A young doctor’s final words offer a mental health warning for others

Will West, a 33-year-old who was training at George Washington University hospital in D.C., wrote in a suicide note that other residents are “at real risk”


Will West, seen here in 2021, was in his third year of residency at George Washington University when he died by suicide. (Family photo)

By Jenna Portnoy
October 5, 2024 at 5:00 a.m. EDT

David West barely slept the night his older brother, William Ballantyne West Jr., called him from his D.C. apartment, sounding worried.

His brother had earned the nickname “Iron Will” for the tenacity he showed when faced with challenges. He had rock-climbed, gone on a religious mission to Italy and competed in overnight relay races. But during that call earlier this year, Will talked about how his problems felt too big to solve: He was not getting the training he needed to prepare him to practice medicine. He was not getting enough time to sleep or recharge after long shifts. Happiness, he felt, would elude him always.

Will was a doctor in his third year of ophthalmology surgical training at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in D.C., and David, six years younger and following the same path, was in his first year of medical school in Utah.

David considered asking someone to check on his brother, but during their next two phone calls, Will eased his concerns. He laughed and seemed lighter. After a call in late February, David hung up feeling relieved. … Days later, Will was gone. He died by suicide at the age of 33.

There is no way to know for certain what led Will to end his life. But what is known, interviews with Will’s family, George Washington residents and national experts show, is that despite a growing acceptance nationwide of the benefits of mental health care, barriers persist in residency programs that keep doctors from seeking help during a time when many need it.

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Will West, who was a resident in ophthalmology, performs an eye procedure in 2023. (Family photo)

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Will West Sr. and his wife Lisa West went to Lake Powell in 2009 with their six children. Back row, from left, David, Lucy, Will Sr., Jennifer and Lisa. In the front row, left to right, are George, Will and Peter. (Family photo)

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By Jenna Portnoy
Jenna Portnoy is the local health reporter for The Washington Post. She previously covered members of Congress from the greater Washington region and worked in the Richmond bureau. Before joining The Post, she worked for the Newark Star-Ledger in her home state, as well as the Allentown Morning Call and Philadelphia City Paper. follow on X @jennaportnoy