Meet Jeff
I am an orthopaedic trauma surgeon in San Diego, Director of Education and a surgeon coach with SurgeonMasters, and the fellowship director of Unite Orthopaedics Foundation.
I have more than 700 hours of one-on-one surgeon coaching experience and 500+ hours of accredited coach training.
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:
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
How Physician Coaching Supports the Decision-Making Process
Surgeons and physicians are trained to be good decision makers. And we are very good decision makers, but there are plenty of reasons why we
Latest News:
Jeff Letter — November 2022
Hi Community: Recently, I was recognized with the Community Surgeon Achievement Award by my peers at the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) and the American Fracture
Jeffery M Smith, MD, FACS, PCC receives the 2022 Community Surgeon Achievement Award
Tampa, FL., Oct 13, 2022 – SurgeonMasters CEO Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, PCC recognized as the 2022 Community Surgeon Achievement Award recipient by the Orthopaedic Trauma
Jeff Letter — October 2022
I’ll bet you have a mentor… Hi Community: My vision is that every surgeon is working with a coach… … someone who can help us
From the Podcast:
Intentional Leadership! – The SurgeonMasters Podcast
Jeff welcomes to the podcast Retired US Navy Captain and New York Times Bestselling author, David Marquet. David was a nuclear submarine commander who came
New Eyes! – The SurgeonMasters Podcast
Jeff welcomes to The SurgeonMasters Podcast orthopaedic trauma surgeon and founder of SIGN Fracture Care, Dr. Lewis G. Zirkle. SIGN is a humanitarian organization that
Burned Out On Burnout! – Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 95
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