Clinical Challenges in Surgical Education: Power & Leadership

Ever feel powerless in the clinical environment? You’re not alone - and you may have more power than you think. In this Clinical Challenges in Surgical Education, hosts Drs. Maya Hunt and Mckenzie Rowe explore power and leadership within surgical learning environments. Joined by guests Drs. Paula Ferrada, Chair of Surgery at Inova Fairfax, and Frances Mei Hardin, co-founder of the Hippocratic Collective, the team discusses frameworks of conceptualizing power, how it can be found at any point in training, and tips on how to identify and better wield our own power in learning environments.Episode Hosts: Dr. Maya Hunt, Indiana University, [email protected]    Dr. Mckenzie Rowe, Inova Fairfax, [email protected]   CoSEF: @surgedfellows, cosef.org    Guests:  Dr. Paula Ferrada, Inova Fairfax, @pferrada1, [email protected] Dr. Frances Mei Hardin, Hippocratic Collective, @francesmeimd, [email protected] Learning Objectives: Identify different sources of power within individuals Define framework of ‘power-over’ vs. ‘power-to/power-with’ Recognize how leaders (including residents) may wield different types of power in both harmful and helpful ways Spark self-reflection upon how each of us wields our own power in our role References: Brown B. Brené Brown on Power and Leadership. https://brenebrown.com/resources/brene-brown-on-power-and-leadership/.  Pansardi P, Bindi M. The new concepts of power? Power-over, power-to and power-with. Journal of Political Power. 2021;14(1):51-71. doi:10.1080/2158379x.2021.1877001  Bolman LG, Deal TE. Power, Conflict, and Coalition. In: Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership. 7th ed. Jossey-Bass; 2021:187-207.  Ferrada P. Breaking the silence: Addressing toxic leadership to restore psychological safety in healthcare. Forbes. October 8, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/10/08/breaking-the-silence-addressing-toxic-leadership-to-restore-psychological-safety-in-healthcare/.  Sponsor Disclaimer: Visit goremedical.com/btkpod to learn more about GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, including supporting references and disclaimers for the presented content.Refer to Instructions for Use at eifu.goremedical.com for a complete description of all applicable indications, warnings, precautions and contraindications for the markets where this product is available. Rx only Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium:General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US