What makes a great speech? In this episode, Dr. Amy Vertrees welcomes Cesar Cervantes, author, stand-up comedian turned speaker coach, and expert on public speaking strategy. Cesar shares how his comedy roots led him to discover the power of humor, vulnerability, and story structure—and how surgeons and professionals alike can apply these principles to speak with authenticity and impact.

Whether you’re giving a keynote, TEDx talk, or medical presentation, Cesar offers actionable advice on overcoming nerves, building credibility without listing credentials, and centering your talk around your audience—not yourself.

The True Purpose of Speaking: It’s not about showcasing yourself—it’s about transforming your audience.

Common Mistakes Speakers Make: Poor structure, over-reliance on personal stories, and performance anxiety.

Establishing Credibility: Use relatable experiences and natural conversation, not a list of accomplishments.

TEDx-Level Structure: Focus on the audience’s journey. Present the problem, guide them through it, and offer a solution.

Overcoming Nervousness: Be prepared, shift focus to your audience, and use physiological tools (like exercise and breathing).

The ROI of Public Speaking: Boost your credibility, expand your reach, and grow your impact both professionally and personally.

How stand-up comedy taught Cesar the value of authentic connection

Why humor and vulnerability create trust on stage

The differences between keynotes, TEDx talks, and workshops

The three biggest pain points in speaking: structure, writing, delivery

The value of ghostwriting and coaching for professionals

How speaking can enhance your surgical, clinical, and leadership voice

Tips for stage presence and battling performance anxiety

Making the shift from "what do I say?" to "how can I serve?"

Get your book here Great Speech by Cesar Cervantes

 

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Summary

Dr. Elisa Chiang discussed strategies for creating predictability in unpredictable economic times, emphasizing that the fundamentals of the economy are generally sound, with current uncertainty stemming from external factors. She highlighted the importance of understanding economic interrelations and the potential impact of challenging international relationships.

Dr. Chiang suggested that individuals and businesses should evaluate their dependencies and explore ways to become more self-reliant. For physicians, this includes recognizing the value of their skills and exploring options beyond traditional employment, such as private practice or becoming invaluable within their current roles. She also emphasized the importance of diversifying income streams and managing personal finances to reduce reliance on a single paycheck.

The conversation also covered strategies for physicians to increase their income, such as specializing in high-value procedures, leveraging support staff, and improving efficiency. Dr. Chiang advised questioning fixed mindsets, challenging existing beliefs, and experimenting with new approaches to adapt to unpredictable times. She also discussed tax planning, investment strategies, and the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective when dealing with market volatility. For those nearing retirement, she recommended assessing risk tolerance, diversifying portfolios, and building a cash cushion.

Dr. Chiang offers one-on-one coaching to help individuals navigate their financial situations and achieve their financial goals. Her podcast, 'Grow Your Wealthy Mindset,' provides financial literacy in bite-sized pieces, helping listeners build the knowledge and mindset needed to create financial stability.

Chapters

Introduction to Predictability in Unpredictable Times

Economic Fundamentals and Global Interdependence

Challenging Independence and Embracing Interdependence

Creating Independence and Managing Control

Strategies for Exerting Independence

Translating Value into Income

Increasing Income within the Physician Realm

Mindset Shifts for Unpredictable Times

Helping Individuals Deal with Change

Financial Viability in Private Practice

Tax Planning and Side Businesses

Time Management and Productivity

Managing Retirement Funds

Investment Strategies and Risk Tolerance

Retirement Planning and Withdrawal Rates

Dr. Chang's Coaching and Podcast

Action Items

Dr. Chiang suggested individuals and businesses should evaluate their dependencies and explore ways to become more self-reliant.

Dr. Chiang advised physicians to recognize the value of their skills and explore options beyond traditional employment.

Dr. Chiang emphasized the importance of diversifying income streams and managing personal finances.

Dr. Chiang recommended questioning fixed mindsets and experimenting with new approaches.

Dr. Chiang advised assessing risk tolerance and diversifying portfolios.

Dr. Chiang recommended building a cash cushion for those nearing retirement.

Growyourwealthymindset.com

The meeting focused on discussing the concept of being a 'slow surgeon' and strategies for managing surgical performance and confidence.

The speaker began by exploring what 'slow' means in surgical context, encouraging participants to share their perspectives. Participants noted that slowness could be relative, influenced by comparison to others, and affected by various factors including system constraints, knowledge, skill, and self-talk.

The speaker emphasized that perception of speed isn't just internal but also involves others' impressions. They discussed how the Da Vinci robot provides metrics that sometimes contradict personal perceptions of speed.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on mindset and thought patterns. The speaker introduced the thought model, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, explaining how facts trigger thoughts, which lead to emotions and ultimately actions. They emphasized the importance of reframing negative thoughts and managing both internal and external criticism.

The presentation included practical strategies for building confidence, including mental rehearsal, grounding statements, and team briefing. The speaker also discussed the importance of self-compassion and accepting that mistakes are part of the learning process.

The session concluded with information about a coaching program designed to help surgeons navigate various challenges, including complications, difficult colleagues, and practice management.

The speaker initiated a discussion about what it means to be a 'slow surgeon', encouraging participants to examine their perceptions of slowness. The concept was explored as both a measure of time and a feeling, with participants noting it's often relative to others' performance.

The speaker discussed how mindset influences performance, emphasizing the importance of understanding both personal opinions and others' perceptions in the OR. They explored how thoughts influence behavior and experience.

The discussion covered how surgeons can manage both their internal dialogue and external feedback. The speaker emphasized the importance of reframing thoughts and handling criticism constructively.

The speaker presented strategies for building confidence, including assessing current reality, setting goals, and understanding how to improve both self-perception and others' perceptions.

The presentation included specific tools and techniques for improving surgical performance, including mental rehearsal, grounding statements, and effective team communication.

The speaker recommended implementing a performance dashboard to track surgical steps and confidence levels00:29:06   The speaker suggested developing clear communication and boundaries when working with fellows00:14:02   The speaker advised creating specific benchmarks for both personal performance and fellow training00:14:55   The speaker recommended implementing pre-operative mental rehearsal with specific time boundaries00:51:05   The speaker suggested developing grounding statements for managing thoughts and emotions in the OR00:51:59

Summary

Dr. Amy Vertrees hosts a discussion with Sarah Bellenger, a CRNA with extensive military and civilian healthcare experience. Sarah discusses her journey from military service to civilian practice, and the development of her app 'ManageYou'.

Sarah Bellenger shares her 25-year nursing career experience, including service at the White House, military deployments, and transition to civilian practice. She emphasizes the importance of team-based care and the evolving role of CRNAs, particularly in rural healthcare settings.

The discussion explores the challenges in anesthesia care team models, with Sarah explaining how CRNAs work independently in rural settings while collaborating with anesthesiologists in urban areas. She notes that the industry faces a significant staffing shortage, with a need for various provider types to ensure adequate coverage.

Sarah introduces her app 'ManageYou', developed to address the widespread challenge of managing healthcare credentials. The app, available in both app stores, helps healthcare providers track and manage their professional documents, certifications, and licenses. She mentions that credential management is a $39 billion industry, and document mismanagement can cost facilities approximately $9,000 per day in lost billables.

The discussion concludes with Sarah outlining future developments for ManageYou, including enhanced security features and potential integration with national credentialing systems. She emphasizes the importance of making credential management more efficient and accessible for healthcare providers.

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Dr. Amy Vertrees introduces Sarah Bellenger, a CRNA with extensive military experience who developed an app for credential management. Sarah shares her 25-year nursing career journey, including service at the White House and multiple deployments.

Evolution of CRNA Practice

Sarah discusses the differences between military and civilian CRNA practice, emphasizing the importance of independent practice capabilities, especially in rural healthcare settings. She explains how military training prepares CRNAs for autonomous practice.

Anesthesia Care Team Models

Sarah explains the various anesthesia care team models, discussing the collaboration between CRNAs and anesthesiologists, particularly in urban versus rural settings. She addresses the industry-wide staffing challenges and potential solutions.

ManageYou App Development

Sarah describes the development of ManageYou, inspired by personal experiences with credential management challenges. She explains how the app helps healthcare providers organize and track their professional documents and certifications.

Security and Future Development

Sarah outlines the security measures implemented in ManageYou and discusses future developments, including enhanced features and potential integration with national credentialing systems.

Action Items

Sarah Bellenger mentioned the launch of ManageYou app in both Google Play and App Store for healthcare providers to manage their credentials

Sarah Bellenger indicated plans to implement new security features for the app that exceed current standards

Sarah Bellenger proposed integration with NCQA and other national credentialing systems for streamlined verification processes

Sarah Bellenger recommended starting credential documentation with high-priority items like diplomas and frequently renewed certifications like CPR

Linktree: http://linktr.ee/manageyou
Website: www.manageyouapp.com
LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/company/manage-you/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/manageyou_app

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Manageyouapp1

Summary

Dr. Amy hosts a discussion with Dr. Cate Straub about community and rural surgery. Dr. Straub shares her journey from being an East Coast city girl to practicing in rural North Central Washington, specifically in Wenatchee.

Dr. Straub describes her experience establishing a pancreatic surgery practice in a rural setting. She explains how she built the practice by working with interventional gastroenterologists, creating protocols, and marketing her services throughout the region. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and maintaining relationships with larger medical centers.

The discussion explores the benefits and challenges of community surgery. Dr. Straub highlights how rural surgeons can shape their practice based on community needs while maintaining work-life balance. She discusses the importance of building trust within the community and establishing relationships with tertiary centers.

Dr. Straub shares her involvement in advocacy work, particularly through the American College of Surgeons (ACS). She emphasizes the importance of understanding hospital operations and government processes to effectively advocate for healthcare needs. She discusses her transition to a surgical hospitalist role while maintaining her pancreatic practice.

The conversation concludes with a discussion about the future of community surgery and the importance of training programs. Dr. Straub highlights the expansion of rural surgery tracks in residency programs and the need for debt relief programs to encourage surgeons to practice in rural areas.

Chapters

Introduction and Background00:00:00

Dr. Amy introduces Dr. Cate Straub, whom she met at an ACS conference. Dr. Straub describes her journey from the East Coast to practicing in Wenatchee, Washington, a semi-rural center far from tertiary facilities.

Building a Rural Pancreatic Surgery Practice00:02:43

Dr. Straub details how she established a pancreatic surgery practice by collaborating with interventional gastroenterologists, creating protocols, and marketing her services throughout the region up to the Canadian border.

Community Surgery Benefits and Challenges00:06:11

Discussion of rural patient demographics, their reluctance to travel, and the importance of maintaining relationships with tertiary centers. Dr. Straub emphasizes the need to put ego aside and focus on patient needs.

Mid-Career Evolution and Mentorship00:29:59

Dr. Straub discusses the transition in finding satisfaction from achievement to purpose, emphasizing the importance of teaching and mentoring others in the medical community.

Advocacy and Leadership00:34:03

Dr. Straub shares her involvement in advocacy work through ACS, emphasizing the importance of understanding both hospital operations and government processes.

Action Items

Dr. Straub established collaboration with interventional gastroenterologists to support pancreatic surgery program00:03:59

Dr. Straub created protocols for benign pancreas program surveillance00:04:13

Dr. Straub developed marketing strategy by visiting healthcare facilities between Wenatchee and Canadian border00:04:39

Dr. Straub established mentorship relationship with Dr. Adnan Al-Sayedi at Virginia Mason00:05:02

Dr. Straub helped establish peer counseling process in the operating room00:28:07

Dr. Straub plans to transition some administrative roles while maintaining focus on acute care surgery

In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, we dive into the journey behind the third edition of a widely used surgical textbook. Dr. Mark Neff, the book’s original author, shares how failing his oral board exam inspired him to create a resource that has since transformed surgical education. Joined by Dr. Kay Yoon-Flanery, a fellowship-trained breast surgeon, and Dr. Ashanti Ratnasekera, a trauma and acute care surgeon, the discussion explores the book’s impact, the role of mentorship, and the lessons learned from the oral board experience.

🔹 From Failure to Foundation: Dr. Neff’s journey from failing the oral boards to publishing a comprehensive surgical textbook, initially rejected by multiple publishers before Springer accepted it.
🔹 The Book’s Evolution: How it grew from a simple study guide to a 518-page resource featuring contributions from over 150 authors.
🔹 Mentorship & Support in Surgery: Dr. Yoon-Flanery shares her experiences as a resident navigating pregnancy, with Dr. Neff as a key mentor. Dr. Ratnasekera reflects on how his teaching shaped her approach to minimally invasive surgery.
🔹 Lessons from the Oral Boards: The guests discuss their own exam experiences, including the importance of preparation and focusing on "horses" (common cases) rather than "zebras" (rare ones).
🔹 Future Goals: Expanding the book’s reach beyond surgery, increasing diversity among contributors, and ensuring integrity by keeping board examiners out of the author pool.

This episode is a powerful reminder that failure isn’t the end—it’s often the beginning of something greater. Tune in to hear how persistence, collaboration, and mentorship are shaping the future of surgical education.