Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
In this episode of CME On the Go, family physicians Janet West, MD, FAAFP, and Michelle Chestovich, MD, share deeply personal experiences with suicide and explore why physicians can struggle to recognize and address mental health challenges in themselves and their colleagues. Through their stories, they examine the culture of medicine, the stigma surrounding mental health treatment and the importance of creating environments where asking for help is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness.
Together, they offer practical guidance for supporting colleagues who may be struggling, including asking direct questions about suicide, recognizing changes in behavior, encouraging professional mental health treatment, and considering training programs such as Question, Persuade, Refer. They emphasize that physicians are not immune to mental health challenges, and that meaningful prevention requires individual awareness, connection, and a shift in medical culture toward prioritizing physician well-being.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize factors associated with physician suicide risk, including biological, cultural, and professional influences, to support earlier identification of colleagues experiencing psychological distress.
- Identify opportunities to recognize and respond to colleagues at risk for suicide, including behavioral warning signs and direct disclosures of distress.
- Apply evidence-informed communication strategies to engage colleagues or patients at risk for suicide, connect them with appropriate support resources and provide ongoing follow-up.
After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 Enduring Materials, Self-Study American Academy of Family Physicians Prescribed continuing medical education (CME) credits.
CME Accreditation
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from September 30, 2026, to July 6, 2028. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This session, “CME | When Colleagues Are Struggling” Is approved for 0.50 credits Enduring Materials, Self-Study, AAFP Prescribed credit(s).
The AAFP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The AAFP this Enduring Materials activity for a maximum of 1.00 American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.