Content Warning: This letter includes information about a student who died by suicide.
Dear DocsWithDisabilities Podcast Listeners and community,
As we observe Suicide Awareness Month, it’s a poignant time to reflect on the losses within our medical community and to refocus our efforts on prevention, well-being, and support for our trainees and practitioners. Three years ago, I had the privilege of meeting John and Jennifer Ruddell. After deep reflection and thoughtful discussions, we embarked on a meaningful journey to co-produce a special podcast series in memory of their son, Dr. Jack Ruddell, and all medical trainees lost to suicide.
Our goal is simple yet profound: to spark new conversations and inspire real change in the well-being of medical learners. The DWDI Special Series: Suicide in Medical Training weaves together deeply personal stories of suicide with expert reflections to confront the urgent mental health crisis in medical education.
At the heart of this five-part series is Jack’s story—his strengths, struggles, and the complex circumstances that led to his untimely passing. Through this series, we aim to amplify the voices of loved ones, including families and significant others, who are often left out of these essential discussions. Jack's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the burnout, depression, and overwhelming pressures faced by medical trainees. By blending his story with expert insights and data, we offer a human perspective and practical, actionable steps to improve medical training environments.
We hope this series will ignite important conversations—conversations that break down stigma, encourage help-seeking, and drive policy changes that truly support the well-being of medical students and professionals. It's also our mission to ensure that every medical school understands the importance of postvention resources, like those provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Launching on September 17, 2024—National Physician Suicide Awareness Day—this series features heartfelt reflections from the Ruddell family as well as valuable insights from leading experts in mental health and medical education, including:
Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Dr. Jessi Gold, Chief Wellness Officer, University of Tennessee System
Dr. David Muller, Director, Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education, Icahn School of Medicine
Dr. Srijan Sen, Director, Eisenberg Family Depression Center
Dr. Justin Bullock, Fellow, University of Washington; Author of Suicide, Rewriting My Story (NEJM)
Dr. Stuart Slavin, Vice President for Well-Being, ACGME
We encourage you to subscribe to the podcast and share this series with your colleagues, faculty, and students. Together, we can foster conversations that lead to meaningful change and help create a healthier, more compassionate environment for medical trainees.
Thank you for your continued dedication to this critical issue and for your work to create access and safety for our learners.
Warm regards,
Lisa Meeks and Rylee Betchkal
John & Jennifer Ruddell
And the Entire DWDI Podcast Team
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