Already an at-risk group, doctors are at increased risk of suicide during the coronavirus pandemic, a physician suicide researcher says. Physicians and other frontline healthcare workers on the frontline of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are under physical and psychological strain.

Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a second round of regulatory waivers and rule changes built to add flexibility to the United States’ healthcare system as many parts of America begin to reopen. Through these changes, CMS aims to ensure that states can increase diagnostic testing and make it easier for seniors to access medical care.

When physicians are given feedback data regarding outcomes, a common response is “My outcomes are worse because my patients are sicker.” This concern is legitimate and should be addressed by using data adjusted for the severity of the patients’ illnesses or other risk factors such as smoking and obesity.

Practicing social distancing is a must in the era of COVID-19 but so is education. That’s why we’re offering the Credentialing Resource Center Virtual Event. Attendees of this one-of-a-kind event will have the opportunity to listen live to the programs during the virtual event from June 2-4, earn 12 NAMSS CEUs, and receive access to the same great educational content we offer each year at our annual live event. Plus you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions of our expert speakers and network with your colleagues and peers—all from an easy-to-use conference app!

One of the most challenging problems faced by physician leaders is addressing the unprofessional behavior of a colleague. Why is it that the most skilled, the highest producer, the best and brightest, the only physician in that specialty, has behavioral issues? The answer is simple—because it is tolerated. Since medical training has historically been based upon technical expertise, the “soft stuff,” such as behaviors, has largely been ignored. But times have changed. It is now painfully obvious that unprofessional behavior negatively impacts patient safety.

A powerful tool for managing physician performance is the physician performance pyramid that was developed by the late Howard Kirz, MD, at the Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound. Kirz for many years participated in teaching the “Managing Physician Performance in Organizations” course at the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE), now the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL).

This article was orginally published in November 2018 and discusses the different signs of burnout, depression, and risk of suicide. As many healthcare workers begin to feel the burden of caring for patients on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, this article serves to point out how to recognize practitioners who may be struggling with their mental health. We encourage you to read this article and watch out for signs of struggle among your fellow healthcare professionals so that you can best support each other through the pandemic.