Meet Jeff
I am a practicing Orthopaedic Traumatologist and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). I have more than 750 hours of one-on-one surgeon coaching experience and 500+ hours of International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited coach training.
With over 20 years of experience within academic and private healthcare systems, I have developed my own system to cope with the ups and downs of being a performance-driven surgeon managing episodes of burnout in a demanding career. Through my personal experience and studies, I have developed The 8 PRACTICEs of Highly Successful Surgeons, a coaching methodology that addresses communication, leadership, time / life management, and more. I continue to be driven by my passion to positively impact the lives of patients recovering from injury, and helping physicians create the life and practice they want.
You can find my thoughts about the practice of medicine in the SurgeonMasters blog and as the host of the SurgeonMasters Podcast, Life Improvement Strategies for the Surgeon Who Wants More… in 10 Minutes. I also frequently share my perspective in presentations on topics like surgeon wellness, surgeon coaching, and my experience with burnout.
Coaching Specialty: Practice Optimization, Wellness, Work-Life Rhythm
I do what I do to make a major positive impact on other people's lives.
More About Jeff's Why
From the Blog:
Why I Am a Surgeon: A Patient’s Story of Triumph, Healing, and Giving Back
There are countless reasons why physicians choose the medical profession. The opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life, to heal, and to bring
Use Active Listening To Empower Others
As physicians, our lives are easier when we empower those around us. Patient care and leadership are two obvious examples of how empowerment can improve
Three Benefits of Physician Coach Training… Even If You Don’t “Coach”
When I started my coach training program, I was seeking an exit strategy from the nonsense in the healthcare system. I was tired and I
Latest News:
Physician Coach Training Transitions to a Level 1 International Coaching Federation Accredited Coach Training Program
SurgeonMasters has transitioned Physician Coach Training to an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Level 1 accredited coach training program for 60 total hours of coach-specific education/training.
SurgeonMasters CEO Jeffrey Smith, MD, FACS, PCC is a Co-Author of “What’s Important: Living (and Thriving) with Stress”
On August 16, 2023 the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS) published “What’s Important: Living (and Thriving) with Stress” authored by Robert M. Ostrum,
Jeff Letter — August 2023
Hi Community: Our best practice looks different day-to-day based on factors that limit or enhance our ability to access peak performance. When you’re practicing your
From the Podcast:
Sapient Leadership! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 103
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
Recovery! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 102
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
Crisis Management! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 101
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
Letters from Jeff:
Jeff Letter – March 2022
As physicians we’re taught to bury emotions. That may mean our health and well-being can come second to that of our patients. But it doesn’t
Jeff Letter – February 2022
What is it about titles? I have several hang-ups about titles. I don’t want to have my name followed by a bunch of titles. It
Jeff Letter – December 2021
Hi Community, During the holiday season, I reflect on my life and career in a more spiritual way (not necessarily just religious) than I do