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Do medical doctors make healthy personal choices? p1 of 3

By Dr. Stan Helmsletter

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Do medical doctors make healthy personal choices? The answer is 'no', because three published and peer-reviewed scientific studies tell us that, compared to the rest of the (American male) population, the average (American male) medical doctor is more likely to kill himself, kill his patients and die earlier. (1) (2) (3)

Medical doctors and longevity

Do medical doctors make healthy personal choices? The answer is 'no, they don't' — according to a scientific study published in the October 2000 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. In the study the average (American male) medical doctor was compared to the rest of the American population. (1)

Purpose

Why was the study conducted? Because:
  • All the previous studies had sampling limitations;
  • Medical doctors' mortalities were of interest.
  • Their personal choices did affect the medical advice they provided; and
  • There had been few national studies. (1)

Method

What was the method of the study? Scientists collected data from the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance database, and covered the deaths of American male medical doctors that occurred between 1984 and 1995, in 28 (US) states Scientists also looked for occupation codes, according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census classification system; and for the cause of death, according to the 9th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. (1)

Lifespan

Do medical doctors make healthy personal choices? No, they don't. Why? Because, according to WHO stats, in 1990 American males had a life expectancy of 79 years. But, according to a scientific study in the October 2000 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, in 1990 the average (American male) medical doctor lived up to 11 years less than this 79 years. (1)

Suicide rate

Do medical doctors make healthy personal choices? No, they don't. Why? Because, according to a scientific study published in the January-February 2013 issue of General Hospital Psychiatry, the typical average (American male) medical doctor was more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases, accidents and suicides. (2) ...More >>

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