Medicine is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and demanding career paths a person can pursue. Just getting into medical school is a formidable challenge. Then, you have to graduate from medical school and get into a residency program, which requires long hours, sleepless nights, and immense responsibilities. Yet even after completing your residency, you face a career filled with constant learning, high-stakes decision-making, and the emotional toll of dealing with life-and-death situations all day.

The pressure to maintain perfection is relentless, as even small mistakes can have serious consequences. The modern healthcare landscape also presents further challenges, including administrative burdens, legal risks, and the struggle to maintain a work-life balance.

As such, it is no wonder that many medical professionals suffer from mental health issues in silence. For medical students and residents, these mental health issues can erupt into disciplinary charges that will seriously derail your medical career. If you or someone you know is in medical school or working through their residency and is facing disciplinary action because of a mental health issue, the student defense attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can help. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.

Mental Health Stigmas Lead to Disciplinary Issues

Medical professionals and students often do not report their mental health challenges because they believe the stigma of having a mental health issue will stick with them throughout their careers. Unfortunately, there is some credence to this belief as many hospitals inquire about an individual's mental health history during their credentialing process. Further, life-long physicians and medical professionals do not openly speak up about their own mental health struggles, reinforcing the idea that this is a taboo topic. However, when they remain silent about mental health, the stigmas become more pervasive.

As the stressors increase along the medical professional journey, it can be challenging to remain vigilant in your class work, exams, and residency. For example, in October 2023, William Ballantyne West Jr., M.D., an ophthalmology resident at George Washington University Hospital, committed suicide. In his suicide letter, he explained how deep his despair went as a provider and discussed the pressures and hopelessness he, and many others like him, feel daily.

While this might seem like a one-off instance of a provider not getting the mental healthcare they need, healthcare professionals are much more likely to commit suicide than individuals in the general population. Almost 30% of medical students are depressed, and over 50% of medical residents are burned out.

How the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Can Help

When a medical student or resident succumbs to depression and burnout, they can make mistakes and end up behaving in a way they normally would not. As such, their school or hospital may want to discipline them for that behavior.

If you face disciplinary action at your school or hospital, you need a strong defense. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help you navigate the institution's complex policies and advocate on your behalf, guaranteeing you the best possible outcome for your case. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.