Operate with Zen

"Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain." 
– Vivian Greene 

Dr. James Harris is a general surgeon and Chair of Surgery at Howard County General Hospital of Johns Hopkins Medicine.  James is an incredible surgeon and role model whose personal story has taken tremendous twists and turns.  Despite the ups and downs, James always finds a way to "dance" and dance well.  He newest endeavor, Doc Health & Fitness (dochealthfitness.com; IG: dochealthandfitness; YouTube: DocHealth & Fitness) combines passions for health, fitness, and well-being with his love for surgery and caring for patients. (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

The United States military is among the elite fighting forces in human history.  Fostering a great military starts with fostering great soldiers.  Tanya Ivey-Bloom is a nurse practitioner at the Johns Hopkins Hospital but also the current Commander of the 336th Medical Detachment of the US Army Reserves in Fort Meade Maryland.  We compare and contrast military and civilian medicine, leadership styles, and how the military embraces a mindful approach to training soldiers (and physicians). (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Abraham Maslow was an American Psychologist who created a "Hierarchy of Needs" to describe an individual's ability to achieve their full potential - what he called self-actualization.  Achieving "wellness" in one's life is a challenge.  Understanding the framework of Maslow's Hierarchy and how it applies to medicine and surgery may help you climb the pyramid toward self-actualization and your highest potential. (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Negative Feedback can arrive in a variety of forms in surgery including direct feedback from peers or bosses, patient complaints, or complications.  This solo podcast discusses a 4-step process to deal with negativity in our lives. (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

In Season 1, Episode 11 we spoke about Understanding Bad Behaviors.  In this podcast, we literally talk to the person who wrote the book.  Dr. Jody Foster is a psychiatrist and Assistant Dean for Professionalism at the University of Pennsylvania.  Among other roles, she is also the team psychiatrist for the Philadelphia Eagles.  She encounters “bad behaviors” for a living and, in this episode, discusses the common bad actors we may see in surgery and medicine and, in my opinion, most importantly, how to empathize and understand them to promote a positive workplace and a strong team.  If you want to read more, check out Dr. Foster's book, The Schmuck in My Office (How to Deal Effectively with Difficult People at Work), co-written with Michelle Joy.   (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Many of our guests on Operate with Zen are established in their careers and working to figure out a more mindful, healthy approach to medicine and surgery.  Jake Taylor, MD (Twitter: @doctorjakeuro) is a Chief Resident at NYU and while still developing in his surgical career, has well established routines and principles of mindfulness.  A great podcast for listeners at all levels of surgical and mindfulness expertise, but especially poignant for those in training. (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Many of us can remember mentors who shaped our careers and are responsible for the situations in which we currently work or reside.  Kirsten Greene, MD (Twitter: KGUROmd) discusses many of the wonderful mentors she experienced through her evolution from a general surgery intern at UCSF to the Chair of Urology at the University of Virginia.  Strong examples of female and male mentors are offered, concepts of mentoring up as well as down are discussed, and creating a community of surgeons interested in each other and our collective well-being is brought forth.  (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Repeat guest, Angela Smith, MD (Twitter: @angiesmith_uro) is an incredibly efficient urologic oncologist, academician, and mom.  Coordination and time management are keys to not only surviving, but thriving in each situation.  In this podcast, Dr. Smith breaks down the concepts of effective time management as well as providing practical advice to structure your week for maximal efficiency and happiness.  (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Very few physicians finish their career in the location or role in which they started.  Aditya Bagrodia, MD (Twitter: @AdityaBagrodia) is a urologic oncologist who recently transitioned from UT Southwestern to UC San Diego at about the same time I transitioned from Johns Hopkins to the University of Pennsylvania.  Reasons and rationale for transition are discussed as well as practical considerations for when you are considering moving from one job to another.  (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Challenges and resilience are a part of life, and each of us struggles to achieve fulfillment and happiness through these struggles.  Nishant Patel, MD (Twitter: @nishanturo) has his fair share of struggles including not matching (twice) into urology residency and medical issues with his family.  But none of these experiences are as profound as his story with alcoholism and sobriety.  Described as "an accomplished surgeon and an accomplished alcoholic" on the podcast, The Payoff with Pete (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-payoff-with-pete/id1550520979), Nishant's honest and insightful story provides lessons in humility, purpose, and overcoming challenges.  If not already aware, it should open your eyes to the struggles of addiction and lower the stigma of interacting with people struggling through addiction or in recovery.  If you are struggling with addiction, believe that someone is struggling, or know someone who is, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Patel or this podcast for direction.  (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)