Few careers face the intensity of spine surgery. In this episode of The Physician’s Mind, I sit down with Dr. John Flood—a master of motion-preserving spine techniques and decades of leadership in one of medicine’s most demanding fields.

We dive deep into the psychology of surgical excellence, high-pressure decision-making in the OR, and what separates a good surgeon from a great one. Dr. Flood also shares why motion preservation mattered long before it became mainstream, how to remain calm when the unexpected happens, and lessons for medical students, residents, and young physicians on mentorship and professional growth.

Follow The Physician’s Mind for more episodes that bridge medicine, mindset, and modern innovation.

✅ Key Takeaways:

- The unique pressures spine surgeons face and how to manage them.

- Why most spine patients don’t actually need surgery.

- Lessons from Dr. Flood’s most challenging surgeries and high-stress OR moments.

- The importance of motion preservation and innovation in spine surgery.

- What makes a technically good surgeon truly great.

- Leadership, mentorship, and training residents for elite performance.

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