Docs With Disabilities

Content Warning This episode addresses mental health issues, including research and personal narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available. Interviewer Dr. Lisa Meeks Interviewees John Ruddell Jennifer Ruddell Narrator Dr. Joseph Murray Transcript Link: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aH2bYIfs63VeVnABRj4NrhpwffUjGmRSB3qaP9-bm4U/edit?usp=sharing]  [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aH2bYIfs63VeVnABRj4NrhpwffUjGmRSB3qaP9-bm4U/edit?usp=sharing] [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aH2bYIfs63VeVnABRj4NrhpwffUjGmRSB3qaP9-bm4U/edit?usp=sharing] Keywords Suicide Prevention Medical Education Mental Health Postvention Grief and Healing Wellness in Medicine Advocacy Systemic Reform Burnout Depression Anxiety Disabilities in Medical Training Culture  Description of Series  DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who tragically died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations. Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide. Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Experts for the Series  * Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention * Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel? * David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn * Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study * Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story * Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME Episode Release Schedule: * September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training. * September 17: Episode 103 – Suicide and Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.  * September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education. * September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments? * September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide. Executive Producers: * Lisa Meeks * Rylee Betchkal * John Ruddell * Jennifer Ruddell Sound production: * Jacob Feeman * Mark Koha * Next Day Podcast Consult Psychiatrist * Joseph Murray, MD Resources:  24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org [https://988lifeline.org/chat/?_ga=2.59409385.530966371.1659542398-1304462004.1658170021].    The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org [https://afsp.org/]   Intern Health Study https://www.internhealthstudy.org [https://www.internhealthstudy.org/] https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study [https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study]   How are you? By Jessi Gold https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/ [https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/]   Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be [https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be]   Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide” Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents, and Fellows https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508 [https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508]   Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/]   National Academy of Medicine https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/ [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/]   Jennifer and Jack Ruddell Essay in JAMA Internal Medicine  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2829194 [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2829194]   Dr. Lotte Dyrbye Invited Commentary responding to the Ruddell's essay https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2829200 [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2829200]

Content Warning:  This content addresses mental health issues, including research and narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available. Interviewer * Dr. Lisa Meeks Interviewees * John Ruddell * Jennifer Ruddell * Roja (friend of Jack Ruddell) * Dr. David Muller  * Dr. Christine Moutier  * Dr. Jessi Gold Narrator * Dr. Joseph Murray  Transcript [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OMkavQwoOd0jIRTthj3ryMNQpLEdHm0fd-FB74aIBYs/edit?usp=sharing]  Keywords: Suicide, Postvention, Prevention, Aftermath, Proactive, Support, Parents, Peers, Memorial, Staffing, Response from School, Medical School, Depression, Mental Health, Support, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Self-compassion, Disabilities, Medical education, Crisis response, Contagion, Memorial service Description In this poignant fifth episode of the series on suicidality in medical training, John and Jennifer Ruddell share their heartbreaking journey after losing their son, Jack, to suicide during his medical education. The discussion focuses on how institutions can respond in the aftermath of such tragedies, with an emphasis on the AFSP Postvention Toolkit, which offers compassionate and actionable guidance for schools. The episode underscores the importance of fostering open conversations around mental health, implementing proactive institutional support, and creating environments that encourage students to seek help. Join the conversation by sharing this episode and participating in discussions to help protect and support future healthcare providers. Description of Series  DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who tragically died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations. Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide. Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Experts for the Series  * Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention * Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel? * David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn * Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study * Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story * Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME Episode Release Schedule: * September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training. * September 17: Episode 103 – Suicide and Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.  * September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education. * September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments? * September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide. Executive Producers: * Lisa Meeks * Rylee Betchkal * John Ruddell * Jennifer Ruddell Sound production: * Jacob Feeman * Mark Koha * Next Day Podcast Consult Psychiatrist * Joseph Murray, MD Resources:  24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org [https://988lifeline.org/chat/?_ga=2.59409385.530966371.1659542398-1304462004.1658170021].    The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org [https://afsp.org/]   Intern Health Study https://www.internhealthstudy.org [https://www.internhealthstudy.org/] https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study [https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study]   How are you? By Jessi Gold https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/ [https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/]   Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be [https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be]   Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide” Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents, and Fellows https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508 [https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508]   Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/]   National Academy of Medicine https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/ [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/]

Content Warning:  This content addresses mental health issues, including research and narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available.   Interviewer: Lisa Meeks Interviewees John Ruddell Jennifer Ruddell Roja (friend of Jack Ruddell) Dr. Stuart Slavin Dr. Christine Moutier Dr. Srijan Sen  Dr. David Muller  Dr. Justin Bullock Dr. Jessi Gold   Narrator Dr. Joseph Murray    Transcript [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KRQh9O-2ImwwT0L11iX6lK3UAZwixXUYoz9Ck41-cHc/edit?usp=sharing]   Keywords: Mental health, Medical training, Stress, Well-being, Jack Ruddell, Depression, Suicidality, Financial counseling, Career counseling, Transferable skills, Medical errors, Medical culture,  Opt-Out, Trust, Vulnerability, Open Discussions, Sharing Stories    Description In this episode, we address the urgent issue of suicidality in medical training, reflecting on the personal and systemic challenges that contribute to this crisis. Building on episodes 102, 103, and 104, we continue to explore the deep impact of these challenges.  We begin by examining the need to address both individual and systemic factors, emphasizing the importance of cultural shifts within medical environments and advocating for meaningful systems change. As the episode concludes, our experts highlight actionable steps medical schools can take to better support mental health, including fostering open dialogue, ensuring accessible resources, and creating a culture of vulnerability. In memory of Dr. Jack Rudell, we close with a piece of his music—a poignant reminder of the personal nature of this issue and the critical need to keep every trainee’s light shining. Description of Series  DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who tragically died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations. Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide. Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Experts for the Series  * Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention * Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel? * David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn * Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study * Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story * Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME Episode Release Schedule: * September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training. * September 17: Episode 103 – Suicide and Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.  * September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education. * September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments? * September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide. Executive Producers: * Lisa Meeks * Rylee Betchkal * John Ruddell * Jennifer Ruddell Sound production: * Jacob Feeman * Mark Koha * Next Day Podcast Consult Psychiatrist * Joseph Murray, MD   Resources:  24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org [https://988lifeline.org/chat/?_ga=2.59409385.530966371.1659542398-1304462004.1658170021].    The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org [https://afsp.org/]   Intern Health Study https://www.internhealthstudy.org [https://www.internhealthstudy.org/] https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study [https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study]   How are you? By Jessi Gold https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/ [https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/]   Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be [https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be] Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide” Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents, and Fellows https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508 [https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508]   Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/] National Academy of Medicine https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/ [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/]   References:    Hogan, W. B., Del Re, A. M., & Daniels, A. H. (2021). A Voice, Singing: Reflections on Losing a Colleague to Suicide. Rhode Island Medical Journal, 104(6), 68-69.   Knaak, S., Mantler, E., & Szeto, A. (2017, March). Mental illness-related stigma in healthcare: Barriers to access and care and evidence-based solutions. In Healthcare management forum (Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 111-116). Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.   Malone, T. L., Zhao, Z., Liu, T. Y., Song, P. X., Sen, S., & Scott, L. J. (2021). Prediction of suicidal ideation risk in a prospective cohort study of medical interns. PLoS One, 16(12), e0260620.   Meeks, L. M., Cleary, J., Horwitz, A., Pereira-Lima, K., Zhao, Z., Fang, Y., & Sen, S. (2022). Analysis of depressive symptoms and perceived impairment among physicians across intern year. JAMA Network Open, 5(1), e2144919-e2144919.   Slavin, S. J., & Chibnall, J. T. (2016). Finding the why, changing the how: improving the mental health of medical students, residents, and physicians. Academic Medicine, 91(9), 1194-1196. Tandon MD, H. K., Kratochvil, M. D., Taylor, J., Keiser, M. S., LIMHP, K. L., Kent BS, N. J., ... & Gold, J. P. (2024). UNMC Quick Checks: An “Opt-Out” Model for Health Profession Student Appointments with Mental Health Counseling Services. Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal, 2(1), 2.

Content Warning:  This content addresses mental health issues, including research and narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available.   Episode 104: Silent Struggles – Mental Health and Medical Education Interviewer Lisa Meeks   Interviewees John Ruddell Jennifer Ruddell Roja (friend of Jack Ruddell) Dr. David Muller  Dr. Justin Bullock Dr. Jessi Gold   Narrator Dr. Joseph Murray    Transcript [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q5ac3qrxj_LzOpeRH1f3SRkCa_BqYFLdbYrd_-MezgQ/edit?usp=sharing] Keywords: Mental health, Medical training, Stress, Well-being, Competitive environments, Performance, Self-care, High-stakes exams, Residency match, Learners with disabilities, Jack Ruddell, Depression, Suicidality, Dr. Jessi Gold, Dr. Justin Bullock, Dr. David Muller, Imposter syndrome, Research, Publications, Fitness for duty, COVID pandemic, Identity, Physician identity, Self-harm, Vulnerability, Stigma, USMLE Step 1, Dr. Catherine Lapidus, Docs with Disabilities  Description In this deeply impactful third episode of our series on mental health and suicide in medical training, we delve into the unique pressures and challenges that medical students face including high stakes exams, aggressions in training, lack of safety, and fear of help seeking. This episode is a continuation of our exploration into how the demanding environment of medical education can contribute to mental health struggles, including depression and suicidality. Description of Series  DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who tragically died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations. Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide. Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Experts for the Series  * Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention * Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel? * David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn * Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study * Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story * Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME Episode Release Schedule: * September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training. * September 17: Episode 103 – Suicide and Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.  * September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education. * September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments? * September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide. Executive Producers: * Lisa Meeks * Rylee Betchkal * John Ruddell * Jennifer Ruddell Sound production: * Jacob Feeman * Mark Koha * Next Day Podcast Consult Psychiatrist * Joseph Murray, MD   Resources:  24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org [https://988lifeline.org/chat/?_ga=2.59409385.530966371.1659542398-1304462004.1658170021].    The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org [https://afsp.org/]   Intern Health Study https://www.internhealthstudy.org [https://www.internhealthstudy.org/] https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study [https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study]   How are you? By Jessi Gold https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/ [https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/]   Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be [https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be] Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide” Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents, and Fellows https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508 [https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508]   Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/] National Academy of Medicine https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/ [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/]   References:  Lapedis CJ. Murky water. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2018 Sep 18;169(6):415-6.   Meeks, L. M., Case, B., Stergiopoulos, E., Evans, B. K., & Petersen, K. H. (2021). Structural barriers to student disability disclosure in US-allopathic medical schools. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development, 8, 23821205211018696.   Mirza, A. A., Baig, M., Beyari, G. M., Halawani, M. A., & Mirza, A. A. (2021). Depression and anxiety among medical students: a brief overview. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 393-398.   Rotenstein, L. S., Ramos, M. A., Torre, M., Segal, J. B., Peluso, M. J., Guille, C., ... & Mata, D. A. (2016). Prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Jama, 316(21), 2214-2236.

Content Warning:  This content addresses mental health issues, including research and narratives on suicide. Please take care while engaging with it and only proceed if you feel safe doing so. If you, or someone you love, is having thoughts of suicide, please contact 988. Help is available.   Episode 103: Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.   Interviewer Lisa Meeks   Interviewees John Ruddell Jennifer Ruddell Roja (friend of Jack Ruddell) Dr. Christine Moutier  Dr. Srijan Sen Dr. Justin Bullock Dr. Jessi Gold   Narrator Dr. Joseph Murray    Transcript [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SUqPtJxl9yknUQwFpU7xDv3kddKHMcIa6Xa6_ttAddw/edit?usp=sharing]   Keywords: Suicide, Death, Mental health, Jack Ruddell, Medical training, Depression, Suicidality, Burnout, Anxiety, Medical trainees, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Tourette's, Disabilities, Medical education, Medical school, Discrimination, Academic pressure, Clinical practice, Imposter syndrome, Perfectionism, Shame, Mental disability, Learning challenges, Accommodations, High-stakes testing, Inclusivity, Stigma   Description In the second episode of our series on medical training and suicide, we explore the mental health crisis through the story of Jack Ruddell, a medical student who died by suicide. The episode delves into the pressures, stigmas, and barriers that prevent trainees from seeking help, combining expert insights with personal narratives. We also hear from Jack’s partner and parents, who stress the need for systemic change and de-stigmatization of mental health struggles in medical education.    Description of Series  DWDI Special Series: Suicidality in Medical Training dives into the critical conversations around mental health, well-being, support systems, and the intense pressures faced during medical training. Through the power of storytelling, the series intertwines these broader themes with the deeply personal story of Dr. Jack Ruddell, a promising medical student who tragically died by suicide. Jack’s journey—his strengths, struggles, and the complexities leading to his untimely death—forms the emotional core of this five-part series, giving voice to the loved ones often excluded from these conversations. Alongside Jack’s story, the series incorporates expert insights and data from the literature, offering a human perspective on burnout, depression, and suicide among medical trainees. With a commitment to improving mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around seeking help, the series presents a novel approach by centering personal narratives alongside expert analysis. It also explores actionable strategies for improving medical training environments and highlights the importance of institutional responses after a loss by suicide. Our mission is to reduce shame, encourage help-seeking among medical students struggling with depression, and ensure that every medical school is aware of the postvention resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Experts for the Series  * Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention * Jessi Gold, MD – Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System; Author of How Do You Feel? * David Muller, MD – Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education; Dean Emeritus, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai; Author of the NEJM essay, Kathryn * Srijan Sen, MD, PhD – Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center; PI of the Intern Health Study * Justin Bullock, MD, MPH – Fellow, University of Washington; Author of the NEJM article, Suicide, Rewriting My Story * Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd – Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME Episode Release Schedule: * September 17: Episode 102 – Honoring Dr. Jack Ruddell: A Story of Joy, Compassion, and Mental Health in Medical Training. * September 17: Episode 103 – Suicidality in Medical Training: Understanding the Crisis and its Causes.  * September 24: Episode 104 – Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Medical Education. * September 26: Episode 105 – Repairing the System: How Do We Create Safe Environments? * September 30: Episode 106 – Responding to Loss: Postvention and Support After a Suicide. Executive Producers: * Lisa Meeks * Rylee Betchkal * John Ruddell * Jennifer Ruddell Sound production: * Jacob Feeman * Mark Koha * Next Day Podcast Consult Psychiatrist * Joseph Murray, MD Resources:    24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org [https://988lifeline.org/chat/?_ga=2.59409385.530966371.1659542398-1304462004.1658170021].    The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org [https://afsp.org/]   Intern Health Study https://www.internhealthstudy.org [https://www.internhealthstudy.org/] https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study [https://www.srijan-sen-lab.com/intern-health-study]   How are you? By Jessi Gold https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/ [https://www.drjessigold.com/how-do-you-feel-book-by-jessi-gold-md/]   Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be [https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=I9GRxF9qEBA&feature=youtu.be]   Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide: Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents and Fellows https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508 [https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10508]   Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/] National Academy of Medicine https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/ [https://nam.edu/action-collaborative-on-clinician-well-being-and-resilience-network-organizations/] Suggested Readings   Baker, K., Warren, R., Abelson, J. L., & Sen, S. (2017). Physician mental health: depression and anxiety. Physician Mental Health and Well-Being: Research and Practice, 131-150.   Brådvik, L. (2018). Suicide risk and mental disorders. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(9), 2028.   Bullock, J. L. (2020). Suicide—rewriting my story. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(13), 1196-1197.   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) Fatal Injury Reports. https://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html [https://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html]   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) Fatal Injury Reports. https://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html [https://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html]   Goldman, M. L., Shah, R. N., & Bernstein, C. A. (2015). Depression and suicide among physician trainees: recommendations for a national response. JAMA psychiatry, 72(5), 411-412.   Halperin, S. J., Henderson, M. N., Prenner, S., & Grauer, J. N. (2021). Prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Journal of medical education and curricular development, 8, 2382120521991150.   Hampton, T. (2005). Experts address risk of physician suicide. Jama, 294(10), 1189-1191.   Malone, T. L., Zhao, Z., Liu, T. Y., Song, P. X., Sen, S., & Scott, L. J. (2021). Prediction of suicidal ideation risk in a prospective cohort study of medical interns. PLoS One, 16(12), e0260620.   Rotenstein, L. S., Ramos, M. A., Torre, M., Segal, J. B., Peluso, M. J., Guille, C., ... & Mata, D. A. (2016). Prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Jama, 316(21), 2214-2236.   Schernhammer, E. S., & Colditz, G. A. (2004). Suicide rates among physicians: a quantitative and gender assessment (meta-analysis). American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(12), 2295-2302.   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Major depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression