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Suicide and related deaths in Victorian doctors

S M Schlicht1, I R Gordon, J R Ball

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Vic.

The Medical Journal of Australia
|November 5, 1990
PubMed

Insights

University of Melbourne medical graduates showed lower overall mortality. However, male and female doctors faced elevated risks of suicide and accidental death, indicating potential physician health concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Medical Professional Health
  • Mortality Studies

Background:

  • Physician mortality rates are crucial for understanding occupational health risks.
  • Previous studies suggest potential disparities in health outcomes for medical professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mortality patterns and causes of death among University of Melbourne medical graduates.
  • To compare the mortality experience of these doctors to the general population using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study of 1453 University of Melbourne medical graduates (1950-1959) was conducted.
  • Vital status and causes of death were ascertained up to December 31, 1986.
  • Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) were calculated for all-cause mortality, suicide, accidents, and mental disorders.

Main Results:

  • Overall mortality was low for both male (SMR 59) and female (SMR 84) doctors compared to the general population.
  • Male doctors had an elevated SMR for suicide (113), while female doctors showed a significantly higher SMR for suicide (501).
  • Female doctors also had a higher SMR for accidental deaths (126), and male doctors showed a marginally raised SMR for mental disorders (132).

Conclusions:

  • While overall mortality is low, physicians may face increased risks for specific causes of death, including suicide and accidents.
  • The findings suggest potential physician health issues warranting further investigation with larger, controlled studies.
  • Further research with a control group of equivalent social class is recommended to confirm these observations.

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