Ep. 213 When your job isn't taking you seriously with Dr. Sujata Gill

Episode Description How do you know when it’s time to leave a job—and how do you trust yourself enough to do it? In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, host Dr. Amy Vertrees sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Sujata Gill for a candid, deeply honest conversation about career fit, power, gender dynamics, and navigating a difficult transition in surgery. Dr. Gill shares her journey from an initially rewarding community hospital role to a position that gradually became professionally suffocating—despite long hours, leadership roles, and relentless effort. She describes what it felt like to be treated as an employee rather than a physician, to be labeled “too high standard” and “too likable,” and to repeatedly be passed over for leadership roles she was qualified to hold. This episode explores the psychological and emotional toll of staying too long, the fear and imposter syndrome that can follow even experienced surgeons into new roles, and the critical skill of not carrying old stories into new contexts. Dr. Gill’s story ultimately becomes one of clarity, courage, and renewal—finding a physician-friendly system, supportive partners, full scope practice, and joy in surgery again. If you’re questioning your current role, feeling “capped,” or wondering whether something better actually exists—this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn How to recognize when a job is no longer a good professional fit Why working harder doesn’t fix a misaligned system The hidden cost of being treated as an “employee” rather than a physician How gender bias can show up subtly—and how to respond without internalizing it Why transitions often come with fear, imposter syndrome, and grief How negative stories from past jobs can contaminate new opportunities The importance of consciously choosing context in professional relationships What it looks like to become a “happy surgeon” again Chapters / Timestamps 00:00:02 – Dr. Gill’s background and early career decisions 00:01:26 – Early success and growing frustration in community practice 00:04:18 – Systemic issues and gender-based challenges 00:13:07 – The breaking point and decision to leave 00:23:07 – Not getting stuck in stories during transition 00:31:04 – Finding fulfillment and lifting others as you rise Action Items Pay attention to signs that you feel “capped” or powerless despite effort Examine whether frustration is about you—or the system you’re in Be intentional about releasing old narratives when entering new roles Seek coaching or support during career transitions Support others navigating similar challenges as part of your own healing About the Guest Dr. Sujata Gill is a general surgeon with expertise in bariatric and robotic surgery. After navigating a difficult and misaligned hospital system early in her career, she now practices in a physician-friendly environment that allows her to work at full scope, prioritize her family, and rediscover joy in surgery. She is passionate about supporting other physicians through career transitions and professional healing.