Five assumptions we allow that prevent meaningful change

In surgical residency, you’re constantly at risk of burnout and losing faith in the possibility of change. Overwhelmed by the scale of problems, we run the risk of no longer asking the important questions.

But as a community, we need to challenge the assumptions we allow in our lives that prevent meaningful change.

1. “You’re naïve if you think that’s possible”

Just because you want to change something that does not have an easy solution, it does not make you naïve. Being wise does not mean always choosing the path of least resistance.

2. “Someone else is working on it”

When everyone assumes that someone else is working it, then no one will be.

3. “I will change it one day when I am in a position of power.”

Students wait until they become residents. Residents wait until they become fellows. Fellows wait until they become attendings. Attendings wait until they become Chairs. There is no perfect time, so don’t postpone change.

4. “The risks are too high.”

We always fixate on the risks of doing something, but too seldom ask ourselves about the risk of not doing something. Also, the consequences are never as catastrophic as you fear.

5. “The people in charge will never allow it.”

The people who we think are diametrically opposed to our values may share some of your values more than you think. But they are also trapped in their own assumptions and circumstances. They also think they have no choice. Give them a chance to express how they really feel by asking them.

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Jason J. Han (@JasonHanMD) is a cardiac surgery resident in Philadelphia and is part of the TMS leadership.

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The opinions expressed in the article is not affiliated with any institution, company or product. The article should not be interpreted as medical advice.