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:
Jeff Letter — June 2023
Dear Community: Last week SurgeonMasters published the 100th episode of the mini-podcast. As an introvert, it is a rewarding accomplishment, and it has truly given me the
100th episode of the SurgeonMasters podcast, Life Improvement Strategies for the Surgeon Who Wants More…in 10 Minutes
May 24, 2023 – SurgeonMasters CEO Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, PCC, reaches the milestone 100th episode of the SurgeonMasters podcast, Life Improvement Strategies for
Jeff Letter — May 2023
Dear Community: On the podcast episode, Appreciating Compassion!, Carla Smith, MD made me think about priorities – the good, the bad, and the ugly. A
From the Podcast:
Inspiring Passion! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 100
Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Carla welcomes orthopaedic surgeon
Crisis Leadership! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 99
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
Appreciating Compassion! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 98
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