Sept. 17 is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day

Promotional graphic for National Physician Suicide Awareness Day, observed on September 17. The image shows two hands clasped in a gesture of support. Text reads: 'SEPT. 17 NATIONAL PHYSICIAN SUICIDE AWARENESS DAY' in yellow on a blue background, and 'Support your colleagues: Check in, listen and show up' in black on white. A yellow ribbon, symbolizing suicide awareness, is also featured.

Published September 17, 2025

Dear Jacobs School colleagues:

September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, and today — September 17 — is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day.

Each year in the U.S., 300 - 400 physicians die by suicide. Today is a day to honor the memories of those we have lost, including physicians and medical students. It is also a time to raise awareness, combat stigma, and support our colleagues who may be struggling with burnout, depression or other mental health challenges.

As physicians, we are often more comfortable discussing the health of our patients than our own. We dedicate ourselves to caring for others — sometimes at the expense of our own well-being. It is essential that we foster a culture where self-care is seen as strength, and seeking help is met with compassion, not judgment.

Recognizing the need to shift this paradigm, the Jacobs School has signed on as an NPSA Day Supporting Organization, aligning our institution with national efforts to break the silence and advocate for long-term solutions.
 

As individuals, there are meaningful actions each of us can take today:

•    Talk openly about mental health and suicide prevention
•    Promote and support our most valuable resource — each other
•    Learn the vital signs of physician distress
→ Click here to access key resources
•    Reach out to colleagues — check in, listen, and offer support
•    Share and encourage use of available resources (see below)

Regional/National Resources:

Jacobs School and University at Buffalo Resources:

Together, we can create a workplace where no one feels alone, and every physician feels supported.

With gratitude and care,
 

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Vice President for Health Sciences
President and CEO, UBMD Physicians' Group

 

Cristine M. Adams, MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Chief Wellness Officer, Kaleida Health

 

Leslie J. Bisson, MD
June A. and Eugene R. Mindell, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics
Associate Dean of Clinical Transformation

 

Gregory S. Cherr, MD
Professor of Surgery
Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education

 

David A. Milling, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Executive Director of the Office of Medical Education and Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education

 

Beth A. Smith, MD
Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics
Chair, Department of Psychiatry
Chief of Service, Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Kaleida Health