TIPS FROM THE OR – PREPARATION

I’m continuing on this topic because after 30 years in the OR, I feel like I have learned many lessons during my time in the operating room.

Of course all aspects of medicine will provide learning in different aspects, but when it comes to the operating room, I feel like I have learned so much that has been useful in making surgeries and patient recovery go well. This also relates to burnout recovery! The one we are going to be diving into today is preparation!

Preparation

Majority of surgeries (especially in the United States) are planned events, even if there not planned, such as in the case of a car accident etc. but since majority of us surgeons have seen this type of incident before we are prepared in that way as well.

I want you to ask yourself this question, do you feel like you gather your preparation from your good or bad experiences? There is no wrong answer of course but I have a feeling majority of you are saying both right now.

We implement the good and gain knowledge from the well not so good.

Trial and error will occur in whenever we try something new in our techniques or ways of doing something, it is how we refine our processes and function at our best. Something we must always keep in mind: we cannot find what really works for us without experiencing what does not.

In understanding this we are able to feel prepared in all aspects of our life!

This is where we can create and maintain balance within all aspects of our life, especially work and burnout! So anticipate, prepare and think about the things that are important for you! Prepare for your life like you would as a surgeon. Always make space for what is ultimately enhancing you and your life.

 

~Jeff Moody, MD