They are trained to recognize the warning signs in others. They are expected to remain calm under pressure, work through exhaustion, and put patients first. But when the person in the white coat is struggling, who is checking in on the doctor?
For the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS), the solution is making physician well-being a priority.
Serving physicians throughout the Pittsburgh region through education, advocacy, service and support, ACMS recognizes caring for the caregiver is an essential part of creating a healthier healthcare system. Physician burnout is not simply the result of a long shift or a difficult day. The emotional and physical demands of medicine, combined with a culture that can reward resilience and discourage vulnerability, can take a serious toll.
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, there are an estimated 300 to 400 physician deaths by suicide each year in the United States. Of those, JAMA Psychiatry found that female physicians have a 53% higher risk of suicide than women in the general population. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also shows that while physicians and nonphysicians have similar depression rates, physicians who took their lives were less likely to undergo mental health treatment.
Through the ACMS Physician Wellness Program, physicians have access to four free, confidential sessions with an independent therapist or life coach. There is no insurance billing, electronic medical record, or medical diagnosis attached to the service.
For physicians who may worry that asking for help might affect their careers, privacy is paramount. Employers and the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine are not notified when a physician uses the wellness program. The goal is to create a safe place where physicians can talk openly, seek support, and take care of themselves without fear of professional repercussions.
ACMS also hosts events throughout the year designed to give physicians an opportunity to step away from the demands of medicine, connect with colleagues, and simply enjoy themselves. These gatherings create space for conversation, laughter, and connection with no topic off-limits and no expectation to be “the doctor” for a while.
To support physician well-being and recognize the critical role physicians play in our community during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, ACMS is launching a community-driven “DocTag” initiative called “Love Your Doc.”
The year-long campaign will engage Pittsburgh small businesses in demonstrating meaningful support for local physicians, with one business highlighted each month through social media and in-store awareness. The initiative aims to foster a stronger culture of appreciation, connection, and community support for the physicians who care for our region. Starting with The Brave Bean, a small-business coffee shop located in the North Shore and Pitcairn, patrons are invited to “prescribe” their doctors with appreciation through a wall of prescription pad-themed notes. These messages will also be shared through social media channels and other mediums to spread the positive messages and reduce physician burnout.
About the Allegheny County Medical Society
Founded in 1865, the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) represents more than 2,000 physicians and medical students in Allegheny County. ACMS works to advance public health through education, advocacy, service, and support for physician well-being while promoting the highest standards of medical care and strengthening the physician–patient relationship.
