The Silence We Can’t Keep: A Conversation on Physician Suicide | Ep7
Physician and medical student suicide is a silent epidemic, claiming the lives of an estimated 300–400 U.S. doctors each year.
In this episode, Dr. Michael Hersh welcomes John and Michele Dietl, parents of Dr. Kevin Dietl. Together, they remember Kevin’s journey, reflect on the pressures and isolation that can come with medical training, and share their advocacy work to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
From the creation of Missouri’s Show Me Compassion Act to their involvement with CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, John and Michelle offer hope, tangible prevention strategies, and a heartfelt reminder: seeking help is not weakness—it is courage. Dr. Hersh also shares the HEART acronym for recognizing warning signs, resources for physicians in crisis, and the urgent need for systemic change so healthcare workers can seek mental health care without fear of career repercussions.
This episode is both a tribute and a call to action: to speak up, to check in, and to believe that no one should face their struggles alone.
About the Show:
Created for physicians who want more than clinical competence, Better Physician Life is a space for honest reflection, reinvention, and reclaiming purpose beyond the pager.
Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode dives into the questions we didn’t learn to ask in training, offering tools and conversations to help you live and lead with intention.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Your Life Matters – To your patients, loved ones, colleagues, and most importantly, to you. Seeking help is an act of strength, not weakness.
- Break the Silence – Speak openly about mental health, watch for warning signs in yourself and others, and don’t hesitate to start a conversation.
- Systemic Change is Essential – Licensing and credentialing practices must eliminate stigmatizing questions to allow healthcare workers to access care without fear.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis:
📞 Call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org (Free, 24/7, confidential)
📞 Physician Support Line: 1-888-409-0141
📞 NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
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