#293 Fighting Cancer with a Scalpel: The World of a Breast Cancer Surgeon | Sharon Chang, MD, FACS

Dr. Adam Dorsay, psychologist and host of the SuperPsyched podcast, interviews Dr. Sharon Chang, a distinguished surgical oncologist educated at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chang shares her journey in the demanding field of surgical oncology, including the rigorous schedules, challenges of being a female in a traditionally male-dominated field, and work-life balance. She discusses her routines for maintaining physical and mental health, the creation of psychological safety within surgical teams, and the importance of caring deeply for patients. Dr. Chang also shares her transition into coaching, focusing on mental fitness for healthcare professionals, and her efforts to combat burnout and advocate for lifestyle medicine. The episode provides a compelling and insightful look into the high-stakes world of a cancer surgeon and the valuable lessons learned along the way.00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched00:35 Meet Dr. Sharon Chang: A Life-Saving Surgeon03:00 Challenges and Triumphs of a Female Surgeon04:50 Balancing Surgery and Motherhood06:43 Self-Care and Physical Fitness08:29 A Day in the Life of a Surgeon15:30 Handling Surgical Surprises20:56 The Importance of Teamwork and Psychological Safety26:29 Exploring Plastic Surgery and Patient Experiences27:33 Communicating with Patients and Families28:01 The Impact of Social Media on Medical Information29:59 Humor in Medicine: Dr. Glaucomflecken and Misinformation https://youtube.com/@dglaucomflecken?si=6K46jj4z2LeMBfMZ32:35 Delivering Good and Bad News to Patients36:29 The Importance of Caring in Medicine43:13 Transitioning to a Career in Coaching47:30 Sharon Chang's Triple Aim for Healthcare51:35 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsHelpful Links:Sharon B. Chang, MD, FACS LinkedIn