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Dr. Thomas Scalea, the Honorable Francis X. Kelly Distinguished Professor of Trauma Surgery, Physician-in-Chief of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and Director of the Program in Trauma at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, joins us to discuss his unconventional path to becoming a leader in trauma care. Reflecting on pivotal career moments, Dr. Scalea highlights innovative approaches in trauma management and the importance of empowering teams to foster excellence in patient care. He shares insights on leadership, from conflict resolution and negotiation to the essential role of “managing up” in a high-stakes environment. Dr. Scalea’s emphasis on challenging the status quo and pursuing one’s passions offers invaluable advice for aspiring surgeons and leaders.

Takeaways

• Dr. Scalea's journey to surgery was unplanned and filled with pivotal moments.
• Innovative techniques in trauma care can lead to remarkable patient recoveries.
• Effective leadership requires listening and leading by example.
• Improving patient care involves protocolizing processes and enhancing communication.
• Quality assurance in complex healthcare systems relies on empowering skilled individuals.
• Conflict management starts with understanding others' perspectives.
• Influence as a leader is built through a willingness to help and support others.
• Aspiring leaders should challenge the status quo and pursue what they love.

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Dr. Charles Yeo, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and Senior Vice President and Chair of Enterprise Surgery at Jefferson Health, shares his journey to becoming a leader in pancreatic surgery. He reflects on the pivotal role of mentorship, the resilience needed during his transition to faculty, and the evolution of pancreatic surgery over the years. Dr. Yeo dives into the complexities of healthcare systems, discussing the funds flow model and the importance of preserving academic missions. For aspiring leaders, Dr. Yeo highlights the need for emotional intelligence and foundational skills essential to succeed in surgery.

Takeaways

• Mentorship played a crucial role in shaping Dr. Yeo's career path.
• The evolution of pancreatic surgery has been significant over the years.
• Early challenges in faculty positions require resilience and adaptability.
• Leadership in surgery is about advancing others and setting them up for success.
• Effective communication is vital in surgical leadership.
• Balancing work and personal life is a continuous challenge for surgeons.
• Healthcare systems benefit from regional facilities for patient care and education.
• Quality assurance requires delegation and oversight in large healthcare systems.
• Future surgical leaders must develop emotional intelligence and sound surgical skills.

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Dr. Robert McIntyre, John and Cynthia Schultz Professor and Chief of the Division of GI, Trauma, and Endocrine Surgery, as well as Vice Chair of Finance in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado, reflects on how personal trauma influenced his career path and discusses the transition from resident to attending surgeon, highlighting the new responsibilities that come with leadership.

He emphasizes the importance of soft skills—especially listening—and how leadership opportunities often arise from being prepared and open to them. Dr. McIntyre shares his insights into balancing multiple roles in a surgical career, the value of collaboration, and the power of building trust within a team.

Dr. McIntyre also highlights the complexities of revenue cycle management and the significance of compliance in billing practices.


Takeaways

• Dr. McIntyre's journey into surgery was influenced by personal trauma.
• The transition from resident to attending brings new responsibilities.
• Leadership opportunities often arise from being prepared and open to them.
• Soft skills, especially listening, are crucial for effective leadership.
• Balancing multiple roles can be achieved through collaboration and teamwork.
• Influence in leadership comes from valuing team input and building trust.
• Documentation is key to successful revenue cycle management.
• Timely filing and clean claims are critical to avoid denials.
• Regular feedback and education are essential for compliance and improvement.
• Future leaders should focus on management and finance skills alongside clinical expertise.

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Dr. Parsia Vagefi, Professor and Executive Vice Chair of Strategy and Finance in the Department of Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Chief of the Division of Surgical Transplantation, shares his journey into transplant surgery and the importance of mentorship in shaping his career. Specializing in liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery, he discusses the rewards and challenges of the field, emphasizing teamwork in achieving successful outcomes. Dr. Vagefi also provides insights into leadership, adaptability, and transparency, while highlighting the financial aspects of running a surgical department, optimizing care pathways, and value-based care. He offers advice to trainees, encouraging them to focus on their interests and prioritize open communication in navigating challenges.

Takeaways

• Mentorship and early exposure to surgery are crucial in shaping a career in surgery.
• Effective leadership requires adaptability, presence, open communication, and transparency.
• When considering career transitions, it is important to assess the opportunities and challenges of the new environment and weigh them against the current situation.
• Preparing for leadership roles in healthcare administration may involve reading relevant literature, optimizing care pathways, and focusing on value-based care. Be good stewards of resources and find opportunities to increase efficiency.
• Consider the interconnectedness of clinical care, research, and education in building a successful department.
• Focus on your interests and commit to becoming an expert in your chosen areas
• Transparency and open communication are key in managing financial challenges

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Dr. Keith Lillemoe, W. Gerald Austen Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Surgeon-in-Chief at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares his journey to becoming a leader in the field. He dives into the critical role of mentorship, the key traits of effective leadership, and how surgical education and quality improvement are evolving. Dr. Lillemoe highlights the importance of balancing leadership duties while fostering a culture of safety and excellence. He offers practical strategies for developing leadership skills, engaging faculty in quality initiatives, and sustaining progress, even in resource-constrained environments. His advice for aspiring leaders centers on mastering time management and making strategic decisions.


Takeaways

• Leadership in surgery requires understanding multiple missions.
• Trainees should seek leadership opportunities early in their careers.
• National leadership roles enhance institutional leadership capabilities.
• Setting educational standards is crucial for surgical departments.
• Assessing leadership qualities starts early in residency.
• Quality improvement is a priority in surgical departments.
• Engaging faculty in quality initiatives is essential for success.

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Dr. Allan Kirk, Professor and Chair of Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine shares his unique journey from time in the military to becoming a distinguished transplant surgeon and scientist. He offers deep insights into the evolution of leadership in surgery and reflects on the critical importance of authenticity, teamwork, and balancing innovation with financial sustainability. Dr. Kirk provides invaluable advice for future surgical leaders, emphasizing personal development, subject matter expertise, and the power of genuine leadership.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about developing expertise, not seeking authority.
• Military experience provided valuable resources and encouragement.
• Encouragement in a workplace is crucial for growth.
• Innovation must be balanced with financial sustainability.
• Effective leaders listen more than they speak.
• Authenticity is essential for positive influence as a leader.
• Building a strong team is foundational for departmental success.

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Dr. Martha Zeiger is an internationally renowned endocrine surgeon at the National Cancer Institute, NIH, and is an expert in the molecular aspects of thyroid cancer. She is the Founder and Dean of Endocrine Surgery University and has served as President of both the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons and the American Thyroid Association. In this episode, Dr. Zeiger shares her inspiring journey as a pioneering woman in surgery, discussing her early experiences in medical school without female role models, and her rise to leadership. She reflects on her time in the Navy, her unique surgical experiences, and the challenges and triumphs along the way. Dr. Zeiger also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and leadership in medicine, as well as her efforts in developing programs for surgeon-scientists, while offering her vision for the future of surgical leadership.

Takeaways

• Her love for science and helping people drove her to medicine.
• She was the first woman to graduate from her surgical residency program.
• Her first surgical patient was a gooney bird.
• Dr. Zeiger served as the only woman surgeon on an aircraft carrier.
• She was part of the surgical team during President George HW Bush's inauguration.
• She discusses her framework for conceiving and implementing new programs at a national level.
• Dr. Zeiger encourages aspiring surgeons to embrace their careers with passion.

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Dr. Timothy Pawlik, Professor and Surgeon-in-Chief at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, shares valuable insights on self-awareness, mentorship, and the power of continuous learning. He highlights the critical role professional societies play in career advancement and underscores the importance of collaboration in research. Dr. Pawlik also offers advice for aspiring leaders, encouraging them to discover their passion while remaining patient in their career development.

Takeaways

• Leadership is a purposeful journey that requires mentorship and continuous learning.
• It's important to lead where you currently are, regardless of your position.
• Aim to make an impact!
• Success in research comes from collaboration and having a supportive team.
• Professional societies provide opportunities for impact and career advancement.
• Research infrastructure is crucial for new faculty to succeed in their careers.
• Patience is essential in both personal and professional growth.