The sudden passing of Dr. Will West, nicknamed “Iron Will,” has left people in deep grief. He left a suicide note sharing his feelings of exhaustion and warning about the immense pressure that medical professionals have to endure.
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| Doctor Will West ended his life at a young age. (Source: Zbreakingnewz) |
Will West was an ophthalmologist at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (USA). People often called him “Iron Will” because he always showed unwavering determination. His sudden departure at the age of 33 left his family and colleagues extremely sad.
“To those who will be negatively affected by my actions, I am deeply sorry. I am simply at the end of my rope and have nothing more to offer,” the Washington Post quoted Dr. West’s letter as saying.
Before he died, Dr. West contacted his brother David. It seems he wanted to make sure his loved ones would be okay after he was gone.
David, who is also in the medical field, believes that residency programs with their high demands, 80-hour work weeks and minimum wage can have a significant impact on doctors' mental health.
According to Ibtimes , some medical licenses require information about a history of mental health treatment. Dr. West was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression. However, he refused to be treated at the hospital because he was concerned about affecting his job.
“There is no room for imperfection. Weakness is not allowed,” David explained.
In the letter, Dr. West issued a warning to hospital administrators: “I hope there are efforts to understand, support, and guide residents rather than simply evaluate and push them to reach their highest potential as physicians… There are other residents who are in a real life-or-death struggle – both inside and outside the clinic/hospital.”
He said those residents could exhibit symptoms like laziness and lack of motivation — “unforgivable sins in our profession.” Dr. West’s family expressed their deep sorrow in an obituary, remembering him as a beloved son and brother.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Dr. Lorna Breene Heroes Fund, a charity that supports the mental health of healthcare workers. The fund was established in memory of Dr. Breene, a healthcare professional who died by suicide during the Covid-19 pandemic.
George Washington University (USA) said the safety of all students and staff is a top priority: "We recognize that the residency experience can be personally challenging and that residents may need professional support to ensure their well-being. The university is aware of and works to eliminate inherent biases that prevent physicians from seeking help for sometimes life-threatening mental health issues."
The school also affirms providing physical, emotional/mental health support resources for staff and students including free confidential counseling.
Three months after Dr. West’s death, colleagues held a walkout calling for mental health benefits, improved working hours and higher pay. Many said they sympathized with Dr. West’s struggles.
Today, the desk where the late doctor once sat stands empty, decorated with floral tributes, a reminder of the toll that workplace stress can take.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bac-si-tu-tu-o-tuoi-33-de-lai-thu-tuyet-menh-he-lo-su-that-khoc-liet-ve-nhung-ap-luc-trong-nganh-yo-my-289967.html
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