Dr. Adam Dorsay, psychologist and host of the SuperPsyched podcast, interviews Dr. Sharon Chang, a distinguished surgical oncologist educated at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chang shares her journey in the demanding field of surgical oncology, including the rigorous schedules, challenges of being a female in a traditionally male-dominated field, and work-life balance. She discusses her routines for maintaining physical and mental health, the creation of psychological safety within surgical teams, and the importance of caring deeply for patients. Dr. Chang also shares her transition into coaching, focusing on mental fitness for healthcare professionals, and her efforts to combat burnout and advocate for lifestyle medicine. The episode provides a compelling and insightful look into the high-stakes world of a cancer surgeon and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched

00:35 Meet Dr. Sharon Chang: A Life-Saving Surgeon

03:00 Challenges and Triumphs of a Female Surgeon

04:50 Balancing Surgery and Motherhood

06:43 Self-Care and Physical Fitness

08:29 A Day in the Life of a Surgeon

15:30 Handling Surgical Surprises

20:56 The Importance of Teamwork and Psychological Safety

26:29 Exploring Plastic Surgery and Patient Experiences

27:33 Communicating with Patients and Families

28:01 The Impact of Social Media on Medical Information

29:59 Humor in Medicine: Dr. Glaucomflecken and Misinformation https://youtube.com/@dglaucomflecken?si=6K46jj4z2LeMBfMZ

32:35 Delivering Good and Bad News to Patients

36:29 The Importance of Caring in Medicine

43:13 Transitioning to a Career in Coaching

47:30 Sharon Chang's Triple Aim for Healthcare

51:35 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Helpful Links:

Sharon B. Chang, MD, FACS LinkedIn