What Surgeons Have Said To Me Over The Years That They Probably Forgot

What surgeons have said to me over the years that they probably forgot, but I will remember forever

Over the past six years, I have worked in the operating room with many different surgeons across various subspecialties. Each of them have given me invaluable advice, words of wisdom, and different tips and tricks of the trade. 

Some of the advice I received was formal, but many more were passed on to me during casual conversations in fleeting moments. 

They have probably forgotten ever having said these words, and may not know that they have had an impact on students – future surgeons –  who will hold onto these words  for the rest of their careers. 

#1: “You may see this disease 1000x in your career, but it is the patient's first time, and they may be scared so be there for them because they need it and deserve that from you.”

I remember these words clearly and they are ones I have reminded myself of every single day while on rotation. When we learn during pre-clinicals, information comes in the form of a textbook or a question bank. We learn about mechanisms and molecules. However, once pre-clinicals are over, your goal is to treat the patient, not the disease. It is essential to remember that no matter how routine a disease may feel to us over time, when a patient receives a diagnosis, it is a terrifying and life-changing event in their, and their loved ones’ lives. I kept these words with me because to me it was something that seemed so obvious yet was the perfect reminder of the role we play in our patients' lives.

#2: “Don’t wish time away, enjoy each phase of your career and try to find the good even in the most stressful days”

I remember having this conversation when I had just got my first acceptance to medical school. I had just finished shadowing a surgeon, and made the passing comment of “I cannot wait to be an attending and just get to operate all the time”. 

In that moment the surgeon turned to me and said the words above, and they were right. It is so easy to get caught up in the constant pursuit of the next phase of your career, and all the things you look forward to in the future. However, there is so much to learn, to enjoy, and to experience each step of the way. 

#3: “Learn when and how to say no: work hard, but remember you need a life outside of medicine” 

Learning how to say no is something that does not come easy to me, but as I go through medical school, I realize how important learning to say no truly is. 

When the surgeon and I talked about building our schedules in our career, we discussed how important it is to learn to say no because we want to ensure that we save time for ourselves. There is always more to do – more projects, more positions, more anything – but ensuring there is time in your schedule for yourself is just as important. One surgeon told me that they  prioritize making time in their schedule for their hobbies, even if it ends up only being 1-2 nights in a week. 

#4: “Be a leader – in practice and in mentorship”

This passing comment is one that has stuck with me for many years. Mentorship is something I have always valued in my career, both as a mentee and a mentor. I have been grateful to have strong mentors that I hope to model my mentorship styles after as I advance in medicine. Being a leader in medicine does not have to mean holding the highest position but it means taking ownership of the responsibilities you have while guiding and teaching others along the way. Leadership comes in many forms, and can be what you make of it in your own career. 

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Francesca Ponzini (Twitter: @PonziniF) is a medical student who wants to create a culture in surgery that is welcoming to all who want to be a part of it

The opinions expressed in the article is not affiliated with any institution, company or product. The article should not be interpreted as medical advice. Interested in writing for us? Send us your article at themodernsurgeon@gmail.com