This article discusses suicide & the physician’s role in its prevention. Doctors should suspect suicidal intention if a patient talks of suicide, has an incurable disease or has had surgery, suffers from depression or mental illness, is a substance abuser or a homosexual. Evaluation of suicide potential should include consideration of age & sex, history of attempts/threats, chronicity, planning & availability of means, motivation & mood. Ways to help & myths about suicide are also discussed.(RM)