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• Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, PCC, orthopaedic trauma surgeon and SurgeonMasters CEO.
• Dr. Jim Naples, a Harvard ENT at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Jim Doorley, PhD, CMPC, Clinical and Sports Psychologist for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Research Fellow in Integrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School

In this episode of the SurgeonMasters Podcast, Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, PCC interviews a Harvard ENT specialist James Naples, MD, and clinical sports psychologist, Jim Doorley. They discuss integrating psychological strategies from sports performance into surgical training, emphasizing the importance of mental fitness, emotional regulation, and resilience in enhancing surgical performance and how it relates to addressing physician burnout.

The discussion underscored the importance of mental resilience and psychological skills for surgical success, paralleling their significance in sports. James Naples, MD, and Jim Doorley highlighted techniques for immediate recovery from intraoperative mistakes and long-term well-being strategies. Efforts are underway to develop a customized curriculum for surgical trainees to address their specific performance mindset needs and challenges. The conversation also addressed balancing emotional detachment and empathy in medicine and how the process relates to physician burnout. Additionally, there was a light-hearted debate on the pros and cons of listening to music in the OR, reflecting diverse preferences among surgeons. Finally, the team addressed the need for institutional support in providing resources and training to enhance surgeons' mental fitness and overall performance.

Here are 10 highlights from the podcast:

1. Surgical Mindset vs. Performance Mindset:
2. Challenges in Surgical Training
3. Initial Collaboration and Goals
4. Curriculum Development
5. Key Skills and Topics
6. Experiential Learning
7. Broader Mental Fitness Concepts
8. Performance and Resilience
9. Burnout and Emotional Management
10. Institutional Support

Overall, the podcast underscores the critical role of psychological training in enhancing surgical performance and the need for a comprehensive approach to integrating these skills into surgical education.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast executive coach and former healthcare system leader, Theresa “T” Hamilton-Casalegno, ACC, FACHE.

In this episode, Theresa broaches the neuroscience of coaching – a fascinating and extensive topic that can’t be fully covered in one podcast – to address how the coaching relationship benefits physicians.

She tells us that certain parts of the brain light up when we hold people in what’s called a naturally creative, resourceful, and whole state. In other words, professionals will usually rise to the occasion when given the chance. As a coach, this is a great way to approach conversations with clients, as it makes them much more open to learning and creating long-lasting change.

What steps does Theresa suggest we take to implement neuroscience concepts into coaching sessions?

• Step 1 - Be Curious Rather than Trying to Solve a Problem. It’s all about the coach asking open-ended questions and being curious, as opposed to making assumptions and giving instructions to try and solve a problem. On the receiving end of coaching, know that your curiosity is also critical to growing and achieving your best self.
• Step 2 - Help People Work from a Position of Strength. Focus on a person’s strengths and help them determine how they can use those strengths to accomplish their goals. As a coaching client and probably performance-driven self-critic, first shifting your thinking towards your strengths creates a more open mind for constructive feedback.
• Step 3 - Ask Disruptive Questions. New learning and growth come from the ability to challenge assumptions, limiting beliefs, or current thinking. Give people space to think about a different way of doing something. We don’t need to change beliefs or values.

Most importantly, PRACTICE positivity, curiosity, and developing new neuro pathways in coaching sessions!

Bio: Theresa “T” Hamilton-Casalegno, ACC, FACHE

Certified Executive Coach – Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute, University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business

Theresa “Terri” Hamilton has spent more than 30 years in executive leadership positions, including fifteen years as Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of a regional healthcare system; five years as a Chief Executive and Vice President of a for-profit hospital; and twelve years in high-tech publishing as a Publisher and Vice President.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Emmanuel College, Boston, Massachusetts, and a Master of Science in Health Administration from Simmons University, Boston. Terri is also a Board Certified Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

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Jeff welcomes to the podcast ophthalmology specialist and physician coach for introverts, Dr. Charity Hix.

Introverts have many traits that make for great physicians. They’re inquisitive, introspective, constantly researching, and thinking things through from multiple angles. While those traits are great for being a physician, the way the healthcare system is organized can make the job of a physician very draining for everyone, but especially introverts.

Introverts tend to regain their energy through solitude, but many specialties in medicine necessitate being around other people often and for long periods. There’s a misconception that introverts don’t like people. That’s not usually true - they just need time alone to recharge and function optimally. As a practicing physician, there isn’t a lot of alone time baked into your day so you have to be proactive in carving out space for yourself to recharge. (Note: Even if we are an extrovert or land somewhere in the middle, recharging to be our best is critical!).

What does Charity suggest we do to recharge?

• Create Self-Awareness. In order to get anywhere, you need to first understand where you currently stand. Whenever you’re doing a specific activity during your workday, take stock of how you feel. Are you engaged, bored, stressed, etc.?
• Take Baby Steps to Adjust. Small changes can create a big impact. Based on how you react to certain situations, be proactive about making incremental changes to your daily routine.
• Communicate Your Needs. Let other people know about your energy needs. Many people will be happy to accommodate you.

Most importantly, PRACTICE recharging to create sustainability!

Guest Bio: Charity Hix, MD

Charity is a physician burnout coach helping introverts in healthcare escape feelings of apathy, irritability, and resentment brought on by the increasing demands and decreasing rewards of medicine.

She uses her 20 years of experience in clinical medicine combined with coaching to help introverts discover ways to be diligent, thoughtful clinicians while prioritizing their needs and protecting their energy. She wants you to know you don’t have to feel guilty for wanting a thriving life inside and outside of medicine.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast orthopaedic surgeon and educator, Alan Reznik, MD.

As surgeon leaders, sometimes it can feel like our employees or members of our team are getting in our way or, even worse, trying to sabotage us. But it’s important to step back and realize that in the vast majority of cases, people are showing up to work intending to do a good job, even if there are barriers in the way that are preventing that from happening.

In general, people work for some combination of three reasons: 1) they love their job, 2) they’re loved by their job, or 3) they have an opportunity to improve themselves. Most people need at least two of these three in order to feel satisfied. To that end, there are actions we as surgeons can take to help our employees feel more satisfied with their jobs.

What steps does Alan suggest we do to help our team members feel satisfied at work?

• 1 - Provide Love. Offer encouragement and cultivate a healthy work environment that employees look forward to participating in.
• 2 - Provide Opportunity. Where able, provide opportunities to your employees. This is especially important if a team member lacks an essential ability or skill.
• 3 - Provide Money. If and when possible, offer your employees a raise. When people are paid well they feel appreciated.

Most importantly, PRACTICE supporting your team with love, opportunity, and money!

Guest Bio:
Dr. Reznik is a practicing orthopaedic surgeon and involved in medical teaching for over 30 years. He is recognized as one of “America’s Top Physicians” by Consumers Research Council of America and named “Top Doc” in Connecticut over 20 times by his orthopaedic surgeon peers, physicians, nurses and patients. He has served on many committees for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons including editorial board of AAOS Now. He has written "The Knee and Shoulder Handbook, the keys to a pain-free and active life" and "I have fallen and I can get up"on fall risks and prevention. An inventor, he holds 8 patents. He has lectured on patient safety, surgical risk reduction and AI development, liability and ethical use.

"It is with the understanding of differing perspectives, combining disciplines, constant collaboration, and an open mind that one achieves the best path forward." Dr. Alan Reznik

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

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Jeff welcomes to the podcast Richard A. Schaefer, MD, MPH, an orthopaedic surgeon and human at Johns Hopkins University.

As surgeons, creating understanding and make strong connections with our patients can lead to better oucomes. Often, our patients want to better understand us too. When we have communication with mutual understanding, everyone benefits.

Knowng our patients beyond their medical condition can be an effective tool to ease any nervousness on the patient's part and ultimately help us provide better care.

So what does Richard suggest we do to make better connections with our patients?

Most importantly, practice humanizing patients to offer the best care!

Guest Bio:

Richard A. Schaefer, MD, MPH is an orthopaedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. He grew up in Buffalo, NY, after which he went to West Point followed by medical school at Tulane. He did his orthopaedic residency at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Colorado, and orthopaedic oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Schaefer served for over 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of colonel. He had a number of stateside and overseas assignments at military medical facilities, including two tours in Afghanistan. He received several military decorations and awards for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.

In addition to his clinical practice at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Schaefer is a medical student advisor, providing longitudinal school and career advising to a cohort of students from their first day and throughout the 4 years until they graduate. He has a variety of outside interests including travel, art, and sports, and is a lifelong die-hard fan of the Buffalo Bills.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast CEO of VITAL WorkLife, Mitch Best, a mental health and well-being expert for healthcare organizations and their workforces with a niche in physician-focused behavioral health solutions.

Over the past several years, many healthcare organizations have started recognizing the critical importance of prioritizing the well-being of their care teams, not only for the good of the individual but also for the bottom line. While it is important organizations are starting to offer resources that make a real difference, the environment must be a safe space for physicians to take advantage of these resources.

To that end, Mitch is calling for physicians and surgeons to become well-being advocates - physicians who are trained proactively to be spokespeople for their well-being and their colleagues' well-being, and offer proactive solutions in non-crisis situations.

The goal is to weave the importance of well-being into the fabric of healthcare organizations nationwide.

What steps does Mitch suggest we take to pursue self-advocacy?

• Step 1 - Educate Yourself. One of the easiest ways to be an advocate for yourself is to educate yourself on the importance of well-being.
• Step 2 - Seek Our Resources. See what well-being resources are offered by the organizations or associations you are a part of.

Most importantly, PRACTICE self-advocacy for the good of yourself and your community!


About Mitchel Best

As the CEO of VITAL WorkLife for over a decade, Mitch guides the company's vision, directs the senior leadership team, and works towards achieving organizational objectives. His focus extends to empowering hundreds of thousands of physicians and APPs, enabling them to reach their full potential, all while fostering a vibrant and celebrated company culture.

He began with the company in 2001 as Director of Business Development, moved up to Vice President in 2004, became COO in 2008, and eventually acquired the company in 2013.

With a background in behavioral health consulting and diverse industry expertise, Mitch infuses his work with passion and enthusiasm, offering a quick start nature, servant leadership and diligent oversight. He has also been actively engaged in executive and mental health & well-being industry groups for more than 15 years.

Mitch, a Minnesota native, resides in the Twin Cities with his wife and four children, emphasizing work-life balance through family time and an active lifestyle. He holds a BA in psychology from the University of Minnesota.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

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Jeff welcomes to the podcast clinical psychologist and certified mental performance consultant, James Doorley, PhD, CMPC.

Dr. Dorley explains that performance psychology can teach us a lot as surgeons. Through his collaborative work with Dr. Naples he has learned that the mental side of surgery is not emphasized as much as it could be in many surgical training programs. Many surgeons have a casual understanding of these mental aspects, but it’s not built into our training or emphasized during our careers.

Performance psychology is different from talking about feelings or emotions with a therapist; it’s akin to a quarterback working with a mindset coach to play their best under duress.

What steps does Jim suggest we take to implement performance psychology skills into our daily routines?

What steps does Jim suggest we take to implement performance psychology skills into our daily routines?

• Step 1 - Raise Awareness. Become aware of performance psychology and its benefits to the medical community. The best sports teams in the US are now employing performance psychologists to help elite athletes perform their best. Surgeons can and should be doing the same.
• Step 2 - Incorporate Performance Psychology. Use performance psychology skills like visualization, bolstered by decades of science, to support your best practice.

Most importantly, PRACTICE performance psychology to improve performance!

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast Otolaryngology surgeon, James Naples, MD.

In this podcast, we discuss the surgical mindset. If you’re a performance-driven surgeon, it can be difficult at times to manage the challenges of the perfectionist mindset. We expect our best every time and the best out of those around us.

There are times when we struggle in ways that appear technical but are more psychological, how our hands function is simply a manifestation of what our mind is doing. As a result, it’s important to address the performance mindset so that we can improve efficacy across the board.

What steps does Jim suggest we take to improve our mindset as surgeons?

• Step 1 - Rehearse & Visualize. Surgery is 1% perspiration and 99% preparation. Rehearse and visualize important events before they happen so you’re better prepared.
• Step 2 - Script All Possible Outcomes. If you think through every possible outcome and how to react to each, you will be fully prepared for the procedure.
• Step 3 - Limit Distractions. This may be controversial, but it’s important to remove all distractions (including music) from the operating room to clear your mind and find readiness. [Jim and I may have some different opinions on this, which we will share in a future podcast.]

Most importantly, PRACTICE your surgical mindset to attain the best outcome!

BIO:

Dr. James Naples is the Residency Program Director of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a Clinical Advisor at Harvard Medical School. He has mentored residents and students through various stages of their training, and focuses on ways to improve their performance. Clinically, he is interested in cochlear implant, Acoustic Neuroma and vestibular disorders. Dr. Naples earned his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and stayed there to complete his residency training in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. He then completed his fellowship training in neurotology at the Perelman School of Medical at the University of Pennsylvania.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!