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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast board-certified psychiatrist and performance coach, Ryan Davis, MD.

Ryan works with elite athletes and high-level professionals - most of whom are type A go-getters. While it’s a personality type that can take you far, it doesn’t always lead to a balanced life. Life balance is a bit of a cliche - it’s something we talk about a lot, but not attainable for many of us, and not one we strive to achieve.

One way to think about balancing priorities is like a tripod made up of three key components: self-care, career, and relationships. While these components may differ from person to person, they often represent the pillars of a fulfilling life. As a thought experiment, imagine forming a tripod with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger, connected by a rubber band. When you pull on one finger—putting more time and energy into that area—you increase the tension on the others. This simple exercise illustrates how shifting focus in one part of life can create strain in the others.

There will always be a give and take among our big three components. When we become unaware and the balance is disrupted, it can lead to burnout.

What steps does Ryan suggest we take to bring awareness to our work-life balance?

• Step 1 - Remember, we only have 100% to give. It’s important to realize that we only have so much to give.
• Step 2 - Consider what your “components” are. You don't need to limit yourself to just three; instead, make a list of your top 3-5 areas where you want to spend your time.
• Step 3 - Consider how you want to divide your 100%. How much do you want to allocate to your career, family, self-care, etc.?

Most importantly, PRACTICE your life balancing act!

BIO

Dr. Davis is a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with advanced performance coach training. While not at the office Dr. Davis is a 3-time marathon runner, die-hard University of Michigan and Detroit sports enthusiast, and most importantly, an obsessed golfer.

Dr. Davis helps his clients gain insight into their psyche as it relates to their sport and personal life. Dr. Davis’ background allows him to offer unique mental coaching, creating resilient and driven athletes who live more purposeful lives. Dr. Davis provides performance coaching for elite athletes, teams, as well as business executives.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!

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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes ENT surgeon and professional coach Dr. Mel Thacker to the podcast.

There’s a fallacy among physicians that we have to show up in the clinic as the all-knowing ego in the white coat who has all the answers. But when we approach treatment this way, it actually disconnects us from our patients.

We need to learn how to step out of the hero identity because when we define ourselves as heroes, our patients often become victims. When we approach patient care humbly without the mindset that we’re “better” than our patients, it can create much better outcomes.

Instead of disempowering the patient, we lay out the situation as it currently stands and explain the options available. This invites the patient to become the creator of their own lives by giving them their power back.

What steps does Mel suggest we do to shift our mindset?

• Step 1 - Anytime you are feeling like a victim and you want to blame someone or something, ask yourself what you can create from this.
• Step 2 - Recognize when you see your patients inviting you into a collaboration of care.
• Step 3 - Try to move yourself out of the “hero” mindset and into a “coaching” mindset.

Most importantly, PRACTICE shifting your mindset from hero to coach!

BIO

Mel Thacker, MD, PCC, DipABLM, is a fellowship-trained rhinologist/otolaryngologist, professional certified coach, and lifestyle medicine specialist.

In December 2024, she left her successful surgical career to focus exclusively on coaching surgeons. Her mission is to help them reclaim purpose, clarity, and control in their lives.

She is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast, Surgeons with Purpose, and the Founder of Empowered Surgeons Group, a program that will teach you everything you didn't learn in surgical training.

Follow her on Instagram here
Connect on LinkedIn here

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!

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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast, Quality Improvement Executive Leadership Consultant, Margie Nelson, MS, MT, EMT, CPXP.

Margie has spent the past 20 years as a hospital quality and safety specialist handling risk, quality improvement, and communication enhancement.

Physicians are generally recognized as healers, but when they’re first thrown into a leadership position, physicians are less likely to have experience in leading people (especially other physicians). When taking roles that require supervision of people, there’s a different skill set you need to develop to become a great leader.

A few simple actions can make all the difference in building trust among your team.

What steps does Margie suggest to improve communication and trust among your team?

• Step 1 - Create an action plan. That means living your own values so that your team leads in the same way you do.
• Step 2 - Embrace teamwork. Advocate for your team. Celebrate their wins. Discuss when things go wrong.
• Step 3 - Instill trust. Build a culture of collective excellence and elevate your team by your own leadership example.

Most importantly, PRACTICE intentional communication to lead your team!

BIO

Margie Nelson, MS, MT, EMT, CPXP, is a Quality Improvement Executive Leadership Consultant with a demonstrated history of working with hospital and healthcare systems on quality, safety and patient experience of care. Most recently she added Physician Wellness to her skills administering a Physician Coaching program at Envision Healthcare which made a significant impact on physician wellness and improvement of quality and safety scores. Margie’s education and training include a BS and MS from the George Washington University in Medical Technology and Healthcare Quality and Safety. She has worked on both sides of the care and regulatory aspects of Healthcare and continues to bring value to physician relationships with patients, leaders and colleagues.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!