Suicide is the only cause of death that is higher among doctors than the general population, according to two Canadian physicians who have written an information sheet about physician suicide.

In particular, male doctors are 40% more likely than members of the general public to die by suicide, and the risk to female doctors is more than doubled, they wrote in the CMAJ.

Dr Sarah Tulk, of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and co-author Dr Joy Albuquerque, of the Ontario Medical Association’s Physician Health Program, wrote the information sheet to highlight four facts about physician suicide.

If this news story has raised issues for you, or you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also contact your local Doctors’ Health Advisory Service.