60% Don't Visit the Dentist

Hey fam! Today’s guest is Dr. Steve—a Soviet refugee turned NYC maxillofacial surgeon who’s rebuilt jaws in war zones and mentored under a legend who operated in Pablo Escobar’s Colombia. You’ll hear how he survived 36-hour shifts, why he slams ‘silver spoon parenting,’ and how he balances saving lives with raising four kids. Med students: His residency hacks (and why he’d do it all again) will save your sanity.Fun fact: Steve’s mentor flew military planes into 1980s Colombia to save babies… while Steve was grinding through $500k in student debt. Entrepreneurs, stick around for his ‘pressure forges diamonds’ mantra—you’ll want it tattooed. Parents: His trick to raising driven kids? Pure genius.Mind-blowing stats:1) 60% of Americans skip regular dental care2) 150 surgeries in a week during Colombia missions—no sleep, all grit.0:00:00 - Soviet Teen to Surgeon0:02:13 - Why I Chose Oral Surgery0:04:44 - Married in Dental School0:11:26 - 60% Don’t See Dentists0:15:48 - That’s the Goal0:18:21 - Find Time for Everything Else0:23:02 - Why I’m Tough on Trainees0:32:45 - 150 Surgeries in 7 Days0:37:22 - Removing a Ball-Sized Tumor0:42:24 - I Never Once Thought of Quitting0:47:19 - Stop Coddling Your KidsSteve didn’t just climb the ladder—he built it from scratch. If grit had a face, it’s his. Let’s go.