Orthopaedic Surgeons Have a High Prevalence of Burnout, Depression, and Suicide: Review of Factors Which Contribute or Reduce Further Harm.

Abstract

Orthopaedic surgeons have the highest prevalence of death by suicide among all surgical subspecialties, comprising 28.2% of surgeon suicides from 2003 to 2017. There is a continuum of burnout, depression, and other mental health illnesses likely contributing to these numbers in our profession. Stigmatization in terms of medical licensing and professional development are currently barriers to seeking mental health treatment. Education on the risk and treatment of burnout, depression, and suicidal ideations should begin early in a surgeon's career. This review documents the issue of physician burnout and depression and makes recommendations regarding necessary changes to counteract mental illness in orthopaedic surgeons.