Physicians Only Slightly More Likely to Die at Home or in Hospice

A new study finds doctors face similar end-of-life decisions as general public, underscoring the complexity of their own mortality.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A new analysis of over 11 million adult deaths between 2020-2023 found that physicians were only modestly more likely than the general population to die at home or in hospice, rather than in a hospital. The findings suggest that even as doctors face end-of-life decisions through the lens of their medical expertise, they can also be swayed by the same financial, familial, and existential burdens afflicting their patients.

Why it matters

The study highlights the nuanced reality that physicians, despite their medical knowledge, do not always choose to die in the settings they may recommend for their patients. This underscores the complex personal, emotional, and logistical factors that influence end-of-life decisions, even for those with deep expertise in healthcare.

The details

The Annals of Internal Medicine analysis found that about 44% of physicians died at home or in hospice, compared to roughly 41% of the general population, 41% of other highly educated groups, and 42% of other healthcare practitioners. The pattern held across the six leading causes of death. Researchers say the findings suggest physicians "probably often err on the side of seeing if some further treatment might turn the corner," similar to their patients.

  • The study analyzed CDC mortality data of 11 million adult deaths between 2020 and 2023.

The players

Janet Abrahm, MD

A palliative care doctor and former oncologist who helped her father, an internist who died of prostate cancer, understand the benefits of hospice care.

Farr Curlin, MD

The Josiah C. Trent professor of medical humanities at Duke University, who was not involved in the study but commented on the findings.

Vishal Patel, MD, MPH

The lead author of the new study and a resident physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Melissa Wachterman, MD, MPH

An assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who commented on how physicians' medical knowledge can shape their end-of-life preferences.

Stephanie Harman, MD

A palliative care physician and clinical professor of medicine at Stanford who cared for her father-in-law at home in his final weeks.

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What they’re saying

“Most doctors don't know that. They think it's a one-way street, I imagine — that you put somebody in hospice and then that's it.”

— Janet Abrahm, MD, palliative care doctor and former oncologist

“I don't think we want to miss seeing that a high proportion of people die outside the hospital, at home or in hospice. That is arguably a pretty remarkable accomplishment over the course of the past generation.”

— Farr Curlin, MD, Josiah C. Trent professor of medical humanities at Duke University

“There is a lot of under-education about different options, and so it's possible that people who make an opinion in either direction might just not have all the possible information.”

— Vishal Patel, MD, MPH, lead author of the new study and resident physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital

“The knowledge and experience of healthcare may inform physicians that dying at home may not be what they would want for them or their families.”

— Melissa Wachterman, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School

“Many people may express their preference to be at home as something that's comforting. I think the reality of actually executing that is far more challenging.”

— Stephanie Harman, MD, palliative care physician and clinical professor of medicine at Stanford

What’s next

Researchers say the CDC data driving the new analysis did not distinguish between medical specialties, but that information could be added within the next 5-10 years, which may reveal differences in end-of-life preferences among physicians in different fields.

The takeaway

This study highlights the complex personal, financial, and logistical factors that influence end-of-life decisions for physicians, even those with deep medical expertise. It underscores the need for greater education and support around hospice and palliative care options to help all patients, including doctors, make informed choices that align with their values and preferences.