Another Medical Student Found Dead

Fourth year University of Guadalajara medical student Joseph Ambrose Monye , who had been serving a 2 year rotation at Jackson Hospital in Southside Chicago, went missing without a trace on the evening of April 22.  After last being seen studying in a Hyde Park neighborhood coffee shop, police and family have been desperately chasing any promising leads hopeful of Monye’s safe return home.

Following the gruesome discovery of a floating body in lake Michigan on Sunday, police not only confirmed Monye’s identity, but cemented a parent’s worst nightmare. Investigators say it’s still too early to tell if foul play was involved.

Another promising future gone, was this too the result of medical student burnout?

I am not an expert on medical student burnout, but from my research as a staff writer, I have become immersed in the dark world of physician and medical student suicide stories and statistics. This issue calls for an outcry. We have a responsibility to help our future doctors. 

The discussion surrounding burnout in the medical field is definitely gaining momentum, with more and more physicians coming forward to share their personal stories and insights about how symptoms of this epidemic can be both recognized early for prevention efforts, and treated accordingly to keep those suffering from burnout from going over the edge.

Of course there is no way to conclusively determine whether or not Monye was suffering from burnout. But his story should call to action other medical students to join this sensitive conversation. We must further increase public awareness about medical burnout, a growing problem that claims the lives of forty physicians a day. By shining more light on the topic will have an ongoing effect on how this matter is addressed and treated empathically, saving more of our doctors of tomorrow.

It takes strength to come forward to speak up about this sensitive issue. Simply stated, it takes strength to be vulnerable in front of others. If you are interested in improving health outcomes – prove it. Consider how this blog makes you feel. Consider your own personal experience, from the eyes of another medical student who may be suffering right now. Please share your personal horror stories, success stories, triumphs, depths, when dealing with burnout in the comments below. Join the conversation and be a part of the solution. You never know who you might save.