Posts tagged Surgeon

The More Things Change, The More They Remain The Same

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Soon after we finished the question and answer session in a CME, a doctor came up to me and had a short conversation about weight loss medications.

Then he asked me, “Madam, are you a dietitian?”

I glanced at my colleague, a brilliant surgeon in her own right, and we both shrugged. Some things never change…..

I’ve been a doctor for 25 years and a surgeon for nearly 20. I’ve heard it all. Back in my post-graduate days, I was the only woman in the department of surgery. The general consensus was that I would leave within 6 months and probably waste a precious surgery seat. While the male PGs were proclaimed as “Doctors”, I was the eternal “Sister” throughout.

It was assumed that being a female PG in surgery was just the backdoor to practicing gynaecology in future. When I finally graduated, if people saw me in scrubs, they almost always assumed that I was the anesthetist. There was a lot unsolicited advice about the wrong choice of my chosen profession and ofcourse the assumption that—”Women in surgery never make it to the top.”

Today after nearly two decades, people still do not expect or accept that the woman standing in front of them could actually be a surgeon.

In the early days, I’d get angry and upset. I would react. The whole “sister” or “anesthetist” thing would set me off. But today? I just shrugged and laughed it off.

Because no matter what you call us, we are here—and we’re here to stay.

Women in surgery aren’t just breaking barriers, we’re shattering them. Women are leading departments and organizations, conducting complex surgeries, and showing the world what true excellence looks like. Women surgeons score higher on empathy and compassion.

Research shows that women surgeons actually have better patient outcomes and lower morbidity and mortality. People live longer when they’re treated by women doctors.

So call us whatever you like—but know this: the numbers of women surgeons are rising, the tables are turning, and the world better get used to it.

We’re not just here to stay, we’re here to thrive.

©️Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker

Calm Under Pressure- Becoming A Surgical GOAT

Bariatric Surgery

©Dr. Aparna Govil Basker

It’s my regular bed time routine to scroll through some Insta reels before I crash for the night. I usually love watching commencement speeches and sometimes some other stuff like stand-up comedy etc. It is good to end the day on a funny note or an inspiring one!

One of the recent commencement speeches I watched was that of Roger Federer. Federer is not only a personal favourite but is also undisputedly one of the greatest tennis players of all times (a GOAT!). He has been admired and celebrated all over the world not only for his impeccable tennis skills but his calm and cool demeanour. I am yet to come across a more graceful personality on the court. Every time I’ve watched him play; I’ve been hugely impressed by his composed demeanour.

Whether he wins or loses, he remains unruffled and tranquil, never showing a trace of excitement or agitation. It has never mattered whether the crowd is cheering him on or being hostile, whether he is being trolled or adored. Federer’s mental strength and fitness shines through. He has maintained the same calm composure in hundreds of matches over two decades. It’s actually quite funny; as bystanders in history, we not only take his greatness for granted but also his remarkable calmness.

What struck me in Federer’s commencement speech was his confession that he wasn’t always this composed. Before his golden era of Grand Slams, Federer was a completely different person— a hyperemotional racquet-breaking brat who couldn’t handle a bad game. This calm and composed demeanour was consciously acquired and cultivated after a deeper self-realization and work with a sports psychologist. It took continuous effort over many years to develop the persona we witnessed on our television screens for so long, both on and off the court. There is no doubt that technical skills and physical prowess played a big part in his success but ultimately what led him to being a GOAT was his ability to create a serene and a resilient mind.

Federer’s journey to mental tranquility and his insights about the importance of mental fitness are highly relevant to a surgeon’s life. Similar to professional sports, the field of surgery demands not only exceptional technical skills but also extraordinary mental resilience and composure. Surgeons operate in high-pressure environments where the stakes are extremely high; a single mistake can have a significant impact on a patient’s health. This responsibility necessitates maintaining a high level of calm, focus, and precision.

In our profession, we confront numerous critical situations at various points. Surgeries can be challenging and intricate, emergencies can arise unexpectedly, equipment malfunctions can occur at critical moments, human errors can happen when least anticipated, and complications are an inherent part of every surgeon’s experience. While it is very easy to express frustration or tension, it is crucial for us to develop our mental resilience to remain composed under pressure.

Many a times surgeons express tension and frustration, especially by directing it towards surgical assistants or operating theatre staff. This creates a stressful environment that affects their performance. This can ultimately impact the overall surgical outcomes negatively. Moreover, such behaviour increases the general stress levels in the operating theatre, which increases the likelihood of mistakes occurring. Surgeons who create a tense and intimidating atmosphere in the operating room disrupt the conducive working environment needed for long-term success. It’s evident that this approach doesn’t lead to achieving any kind of greatness in the field of surgery even if the surgeon is highly skilled technically. I personally feel that they may be successful in creating fear in the short term but fail to get any respect in the long term.

On the other hand, even though it may be difficult, maintaining a professional and calm demeanour not only fosters a more supportive atmosphere for the entire surgical team but also enhances communication and collaboration. This contributes to a smoother operation and better patient care. Surgeons who are conscious about this and prioritize creating a positive and respectful working environment help mitigate stress and optimize the team’s performance, ultimately leading to improved surgical outcomes. Its difficult, but doable!

Federer’s journey has several lessons that are also relevant for surgeons and can be adapted. Just as Federer learned to manage his emotions to avoid being a hyperemotional player, surgeons must learn to regulate their emotions to maintain clarity and focus during surgeries. Emotional outbursts or distractions can impair judgement and affect performance.

Actively working on emotional regulation can help surgeons to remain steady and effective, even under stressful circumstances. Surgeons can benefit from mental preparation strategies, such as visualization of procedures, mindfulness, and stress-relief techniques. These practices can enhance concentration and reduce anxiety, leading to better surgical outcomes. Resilience and the capacity to remain unruffled in the face of complications or unexpected challenges are crucial for successful surgical practice. Ultimately staying calm and composed in the face of adversity can be acquired and cultivated. The first step towards change is to be aware. At the end of the day we all are a work in progress in different stages.

Developing mental toughness and inner calmness is crucial not only in the operating room but also in any high-stakes profession. Surgeons who cultivate these qualities in addition to clinical and technical skills can navigate their responsibilities more effectively, resulting in improved patient care and personal fulfillment. This approach also paves the way for achieving excellence. So if you ask me who is the greatest surgeon I think you already know the answer by now. GOAT in the field of surgery would be someone who would not only be technically skilled but have the highest level of mental fitness and tranquility.

Happy Doctor’s Day!! 🙂