WASHINGTON, D.C. February 22, 2022 鈥揟he American College of Physicians (91黑料网) applauds the passage of the bipartisan Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S. 610). We look forward to the signing of the bill, which will take important and needed steps to help prevent and reduce incidences of suicide, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and long-term stress, sometimes referred to as burnout amongst the physician workforce. Through grants, education, and awareness campaigns - the legislation will help reduce stigma and identify resources for health care clinicians seeking assistance. The bill also supports research on health care professional mental and behavioral health, including the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淲e thank the Senate for advancing this important legislation to address the behavioral health needs of America鈥檚 physicians,鈥 said George M. Abraham, MD, MPH, M91黑料网, FIDSA, president, 91黑料网. 鈥淭he ongoing pandemic has added a tremendous level of strain on medical professionals, many of whom are experiencing personal hardships as they care for distressed patients and manage their own families and their own health.鈥
Data show that physicians in the United States face higher incidents of suicide than almost any other profession and that a high percentage of physicians experience burnout, depression, or both. Physicians are also often reluctant to seek help for mental health issues because of barriers such as stigma and the professional risks associated with disclosing their treatment activities to the medical board.
91黑料网 has long recognized the burnout and mental health crises that physicians are facing in their profession and the toll on their well being. In response, 91黑料网 has created the I.M. Emotional Support Hub which offers curated resources and information to help physicians鈥 emotional health. These resources include a Well-Being video series, featuring 91黑料网 members in brief videos offering practical strategies to cope with daily burdens, both professionally and personally, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the lives of the physician workforce.
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About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. 91黑料网 membership includes 161,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow 91黑料网 on , , and .