Every Year 1,000,000 Americans lose
their doctor to suicide.
Help is here. For free, confidential support in a mental health crisis:Call 988
Chat online at 988lifeline.org
When speaking out can mean losing it all, 1 person did just that.
Meet Dr Valdez
Dr Carrie Valdez, Trauma Medical Director, found herself in crisis.
When asking for help meant risking it all—career, reputation, livelihood—she felt trapped. Suicide seemed like the only solution.
A colleague told her about a stigma-shattering exhibit. The Disposables presents portraits of doctors lost to suicide made from discarded medical materials.
Today, she lives to tell her story.
One of the most dangerous professions
400 die by suicide every year.
That’s like losing 2 entire medical school classes annually.
>1 in 3 refuse to speak about their suicidal thoughts, fearing repercussions.
This is driven by stigma and fear of losing everything, including their license.
35% regret becoming a doctor.
Most physicians are expected to work in conditions that would be illegal under other circumstances.
Nearly 1 in 2 meet the criteria for burnout.
Due to toxic conditions, burnout numbers remain high year after year.
The Disposables
A tribute to doctors lost. A rallying cry for those who need our support.
So many things in healthcare are designed to be disposable. Our doctors can’t be one of them.
Donated medical materials sourced from doctors’ families, colleagues, and communities are transformed into portraits of doctors who have been lost to suicide.
Dr Lorna Breen
Oct 9, 1970 - Apr 26, 2020
Dr Anita Lang
Sept 16, 1967 - Dec 8, 2020
Dr Ryan Fryman
August 24, 1972 - March 8, 2023
Dr Scott Jolley
May 20, 1965 - Feb 19, 2021
Our impact
We collaborate with healthcare providers and leaders around the world to host an annual summit dedicated to preventing and reversing burnout—and experiencing more joy and meaning in the practice of medicine.
In partnership with Sermo, we created a place where doctors can feel empowered to speak up and support each other—anonymously if they wish—without fear of repercussions.
Justin Kovarsy talks with Larry Dobrow about creating The Disposables and the urgent need for action. “Today, approximately 75% of all workplace assaults occur in the healthcare sector. The result? Doctors are becoming patients in their own emergency rooms.”
Be in touch.
Help spread the word
Moved by what you see and want to be a part of it?
Tell us your story.
This email address is not an emergency line.
You are not disposable
Mental health is a serious matter.
If you or anyone you know is suffering or facing a difficult time, help is readily available.
For free, confidential support
in a mental health crisis: