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 mini-podcast Dr. Ara Feinstein, an Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Arizona, College of Medicine – Phoenix. Ara is also a Physician Executive, an active member of a Federal Disaster Response Team, and a Boxing Commissioner for the State of Arizona.
Healthcare is getting harder and harder for physicians. The environment in which we practice is increasingly challenging. It’s like being on a surfboard wearing roller skates – constantly shifting and difficult to maintain balance.
In terms of technology and skills we’re better than our physician predecessors. That’s part of what makes it so exciting to be a physician. However, there are cultural norms that prevent us from being our best selves. Workaholism is a great example of something that’s ingrained in surgical culture that can get in the way of practicing our best.
What actions does Ara suggest we do to change surgeon culture?
- Action 1 – Lead by example. It takes people in leadership roles to take the first step. All surgeons should be leading in some positive way.
- Action 2 – When you’re doing something that isn’t benefiting you or the patient, ask yourself if you’re doing this because it’s expected as part of the culture? If the answer is yes, take a stand and go against the grain.
Most importantly, PRACTICE leading the culture you want!
Guest: Dr. Ara Feinstein
Dr. Ara Feinstein holds an M.D. from Yale University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Miami. His surgical training was completed at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Ryder Trauma Center. Dr. Feinstein is an Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Arizona, College of Medicine – Phoenix and has written extensively in the field of Trauma Surgery. As a Physician Executive, he oversees Banner Medical Group’s Adult Specialty Care business and leads a systemwide initiative on patient care integration. He is an active member of a Federal Disaster Response Team, a Boxing Commissioner for the State of Arizona, an advisor to several medical startups and developed a surgical device which he sold to Cook Medical.