In this deeply moving episode, host Lisa Meeks introduces a special series dedicated to exploring the mental health crisis among medical trainees, with a focus on the tragic story of Dr. Jack Ruddell. Joined by Jack's parents, John and Jennifer Ruddell, and his close friend Roja, we delve into Jack's life, his struggles with depression and anxiety, and the immense pressures faced by medical students.
Dr. Joseph Murray, a psychiatrist at Weill Cornell Medical College, provides expert insights into the high rates of burnout, depression, and suicide in the medical field. We also hear from Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Dr. Jessie Gold, a respected psychiatrist and author, who discuss the unique challenges and cultural issues within medical training that contribute to mental health struggles.
This episode aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encourage medical learners to seek help, and advocate for systemic changes in medical education to foster a more supportive and compassionate environment.
Description of Series
DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations.
Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide.
Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Experts for the Series
Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel?
David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn
Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study
Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story
Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME
Executive Producers:
Sound production:
Consult Psychiatrist
Episode Release Schedule:
September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training.
September 17: Episode 103 – Suicide and Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.
September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education.
September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments?
September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide.
Transcript
Keywords: Suicide, Death, Mental health, Jack Ruddell, Medical training, Depression, Suicidality, Burnout, Anxiety, Medical trainees, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Tourette's, Disabilities, Medical education, Medical school, Discrimination, Academic pressure, Clinical practice, Imposter syndrome, Perfectionism, Shame, Mental disability, Learning challenges, Accommodations, High-stakes testing, Inclusivity, Stigma
Resources:
24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
How are you? By Jessi Gold
National Office for Suicide Prevention: Language and suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
References
Johnson KM, Slavin SJ, Takahashi TA. Excellent vs Excessive: Helping Trainees Balance Performance and Perfectionism. J Grad Med Educ. 2023 Aug;15(4):424-427. doi: 10.4300/JGME-D-23-00003.1. PMID: 37637342; PMCID: PMC10449346.
Bynum WE 4th, W Teunissen P, Varpio L. In the "Shadow of Shame": A Phenomenological Exploration of the Nature of Shame Experiences in Medical Students. Acad Med. 2021 Nov 1;96(11S):S23-S30. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000004261. PMID: 34348391.
Jain, Neera R. PhD, MS1; Stergiopoulos, Erene MD, MA2; Addams, Amy3; Moreland, Christopher J. MD, MPH4; Meeks, Lisa M. PhD, MA5. “We Need a Seismic Shift”: Disabled Student Perspectives on Disability Inclusion in U.S. Medical Education. Academic Medicine ():10.1097/ACM.0000000000005842, August 8, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000005842
Meeks LM, Jain NR. Accessibility, Inclusion, and Action in Medical Education: Lived Experiences of Learners and Physicians with Disabilities. Washington, DC: Association of American Medical Colleges; 2018. Retrieved on September 14, 2024 from: https://store.aamc.org/accessibility-inclusion-and-action-in-medical-education-lived-experiences-of-learners-and-physicians-with-disabilities.html.
Meeks, L. M., Pereira‐Lima, K., Plegue, M., Jain, N. R., Stergiopoulos, E., Stauffer, C., ... & Moreland, C. J. (2023). Disability, program access, empathy and burnout in US medical students: A national study. Medical education, 57(6), 523-534.
Recommended Readings:
Almutairi, H., Alsubaiei, A., Abduljawad, S., Alshatti, A., Fekih-Romdhane, F., Husni, M., & Jahrami, H. (2022). Prevalence of burnout in medical students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 68(6), 1157-1170.
Enns MW & Cox B. (2002) The Nature and Assessment of Perfectionism: A Critical Analysis. In: Flett GL, Hewitt PL, eds. Perfectionism: Theory, Research, and Treatment. American Psychological Association, 33-62.
Goldman, M. L., Shah, R. N., & Bernstein, C. A. (2015). Depression and suicide among physician trainees: recommendations for a national response. JAMA psychiatry, 72(5), 411-412.
Johnson, K. M., Slavin, S. J., & Takahashi, T. A. (2023). Excellent vs excessive: helping trainees balance performance and perfectionism. Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 15(4), 424-427.
Meeks, L. M., Conrad, S. S., Nouri, Z., Moreland, C. J., Hu, X., & Dill, M. J. (2022). Patient And Coworker Mistreatment Of Physicians With Disabilities: Study examines mistreatment of physicians with disabilities. Health Affairs, 41(10), 1396-1402.
Mirza, A. A., Baig, M., Beyari, G. M., Halawani, M. A., & Mirza, A. A. (2021). Depression and anxiety among medical students: a brief overview. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 393-398.
Pereira-Lima, K., Meeks, L. M., Ross, K. E., Marcelin, J. R., Smeltz, L., Frank, E., & Sen, S. (2023). Barriers to disclosure of disability and request for accommodations among first-year resident physicians in the US. JAMA Network Open, 6(5), e239981-e239981.
Meeks LM, Ramsey J, Lyons M, Spencer AL, Lee WW. Wellness and work: mixed messages in residency training. J Gen Intern Med. 2019;34(7):1352-1355. PMID: 30924087
Meeks LM, Stergiopoulos E, Petersen KH. Institutional Accountability for Students With Disabilities: A Call for Liaison Committee on Medical Education Action. Acad Med. 2021 Oct. PMID: 34670236
Interviewer: Dr. Lisa Meeks
Interviewees:
Dr. Sophia Kahn: Associate Professor and Director of Student Affairs at CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Rick Mediavilla: Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Derrick Bisnett: Oral Maxillofacial Radiologist and CU Anschutz alumnus.
Description:
In Episode 101, we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Derek Bisnett, an oral and maxillofacial radiologist who graduated from the CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Bisnett, who uses a wheelchair, shares his unique experiences navigating dental school and the healthcare profession as a person with a disability, offering valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs along the way.
Joining us are Dr. Sophia Kahn, Associate Professor and Director of Student Affairs at CU Anschutz, and Rick Mediavilla, Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Together, they provide an inside look at the admissions process and discuss the school’s commitment to inclusivity and accommodations for students with disabilities.
We wrap up the episode by reflecting on the positive impact of Dr. Bisnett's journey on the CU Anschutz community and the dental profession at large. Dr. Kahn and Rick Medavia share their final thoughts on the importance of inclusivity and the lessons learned from working with Dr. Bisnett.
Join us for this enlightening conversation that challenges assumptions, highlights resilience, and underscores the importance of inclusivity in dental education.
Transcript available here: Transcript
Bio's:
Dr. Mediavilla received his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry and completed his General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado Hospital. Dr. Mediavilla is currently the Associate Dean for Admissions, Student and Alumni Affairs, in addition to being a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Mediavilla maintains membership in: the American Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Keywords: Wheelchair, Dental Education, DocsWithDisabilities, Accommodations, Disability Inclusion, Journal of Dental Education, Oral Maxillofacial Radiologist, Disability, Dental School, UC Anschutz
Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks
Digital Media: Lisa Meeks
Listen to the full episode now and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful conversations!
Follow Us:
Twitter: @DocsWith
Instagram: @DocsWithDisabilities
Resources: A number of resources were provided for this series, they are all listed in the transcript.
Articles:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jdd.13409
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jdd.13443
Interviewer:
Lisa Meeks
Interviewees:
David J. Skorton, MD, President and CEO of the AAMC
Amy Addams, Director of Student Affairs, Alignment and Holistic Review at AAMC
Mytien Nguyen, Researcher and MD-PhD student at Yale
Description:
In this milestone episode, host Lisa Meeks interviews leaders from the AAMC and a medical student to tackle the critical issues of burnout, mental health, and disability inclusion in medical education. The conversation provides an overview on the current state of burnout and well-being among medical students, residents, and fellows, while also highlighting the AAMC's efforts to address these challenges through targeted initiatives and collaborations.
The interviewees stress the importance of supporting the well-being of traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups in medicine, including individuals with disabilities. The episode further explores strategies for improving program access and fostering inclusive environments for disabled students, with a particular focus on the impact of intersectionality on medical student well-being, informed by a pivotal study on burnout at the intersection of race and disability. This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to the future of medical education and the well-being of its community. Don’t miss this special celebration of 100 episodes!
Transcript
Keywords: AAMC, URiM, Disability, Accommodations, Policy, Intersectionality, David J Skorton, DocsWithDisabilities, Medical Students, Wellbeing, Depression, Burnout
Bios:
David J. Skorton, MD
President and CEO, Association of American Medical Colleges
David Skorton, MD, is president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which represents the nation’s medical schools, teaching hospitals and health systems, and academic societies. He began his leadership of the AAMC in July 2019 after a distinguished career in government, higher education, and medicine. Previously, Dr. Skorton served as the 13th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, where he oversaw 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and education programs. Prior to that, he served as president of two universities: Cornell University (2006 to 2015) and the University of Iowa (2003 to 2006), where he also served on the faculty for 26 years and specialized in the treatment of adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease. A pioneer of cardiac imaging and computer processing techniques, he also was co-director and co-founder of the University of Iowa Adolescent and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic. A distinguished professor at Georgetown University, Dr. Skorton is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society, as well as a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Skorton earned his BA and MD degrees from Northwestern University. He completed his medical residency and fellowship in cardiology and was chief medical resident at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Amy Addams
Director, Student Affairs Alignment and Holistic Review; AAMC
Ms. Addams is a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert, change management professional, researcher, and author. She has robust experience in both higher education and in the not-for-profit space. Her work focuses on creating and sustaining equitable and inclusive systems, cultures, policies, and processes in the fields of medical education and community health. At the AAMC, she leads the holistic review work across the continuum from pre-med preparation and admissions through residency recruitment and selection as well as emerging work on disability inclusion. For the Prevention Research Center on Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HPRC), she engaged Boston-area middle schools and community members to make lasting changes in nutrition and physical activity. Her credits as an author include, the Roadmap to Diversity: Integrating Holistic Review Practices into Medical School Admission Processes. Co-author of Best Practices for Conducting Residency Program Interviews and Holistic Review in Medical School Admissions and Selection: A Strategic, Mission-Driven Response to Shifting Societal Needs, and several peer reviewed articles on the prevalence and experiences of medical students with disabilities. Developmental editor for Accessibility, Inclusion, and Action in Medical Education: Lived Experiences of Learners and Physicians with Disabilities and Roadmap to Excellence: Key Concepts for Evaluating the Impact of Medical School Holistic Admissions. Developmental editor, key contributor, and facilitator of the Holistic Review in Admissions and Selection workshops.
Mytien Nguyen
MD/PhD student at the Yale School of Medicine.
Mytien earned her undergraduate and master degree from Cornell University, studying biology and bioengineer. Her work centers on eliminating barriers for students from marginalized backgrounds in pursuing a career in medicine. An advocate for health equity, she is a co-founder of the National First Gen & Low-Income Medicine Association.
Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks
Audio editor: Jacob Feeman
Digital Media: Katie Sullivan and Lisa Meeks
Listen to the full episode now and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful conversations!
Follow Us:
Twitter: @DocsWith
Instagram: @DocsWithDisabilities
Resources: A number of resources were provided for this series, they are all listed in the transcript.
Interviewees: Dr. Jo Hartland and Dr. Megan Brown
Interviewer: Lisa Meeks
Description:
In this compelling episode of the Docs with Disabilities podcast, host Lisa Meeks explores the unique challenges and privileges faced by medical professionals with non-apparent disabilities. Recorded at the 2024 Annual Scholarship Meeting in Warwick, UK, this episode features insightful conversations with Dr. Megan Brown and Dr. Joe Heartland.
Key Topics Discussed:
Navigating disclosure and accommodation requests for non-apparent disabilities
Structural and climate-related barriers in medical training
The privilege and peril of having a non-apparent disability
Personal experiences with masking and unmasking disabilities
The impact of mental health-related disabilities in the medical field
The culture of medicine and its disconnect with self-care
Trigger Warning: Around three-quarters into the episode, the topic of suicidality is discussed in a direct manner. If this topic is triggering for you, we suggest forgoing this episode. Your health is our priority.
Keywords: Non-Apparent Disability, Autoimmune Disorder, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiverse, Hip Surgery, Walking Stick, Cane, Scooter, Medical Training, Mental Health, Psychological Disability, UK, Accommodations.
Transcript
Bios:
Dr Megan Brown (she/they) is a Senior Research Associate in Medical Education at Newcastle University, in the School of Medicine, in the UK. She trained as a doctor, but decided to leave practice and has subsequently pursued medical education research. She is multiply disabled – she uses a walking stick, and is neurodivergent. Megan’s research has focused on issues relating to the clinical education workforce within the UK, and equality, diversity, and inclusion within this workforce across the spectrum of undergraduate to postgraduate experience. She is a published poet, and is passionate about creative methods of expression and research.
Dr Jo Hartland (they/them) qualified from Cardiff University in 2013 and left NHS clinical work in 2018. They have worked at the University of Bristol Medical School since 2018, and are the current School Deputy Education Director for Student Equity Diversity and Inclusion. Their teaching focuses on the integration of marginalised people’s voices in healthcare curriculums, and empowering students to be agents of change in the face of health inequity. They sit on the executive board of the UK Medical Schools Council EDI Alliance, with a focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion and reasonable adjustments for disability. Their research interests lie in the intersection of professionalism and how this can act as a gatekeeping device for marginalised communities accessing healthcare careers. Outside of their university work Jo is a queer health activist and lead author of the GLADD UK Charter on So-Called LGBTQ+ ‘Conversion Therapy’. In 2022 they received the NHS England LGBTQ+ Health Advisor Award and Attitude magazine’s 2023 Pride Award.
Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks
Audio editor: Jacob Feeman
Digital Media: Katie Sullivan and Lisa Meeks
Listen to the full episode now and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful conversations!
Follow Us:
Twitter: @DocsWith
Instagram: @DocsWithDisabilities
Resources:
Disability Pride Month 2024 Special Virtual Issue: Medical Education Association for the Study of Medical Education
Interviewees: Dr. Kevin Eva, Dr. Lara Varpio, Dr. Gabrielle Finn, and Dr. Yoon Soo Park
Interviewer: Lisa Meeks
In this special live episode, recorded at the 2024 ASME Conference in Warwick, UK, host Lisa Meeks moderates a dynamic panel titled "Advancing Disability Equity in Health Professions Scholarship: A Panel Discussion on Inclusive Research and Publication Practices." Joining her are esteemed guests Drs. Kevin Eva, Lara Varpio, Gabrielle Finn, and Yoon Soo Park, who delve into the critical intersection of equity, academia, and scholarship. They share valuable insights on expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to fully embrace disability.
The discussion highlights the pivotal roles of academic journals, conference organizers, researchers, and institutions in fostering inclusive environments that support scholars and students with disabilities. This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to advancing equity and inclusion in academia.
Keywords:
· Lisa Meeks
· DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
· Kevin Eva
· Lara Varpio
· Gabrielle Finn
· ASME (Association for the Study of Medical Education)
· Yoon-Soo Park
· Universal design
· Disability Equity
· Health Professions Scholarship
· Inclusive Research
· Publication
Transcript
Bios:
Dr. Kevin Eva is Associate Director and Scientist in the Centre for Health Education Scholarship, and Professor and Director of Educational Research and Scholarship in the Department of Medicine, at the University of British Columbia. He completed his PhD in Cognitive Psychology (McMaster University) in 2001 and became Editor-in-Chief for the journal Medical Education in 2008.
Dr. Lara Varpio is a professor at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in qualitative research methods and methodologies, and in theories from the social sciences and humanities. Her research has won national and international awards. She has given invited talks at hospitals and medical schools around the world, and she has led invited sessions and given plenaries at some of the largest and most respected academic medicine conferences in the world.
Dr. Gabrielle Finn is Vice Dean for Teaching, Learning and Students at the University of Manchester. Gabrielle was previously Founding Director of the Health Professions Education Unit (HPEU) and Chair of the Postgraduate Board at the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) where she worked extensively on widening access and curriculum development, including the implementation of Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships into medical programmes. She holds Associate Editor posts for BMC Medical Education and the European Journal of Anatomy. She was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019, principally for her work developing the PaintME network to support the integration of living anatomy into healthcare curricula.
Dr. Yoon Soo Park is the Ilene B. Harris Endowed Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Education. He holds a Ph.D. in Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics from Columbia University. Park’s experiences include both academic and industry settings, with research interests and experiences across multiple disciplines in psychometrics, biostatistics, educational psychology, and medicine. Park’s research agendas have focused on data science and learning analytics methodologies in health professions education. He has also actively engaged in interdisciplinary research in the social sciences, collaborating with diverse researchers and practitioners across disciplines. His work in the health professions education has advanced the preparation of learners in clinical reasoning and measurement of competencies through validity studies.
Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks
Audio editor: Jacob Feeman
Digital Media: Katie Sullivan and Lisa Meeks
Interviewees: Raffi Najarian and Justin Ramsey
Interviewer: Lisa Meeks
Description: In this conversation, Lisa Meeks interviews Raffi Najarian and Justin Ramsey, both pediatric rehabilitation physicians with cerebral palsy. They discuss their journey to medical school and the challenges they faced along the way. Raffi shares his experience of applying to medical school and the support he received from his family. Justin talks about the internal barriers he faced and the importance of finding the right mentor. They also discuss the challenges they encountered during medical school, including access barriers. In this conversation, Raffi Najarian and Justin Ramsey discuss their experiences as medical students with disabilities. They share the challenges they faced in anatomy lab and how they overcame them. They also talk about dealing with difficult faculty members and the importance of kindness and feedback in medical training. Raffi and Justin explain why they chose physiatry as their specialty and the impact they have on their patients. They emphasize the importance of visibility and representation for individuals with disabilities in the medical field. Finally, they offer advice for students with disabilities who are considering a career in medicine.
Keywords: physiatry, medical education, doctors with disabilities, cerebral palsy, pediatric rehabilitation, med school applications, accessibility, accommodations, disability representation
Transcript: https://bit.ly/3yuxJf8
Bios:
Justin Ramsey, M.D. is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is sub-specialty boarded in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. He graduated from the Kansas University School of Medicine. He then completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation training at the Kansas University Medical Center and a fellowship program in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Children’s Mercy Hospital (Kansas City, MO). Dr. Ramsey spent several years as faculty with the Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine fellowship program at Children’s Mercy Hospital and the Kansas University Medical Center’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. He has served as chair of the Advocacy Committee for the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and has served on its Communications Committee. Currently, he works at a private pediatric rehabilitation hospital (Bethany Children's Health Center) near Oklahoma City, which specializes in the care of children with disabilities. In collaboration with neurology and OU Health Science Center’s neurosurgery department, he has created Oklahoma’s joint pediatric movement clinic. He currently serves as the Associate Medical Director for the Movement clinic and Cerebral Palsy. He volunteers as a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Justin has hemiparetic cerebral palsy and is active in local advocacy. He is married to his wife (Kendra) and has 2 beautiful young children (Ryan and Reese), who keep his family busy. Medical and disability education are some of his major subjects of interest. He is grateful for early college experiences in working with individuals with disabilities while volunteering at Hetlinger Developmental Services, Inc in his hometown of Emporia, KS.
Dr. Raffi Najarian has been in practice since 2013. He is a pediatric physiatrist and director of the Spasticity Clinic at Akron Children’s Hospital. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI, he completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio in Cleveland. He then completed a fellowship in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in Saint Paul, MN. Dr. Najarian has a special interest in cerebral palsy, spasticity management, brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and concussion management. He is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and subspecialty certified in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, and served on the latter's Lifespan Committee. He is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Raffi has diplegic cerebral palsy and is an advocate for children and adults with disabilities. He serves as a member of the United Cerebral Palsy Research Committee and on the board of directors for Adaptive Sports Ohio, while participating as an active member of the Akron Rhinos wheelchair rugby team.
Produced by: Gabe Abrams and Dr. Lisa Meeks.
Audio editor: Jacob Feeman
Digital Media: Katie Sullivan
Resources:
Professional Learning Series - United Cerebral Palsy,
UCP Research Initiative & Committee - United Cerebral Palsy,
Physicians' Perceptions Of People With Disability And Their Health Care
https://www.yourcpf.org
https://cprn.org
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