Suicide Remains Leading Cause of Death Among Medical Residents, Study Finds

May 21, 2025 — Despite increased attention to physician mental health, suicide continues to be the leading cause of death among U.S. medical residents, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. The findings highlight the ongoing challenges faced by trainees in the nation’s graduate medical education system.

Suicide Rates Steady Despite Awareness Efforts

The study, led by Nicholas A. Yaghmour, MPP, of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), analyzed deaths among residents and fellows in ACGME-accredited programs from 2015 to 2021. During this period, 161 residents and fellows died while in training, with suicide accounting for nearly 30% of these deaths (47 individuals: 35 men and 12 women). The suicide rate among medical residents was 4.89 per 100,000 person-years, compared to 4.07 per 100,000 person-years from 2000 to 2014—a difference that was not statistically significant.

Residents at Lower Risk Than General Population

While suicide remains the most common cause of death among medical residents, the study notes that residents are significantly less likely to die by suicide than their age-matched peers in the general population. For residents aged 30-34, the suicide rate was about 70% lower than that of the general population. Overall, residents in this age group were also much less likely to die from any cause compared to their non-medical peers.

Other Causes of Death and Positive Trends

Cancer was the second most common cause of death among residents, accounting for 17.4% of deaths, followed by accidental poisoning and other accidents. Notably, the rate of cancer deaths declined by nearly 40% in the most recent period studied, a trend attributed to improvements in healthcare and cancer outcomes.

Stress and Workload Remain Key Factors

Experts point to the demanding nature of residency as a major contributor to mental health struggles. The study found that suicides clustered during particularly stressful periods: the first three months of the first year of residency and the final quarter of the second year. These periods are marked by isolation, exhaustion, anxiety, and increasing clinical responsibilities.

Dr. Douglas Mata, a Boston pathologist not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of structural reforms over surface-level wellness initiatives. “Enforce reasonable work hours, protect time for sleep, provide easy access to confidential mental healthcare, foster supportive program cultures, and normalize seeking help,” Mata recommended.

Calls for Systemic Change

The study’s authors and outside experts agree that while suicide among residents is rare, even one loss is devastating. They advocate for deeper, systemic changes in medical training environments to address the root causes of burnout and mental health challenges.

“Residency demands are inherently stressful because becoming a doctor carries enormous responsibility,” said Mata. “Real change will require creating cultures where vulnerability is not treated as a liability, and where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on findings from a recent study published in JAMA Network Open and reported by Medscape. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health challenges, please seek help from a qualified healthcare professional or contact a suicide prevention helpline. The content does not constitute medical advice.