Physician and medical student suicide is a silent epidemic, claiming the lives of an estimated 300–400 U.S. doctors each year.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Hersh welcomes John and Michele Dietl, parents of Dr. Kevin Dietl. Together, they remember Kevin’s journey, reflect on the pressures and isolation that can come with medical training, and share their advocacy work to break the stigma surrounding mental health.

From the creation of Missouri’s Show Me Compassion Act to their involvement with CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, John and Michelle offer hope, tangible prevention strategies, and a heartfelt reminder: seeking help is not weakness—it is courage. Dr. Hersh also shares the HEART acronym for recognizing warning signs, resources for physicians in crisis, and the urgent need for systemic change so healthcare workers can seek mental health care without fear of career repercussions.

This episode is both a tribute and a call to action: to speak up, to check in, and to believe that no one should face their struggles alone.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Your Life Matters – To your patients, loved ones, colleagues, and most importantly, to you. Seeking help is an act of strength, not weakness.
   
2. Break the Silence – Speak openly about mental health, watch for warning signs in yourself and others, and don’t hesitate to start a conversation.
   
3. Systemic Change is Essential – Licensing and credentialing practices must eliminate stigmatizing questions to allow healthcare workers to access care without fear.
4. If you or someone you know is in crisis:
   📞 Call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org (Free, 24/7, confidential)
   📞 Physician Support Line: 1-888-409-0141
   📞 NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
   

About the Show:
Better Physician Life is for doctors who want more than clinical competence—it’s about reclaiming purpose, balance, and fulfillment beyond the pager. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hersh, each episode blends honest reflection with practical strategies to help physicians live and lead with intention.

About the Guest:

John and Michele Dietl are the parents of Dr. Kevin Dietl, a fourth-year medical student remembered for his brilliance, kindness, humor, and deep commitment to medicine. Kevin tragically died by suicide just months before graduation, leaving behind a legacy of determination, compassion, and an enduring reminder of the urgent need to address physician and medical student mental health.

Their advocacy was instrumental in passing Missouri’s Show Me Compassion Act, a law requiring the state’s medical schools to meet regularly to address student mental health. They also supported legislation creating the Assistant Physician role, enabling medical graduates without residency placements to serve in underserved areas under supervision.

In addition, John and Michelle work closely with CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, an organization providing suicide prevention, anti-bullying, and emotional wellness programs to tens of thousands of students annually. Through speaking engagements, policy change, and community outreach, the Dietls honor Kevin’s memory by working to break stigma, eliminate barriers to care, and remind others—especially physicians and trainees—that seeking help is an act of courage, not weakness.

About the Host:

Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps physicians rediscover joy and balance by setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed and frustrated at work.

His mission is to help doctors who feel stuck in medicine create a more fulfilling life that they actually enjoy living. Through coaching and conversation, he empowers physicians to reconnect with their purpose and design a career (and life) they love.

Dr. Hersh is also the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast: How to Get Unstuck in Your Medical Career—a show for doctors who feel out of sync or stuck, and want to explore what true success can look like beyond the exam room.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Hersh:
🌐 Website: www.betterphysicianlife.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md
📸 Instagram: @betterphysicianlife
📺 YouTube: @betterphysicianlife
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoaching

📱TikTok: @betterphysicianlife

The Better Physician Life Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal or organizational decisions.