Meet Jeff
I am a practicing Orthopaedic Traumatologist and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). I have more than 1,000 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, Physician Wellness, Work-Life Rhythm, Surgeon Peak Performance
"I work with quality and performance-driven surgeons to help them achieve their goals while nurturing their health and well-being and relationships most important to them."
More About Jeff's Why
From the Blog:
How Self-Awareness Impacts Physician Leadership
As physicians, we are required to navigate the complexities of leading teams and organizations in challenging environments, which is why I believe self-awareness is the
Eight Mobile Apps to Support Physician Physical Wellness
I’m always on the lookout for new ways to support my well-being. This journey started after I realized how much yoga helped me. I started
The Healing Power of Physician Peer Support
Physicians do their best to juggle the challenges of patient care, administrative demands, and personal well-being, but it is not easy. These pressures can become
Latest News:
Jeffrey M. Smith, MD Awarded Willis Campbell Club Innovation & Research Award During the 26th Triennial Meeting
(April 6, 2024, Memphis, TN) Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FAAOS, FACS, PCC was recognized with the Innovation and Research Award during the Willis C. Campbell
Enhance Your Mindset for Peak Performance
Hi Community, As physicians, we understand the paramount importance of mindset in achieving peak performance. Yet it’s a facet of performance we often underestimate or
The Zen Master Understood People’s Strengths
Hi Community, Phil Jackson, the Zen Master, is one of my favorite coaches of all time. He is known for his ability to get the
From the Podcast:
Recharge! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 112
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
Love, Money, Opportunity! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 111
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
Humanize Them! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 110
Jeff welcomes to the podcast Richard A. Schaefer, MD, MPH, an orthopaedic surgeon and human at Johns Hopkins University. As surgeons, creating understanding and make