"Show-Me Compassionate Medical Education Act" Introduced to Lawmakers

Suicide among medical students is a growing concern. At a hearing Wednesday, lawmakers heard how they can raise awareness.

Lobbyists, medical students, and parents of a suicide victim all showed their support of a bill that would bring awareness to the suicide and depression issue plaguing medical students.

Missouri House Bill 569 would establish "Show-me Compassionate Medical Education Act." The bill would require medical schools in Missouri to include a notice on their admission and registration forms as well as their website that attending medical school has been shown to be associated with increased depression and even suicide.

The bill stated that all medical schools in Missouri must also include the notice on their promotional and recruitment materials, and applicants would be required to check a box on the registration form to acknowledge receiving the notice.

Michele Dietl is the mother of a medical student who committed suicide. She testified to lawmakers in favor of the bill, "I can tell you without reservation that losing a beloved, intelligent, compassionate, son, brother, and future physician in this way, takes heart brake to an entirely new level."

Dr. Keith Frederick is an Orthopedic Surgeon and is also Representative for House District 121. He said medical student who experience depression are often afraid to seek mental help.

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