AMA adopts policy to improve physician access to mental health care

With increasing evidence that physicians and physicians-in-training are facing increased burnout, depression and suicide, the AMA adopted policy today aimed at improving physician and medical student access to mental health care. The new policy would help reduce stigma associated with mental health illness that could unfairly impact a physician’s ability to obtain a medical license and impede physicians and medical students from receiving care.

“We are concerned that many physicians and physicians-in-training are dealing with burnout, depression and even suicidal thoughts, and we find it especially concerning that physicians have a higher rate of suicide than the general population. In fact, in March the AMA partnered with leading CEOs in the health care industry and declared that physician burnout is becoming a public health crisis that needs to be addressed,” said AMA Board Member and resident Omar Z. Maniya, M.D. “Today’s policy builds on the AMA’s current efforts to prevent physician burnout and improve wellness. We are committed to supporting physicians throughout their career journey to ensure they have more meaningful and rewarding professional experiences and provide the best possible care to their patients.”