Send us a text

Dr. Steven Wexner, Professor of Surgery and Emeritus Chair of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at The Cleveland Clinic Florida, shares his journey into surgery, the importance of leadership, and the essence of effective collaboration in healthcare. He discusses his experiences, challenges, and the significance of mentorship in shaping future leaders in surgery. Dr. Wexner emphasizes the need for passion, dedication, and the ability to adapt in order to build a lasting legacy in the field.

Takeaways

• Leadership is based on respect and trust, not titles.
• Effective leaders lead by example and are passionate about their work.
• Balancing responsibilities is easier with a supportive team.
• Navigating challenges requires conflict resolution and compromise.
• Collaboration across departments enhances healthcare outcomes.
• Building relationships is key to successful mentorship.
• Setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning.
• A lasting legacy is built through mentorship and influence.

Send us a text

Dr. Gilbert Upchurch, Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine, reflects on his remarkable career journey, mentorship, and the complexities of surgical leadership. He underscores the pivotal role that mentors and role models have played in shaping his career and guiding his development. As a leader, Dr. Upchurch emphasizes the value of education and mentorship, both of which are integral to his mission. Despite the demanding nature of running an entire department, Dr. Upchurch has managed to balance his responsibilities, not only excelling in the operating room but also producing landmark papers, authoring surgical textbooks, and mentoring dozens of trainees. He shares insights on how he has juggled these commitments, strategically setting priorities to maintain a thriving career while managing the pressures of a constantly evolving healthcare landscape. Finally, he speaks candidly about the challenges of surgical leadership, including adapting to external forces and navigating the changing financial realities of healthcare, all while keeping family a top priority.

Takeaways

• Choose a career path based on role models and mentors who inspire and guide you.
• Education and mentoring are essential in surgical leadership, and it is important to find joy in what you do.
• Managing a busy schedule requires setting priorities and finding a balance between work and family.
• Being a surgical leader involves responding to external forces and navigating the changing financial landscape of healthcare.

Send us a text

Dr. Kevin Bozic, Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care at Dell Medical School, shares his journey in surgery and the importance of understanding the financial aspects of surgical care. He emphasizes the role of mentors and role models in obtaining leadership positions and the value of getting an MBA. Dr. Bozic also discusses the importance of innovation and the need to focus on health rather than just healthcare.

Takeaways

• Mentors and role models are crucial for obtaining leadership positions.
• Getting an MBA can be beneficial for leadership positions, but it's important to choose the right program.
• Understanding the financial aspects of surgical care is important for surgeons.
• Innovation is essential for progress in healthcare.
• Health should be the focus, not just healthcare.
• Clinical reputation is important for aspiring leaders.
• Leadership requires being a servant leader and putting the interests of others first.
• Moving between institutions can provide diverse perspectives and opportunities for growth.
• Measuring and improving health should be the goal of healthcare systems.
• Leadership involves being comfortable with failure and taking risks.

Send us a text

Dr. Andrew Cameron, a Professor of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, shares his journey to becoming a surgeon and his experiences in the field. He discusses the influence of his father, who is a giant in surgery, and the impact it had on his career choice. Dr. Cameron talks about the challenges he faced and the importance of adaptability in his career. He also highlights the financial challenges of being in an academic medical center and the need for strong financial management skills. Additionally, he discusses the role of different specialties in leadership positions and the importance of being a reasonable human being in the field of medicine. Dr. Andrew Cameron discusses the importance of following one's passion in choosing a surgical specialty and not making decisions based on potential future benefits. He emphasizes the need to do what you love and be fully committed to patient care. Finally, he talks about the concept of a 'triple threat' and the importance of finding the right balance between clinical practice, research, and leadership roles.

Takeaways

• Adaptability is crucial in navigating the challenges and changes in the field of medicine.
• Financial management is a significant challenge in academic medical centers.
• Different specialties can contribute to leadership roles in surgery.
• Being a reasonable human being is a fundamental aspect of being a successful surgeon. Follow your passion and do what you love in your surgical specialty
• Serve your institution in meaningful ways that align with your interests and expertise
• Participation in national societies is no longer the only path to academic advancement
• Balance clinical practice, research, and leadership roles to achieve success
• Hire individuals who fit the needs of the institution and avoid internal competition

Send us a text

Dr. Fredric Pieracci, Professor and Director of Surgery at Denver Health Medical Center, shares his journey into surgery and the impact of working with underserved communities. He emphasizes the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and striving for equity in surgical care. Dr. Pieracci discusses his leadership style, which includes being a servant leader, practicing radical candor, and recognizing his privilege. He also highlights the value of mentorship and having a leadership coach. Dr. Pieracci advises trainees and early career faculty to document their experiences and understand the compensation models in their institutions.

Takeaways

• Addressing healthcare disparities and striving for equity in surgical care is crucial.
• Being a servant leader, practicing radical candor, and recognizing privilege are important aspects of effective leadership.
• Mentorship and having a leadership coach can greatly contribute to career development.
• Documenting experiences and understanding compensation models are valuable for trainees and early career faculty.

Send us a text

Dr. Mary Killackey, Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine, discusses her journey to becoming a surgeon and a leader in the field. She emphasizes the importance of mentors and sponsors in obtaining leadership positions and highlights the role of organic relationships in mentorship. Dr. Killackey also shares her experience in creating a positive work environment and the impact of professionalism on department culture. She provides advice for trainees and early career faculty who aspire to be surgical leaders, including the importance of establishing a strong reputation and being open to opportunities. Lastly, she discusses the metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of a department chair.

Takeaways

• Mentors and sponsors play a crucial role in obtaining leadership positions.
• Creating a positive work environment requires setting expectations, holding people accountable, and fostering a culture of professionalism.
• Trainees and early career faculty should focus on establishing a strong reputation and being open to opportunities.
• Metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of a department chair include academic productivity, program growth, resident and student evaluations, and involvement outside the department.
• Building relationships with influential individuals and participating in leadership programs can increase chances of being nominated for leadership positions.

Send us a text

In the debut episode of Surgeons at the Table, Dr. Richard Schulick, Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado, shares his journey into surgery, the influences that shaped his career, and the challenges he faced transitioning into leadership roles. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring surgical leaders, insights into the balance between clinical practice, research, and administration, and the importance of mentorship in building a successful career in surgery!

Takeaways

• The combination of surgery and oncology offers the opportunity to cure patients and improve their quality of life.
• Mentorship is crucial for aspiring surgical leaders, providing guidance and opening doors.
• Building a positive culture within an organization is essential for success.
• Balancing clinical practice, research, and administration is a challenge but necessary for growth and impact.
• Centers of excellence play a vital role in providing high-quality care, advancing research, and training the next generation of surgeons.