Promising Young Surgeon

Latest Episodes:

Dealing with Medical Error as a Physician May 28, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Promising Young Surgeon, Dr. Frances Mei Hardin welcomes Dr. Laura Vater, a compassionate oncologist and advocate for clinician well-being, to delve into the sensitive topics of medical error and compassion fatigue. They unpack the concept of Code Lavender, a support system for healthcare workers post-traumatic events, and discuss the impact of medical errors on physicians' mental health, emphasizing the necessity of institutional support and self-compassion.

Dr. Vater shares her insights on the physiological effects of sleep deprivation and burnout on empathy, reinforcing the importance of self-care and peer support in the medical profession. The conversation also touches on the intricate balance between maintaining professional composure and the natural human limits of empathy in the face of continuous exposure to suffering.

00:00 – Cold Open

02:58 – Introduction to Dr. Laura Vater & Medical Error

30:01 - Sleep Deprivation, Burnout, and Fear

42:08 - Compassion Fatigue

51:45 – Finding Joy in Writing

Interact with the podcast! Email me at pys@heyinfluent.com to ask questions. We would love to hear from the Promising Young Surgeon audience.

Promising Young Surgeon is sponsored by Pattern. Discover why more than 20,000 doctors trust Pattern to shop for disability insurance. Request free quotes in 5 minutes. Compare policies with an expert. Buy with confidence.

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Subscribe, tune in, and join the conversation as Dr. Hardin and her guests tackle the pressing issues facing today's medical professionals and ponder how to nurture a more compassionate and sustainable healthcare environment.

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

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The Influent Network is where emerging healthcare professionals and esteemed medical experts converge. Our platform is a straightforward resource for career development, financial planning, practice management, and investment insights, designed to foster strong professional connections.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

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Fighting for the Mental Health of Physicians with Dr. Stefanie Simmons May 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Promising Young Surgeon, our special guest, Dr. Stefanie Simmons, shares her intimate mental health journey and sheds light on the transformative work of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation in advocating for the well-being of healthcare professionals and the de-stigmatization of seeking mental health care.

Discover the challenges physicians face in accessing care due to fears of licensing and credentialing repercussions, and learn about the pivotal changes being made across state medical boards. Dr. Simmons, an emergency medicine physician and healthcare executive, also offers practical advice for residents and healthcare workers navigating the complexities of mental health support within the medical community.

00:00 – Cold Open

01:52 – Introduction to Dr. Stefanie Simmons

13:15 – 3 Problems Physicians Face

26:27 – What Program Directors Can Do

44:30 – Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation

49:21 – Do You Believe in Karma?

Resources:

https://drlornabreen.org/

https://rethinkingresidency.com/wellness-resources/physician-suicide-prevention-resources-support/

Interact with the podcast! Email me at pys@heyinfluent.com to ask questions. We would love to hear from the Promising Young Surgeon audience.

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

Follow the Influent Network on Social Media:

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Examining the Realities of Fertility for Female Surgeons with Dr. Valerie Libby May 14, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Promising Young Surgeon, we sit down with Dr. Valerie Libby, an OB-GYN and expert in reproductive endocrinology and fertility at Shady Grove Fertility in Atlanta. Dr. Libby shares her profound insights on the alarming rates of infertility and pregnancy complications among female surgeons, and how her own experiences with IVF have led her to pioneer a groundbreaking egg freezing program for surgical residents.

As we navigate the delicate balance between career aspirations and the ticking biological clock, Dr. Libby's expertise illuminates a path forward for female surgeons facing the challenges of infertility. She also touches on the legal landscape surrounding reproductive healthcare, offering reassurance and guidance in these uncertain times.

00:00 – Cold Open

00:45 – Introduction to Dr. Valerie Libby

07:16 - About Shady Grove Fertility

15:05 – The Alabama Supreme Court Ruling

17:44 – Dr. Valerie’s IVF Journey

32:15 – Do You Believe in Karma?

Find Dr. Libby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerielibbymd?igsh=OGVoa3luMXV1aHNj

Egg Freezing Program for Residents: https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/treatments/egg-freezing/surgical-residents-program/

JAMA article: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2782357

Interact with the podcast! Email me at pys@heyinfluent.com to ask questions. We would love to hear from the Promising Young Surgeon audience.

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

Follow the Influent Network on Social Media:

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Distress Tolerance Skills for Resident Physicians May 07, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Season 2 of Promising Young Surgeon with Dr. Frances Mei Hardin!

In this episode, Frances Mei leads us into the nerve-racking yet critical world of distress tolerance skills. With the precision of a seasoned surgeon, she dissects the importance of these skills not just in the high-stakes environment of the operating room, but as a superpower in everyday life. From the tale of a tense moment during a salvage neck dissection to the quiet resolve required to navigate workplace dynamics, Frances Mei illustrates the art of "taking it in the jaw" with grace.

00:00 - Introduction

01:37 - Story

05:29 - Medical School

13:02 - Distress Tolerance Skills

30:19 - Time Magazine

34:38 – Outro

Interact with the podcast! Email me at pys@heyinfluent.com to ask questions. We would love to hear from the Promising Young Surgeon audience.

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

Follow the Influent Network on Social Media:

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leaving Medical Residency Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Promising Young Surgeon, we delve into the life-changing decision of Chelsea Turgeon, a former OB-GYN resident who bravely stepped away from the path of traditional medicine to carve out her own dream life. Chelsea, now a career transformation coach, best-selling author, and full-time digital nomad, shares her journey from academic excellence to the realization that her true calling lay beyond the hospital walls.

Join us as we explore the pressures of residency, the courage it takes to pursue personal fulfillment over societal expectations, and the practicalities of managing financial obligations while seeking happiness. Chelsea's story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of aligning one's career with one's values and passions.

00:00 – Introduction to Chelsea Turgeon

05:35 – Taking Those 5 Weeks Off

18:02 – If You Could Go Back…

31:43 – Advice for Individuals Questioning Residency

40:13 – The Financial Golden Handcuffs

49:53 – The Bucket List Trip

53:15 – Do You Believe in Karma?

Interact with the podcast! Email me at pys@heyinfluent.com to ask questions. We would love to hear from the Promising Young Surgeon audience.

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

Follow the Influent Network on Social Media:

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Merits of Mediocrity: Rethinking Excellence in Healthcare Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

This week's episode of Promising Young Surgeon invites us to challenge the status quo and reconsider our understanding of excellence in medicine. Colin Royal returns to introduce us to the concept of mediocrity as a strategic tool, not as a compromise of care but as a means to maintain a well-rounded life and a sustainable career in healthcare. He argues that by allowing ourselves a margin of excess or flexibility, we open the door to creativity and future planning, which is often stifled by the relentless chase for the 99th percentile of perfection.

Dr. Frances Mei naturally raises concerns about the implications of mediocrity in a field where precision and detail can mean the difference between life and death. However, as the conversation unfolds, we begin to see that mediocrity doesn't necessarily equate to subpar care. Instead, it's about finding that sweet spot where one can provide excellent care without sacrificing personal growth and well-being.

00:00 – Introduction

01:45 – Defining Mediocrity

10:53 – Lowering Standards

20:45 – What Happens When People Are Mediocre at Work?

40:16 – The “Doctor’s Office” Charade

42:35 – Outro

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

Follow the Influent Network on Social Media:

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Overcoming Substance Use in Residency and Fellowship Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

**Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about substance abuse, including alcohol and prescription drugs, as well as themes related to suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, please seek appropriate support.

On this compelling episode of 'Promising Young Surgeon', we delve into the powerful narrative of Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown. From the pinnacle of academic success to the depths of substance use disorder, Courtney's story is a raw and honest testament to the human spirit's resilience.

Listen as she recounts the trials of her residency and fellowship, her passionate love for surgery, and the transformative journey towards sobriety. Courtney's experience sheds light on the complexities of addiction in the high-stakes world of medicine and the importance of support systems in overcoming personal crises.

Join us for an intimate conversation that not only highlights the challenges faced by medical professionals but also celebrates the triumphs of recovery and the unyielding dedication to one's calling. Courtney's story is a beacon of hope, proving that even in the darkest times, a promising future awaits.

00:00 – Disclaimer: Substance Abuse

00:50 – Introduction to Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown

04:40 – Residency Experience

26:58 – The Psychotic Break

48:27 – The Aftermath / Fellowship

59:04 – Wrap Up

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

Follow the Influent Network on Social Media:

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Hardin's Stories of Diversity Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

In this week’s episode of "Promising Young Surgeon," we peel back the curtain on a topic that often remains hidden in the shadows of the medical community: the experience of minorities in non-diverse residency programs.

Dr. Frances Mei shares her personal journey through the lens of her own residency—where her height and ethnicity made her stand out in the small, Midwestern college town she called her training ground. From being the subject of patient remarks to confronting systemic issues within the hospital setting, she opens up about the challenges that came with being one of the very few Asian residents in her program.

This episode also dives into the evidence, examining racial and ethnic differences in internal medicine residency assessments and the broader implications for minority physicians in training.

00:00 – Introduction

01:35 – 4th Year ENT

17:32 – The Evidence

25:50 – Crazy Rich Asians

37:00 – Looking Chinese

41:44 – What’s the Point of All This?

42:30 – Outro

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

Follow the Influent Network on Social Media:

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mental Health in Residency Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

This week on 'Promising Young Surgeon', we're joined by the multifaceted Dr. Ellie DeJong, who shares her story of dual residency in Pediatrics and Anesthesiology and the importance of mental health for medical professionals.

Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of a promising young surgeon who is redefining what it means to navigate the medical field. Tune in and be part of the conversation that's changing the narrative around medical training and physician well-being.

00:00 – Introduction to Ellie DeJong

07:34 – Pediatric Residency

17:05 – The Moment I Knew

19:35 – Anesthesia Residency

38:11 – Does a Problematic Program = I’m Problematic?

43:36 – Do You Believe in Karma?

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

Follow the Influent Network on Social Media:

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Game of Residency Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Promising Young Surgeon, we're not just talking medicine – we're dissecting the anatomy of the workplace with Colin Royal. Learn how to increase your mental agility, navigate office politics with finesse, and understand the power dynamics that shape your professional world. Whether it's discussing the Gervais Principle or exploring the separation of tasks, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to thrive in their career, not just survive.

As we peel back the layers of the Gervais Principle, inspired by the hit TV show 'The Office', we uncover the sociopaths, the clueless, and the losers in any organization. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how to navigate the treacherous waters of your job with agility, power talk, and the courage to be disliked.

00:00 – Introduction to Colin Royal

10:42 – The Gervais Principle

33:26 – Power Talk, Posture Talk, Baby Talk

45:23 – Adlerian Psychology

48:46 – The Bachelor Theory

LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433

Connect with Frances Mei:

https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md

https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

Find More info on this series and other podcasts on the Influent Network at HeyInfluent.com

Follow the Influent Network on Social Media: