What It Takes To Be A Good Surgeon: Expectations Vs. Reality

At a glance, it may seem that being a good surgeon means primarily having confidence and technical competence. One can envision an attending surgeon dealing with a complex operation with unwavering confidence in his or her own abilities.

However, the reality is that being a great surgeon requires so much more than solely having confidence and technical competence.

• Technical talent is important, but so is the willingness to acknowledge one's weaknesses, and to improve upon them with consistent practice.

• Confidence in decision-making is important, but so is the ability to know when to change course and when not to operate with judiciousness and humility.

• Having confidence as an individual is important, but so is the ability to be a part of a team, and to inspire everyone to be better.

• Being able to perform at a high level is important, but so is the ability to sustain that performance level over a long period of time through adequate self care.

Being a great surgeon is a combination of these attributes, and many more.