The Longevity and Mortality of American Physicians, 1938-1942: a Preliminary Report

This article investigates the longevity & mortality of American physicians for 1938-1942. It is based on the records of active & retired living physicians & on their deaths during the 5-year period on file with the American Medical Association. Evidence is cited that the suicide rate for physicians during this time is 1.9% & that the suicide ratio of physicians to white males is 1.04. The authors conclude that physicians experience practically the same longevity & mortality as white males of the same ages in the general population. (8 refs) (SC)