Authenticity Over Accolades: Dr. Liz Malphrus on Surgery and Self

Dr. Liz Malphrus, chief resident in plastic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, joins Surgeon, Interrupted to talk about what really matters in medicine today: authenticity, identity, and rewriting the old definitions of success. As a female surgeon in one of the most demanding specialties, Liz opens up about the challenges and triumphs of carving out her own path, reminding us that the journey is both deeply personal and profoundly collective.

She shares how her background as a violinist shapes her practice, why career paths don’t have to follow a rigid script, and how younger physicians, especially Gen Z, are shifting medicine toward well-being, inclusivity, and genuine connection.

From breaking down outdated notions of prestige to embracing the fluidity of self-identity, this conversation is about more than just surgery. It’s about reclaiming your narrative and building a medical culture where authenticity comes first.

Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MD

Guest: Liz Malphrus, MD

Connect with Liz:

IG: @dr.malphrus

Website: https://www.lizmalphrusmd.com/

Substack: https://cutandtell.substack.com/

Views are Dr. Malphrus's own and do not represent her training program or institution

Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

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