Ep 182 Are you a slow surgeon?

Summary The meeting focused on discussing the concept of being a 'slow surgeon' and strategies for managing surgical performance and confidence. The speaker began by exploring what 'slow' means in surgical context, encouraging participants to share their perspectives. Participants noted that slowness could be relative, influenced by comparison to others, and affected by various factors including system constraints, knowledge, skill, and self-talk. The speaker emphasized that perception of speed isn't just internal but also involves others' impressions. They discussed how the Da Vinci robot provides metrics that sometimes contradict personal perceptions of speed. A significant portion of the discussion centered on mindset and thought patterns. The speaker introduced the thought model, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, explaining how facts trigger thoughts, which lead to emotions and ultimately actions. They emphasized the importance of reframing negative thoughts and managing both internal and external criticism. The presentation included practical strategies for building confidence, including mental rehearsal, grounding statements, and team briefing. The speaker also discussed the importance of self-compassion and accepting that mistakes are part of the learning process. The session concluded with information about a coaching program designed to help surgeons navigate various challenges, including complications, difficult colleagues, and practice management. Chapters Understanding the Concept of 'Slow' in Surgery00:00:16 The speaker initiated a discussion about what it means to be a 'slow surgeon', encouraging participants to examine their perceptions of slowness. The concept was explored as both a measure of time and a feeling, with participants noting it's often relative to others' performance. The Impact of Mindset in the Operating Room00:02:36 The speaker discussed how mindset influences performance, emphasizing the importance of understanding both personal opinions and others' perceptions in the OR. They explored how thoughts influence behavior and experience. Managing Internal and External Perceptions00:04:04 The discussion covered how surgeons can manage both their internal dialogue and external feedback. The speaker emphasized the importance of reframing thoughts and handling criticism constructively. Building Confidence Through Preparation00:12:19 The speaker presented strategies for building confidence, including assessing current reality, setting goals, and understanding how to improve both self-perception and others' perceptions. Practical Tools for Improvement00:54:52 The presentation included specific tools and techniques for improving surgical performance, including mental rehearsal, grounding statements, and effective team communication. Action Items The speaker recommended implementing a performance dashboard to track surgical steps and confidence levels00:29:06   The speaker suggested developing clear communication and boundaries when working with fellows00:14:02   The speaker advised creating specific benchmarks for both personal performance and fellow training00:14:55   The speaker recommended implementing pre-operative mental rehearsal with specific time boundaries00:51:05   The speaker suggested developing grounding statements for managing thoughts and emotions in the OR00:51:59