#41 Failure and Surgery

“...it is unsurprising that we surgeons are reluctant to engage the admission—or even contemplation—of failure with the exuberant rapture described by contemporary self-help print and motivational speakers.”—Dr. Eric Henderson, On Surgical Failures: Onward to Objective Evaluation of Our Less Proud MomentsFailure is required for success—but failing in surgery is different. It’s layered. It’s nuanced. It carries weight that most outside the field can’t fully grasp.In this episode, we explore:Why failure in surgery is fundamentally different from other professionsThe distinction between objective failure and subjective failureHow to process the complex emotions that come with failureWhy evaluating failure is not optional—it’s essentialA clear, compassionate process for evaluating your own failuresHow to detach your self-worth from your outcomesThe power of strategic pessimism to help you prepare for and learn from failureWhether you’re grappling with a recent complication or quietly carrying one from years ago, this episode offers tools to help you reflect, reframe, and move forward with intention.Get free value curated for surgeons straight to your inbox here.Want to learn how to create safety for yourself in the profession of surgery? Register for my upcoming webinars:Register for Master Curveballs in the OR (and life) in 5 Steps here.Register for Your Best Career Insurance: Know, Like, and Trust here.