Although I don't agree he should have committed suicide, it could be that going for the course is a mandatory condition for future promotion. It is quite prevalent in the civil service to get people to sign on to new terms and conditions if they still want to be considered for career advancement in future. For people about to retire, they will usually not sign on the dotted line. The doctor could have regretted very much after signing but that certainly does not excuse the suicide, which I am guessing is probably brought on by some kind of depression. There are plenty of other people living a lousier life than him.