Ep. 231 Improving Surgical Outcomes Through Self-Awareness with Dr. Melinda Thacker

BackTable ENT

Let’s talk about what it really means to show up for your patients—and yourself—as a surgeon. In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Mel Thacker, an otolaryngologist and founder of The Empowered Surgeon and the Surgeons with a Purpose Podcast, joins hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan to discuss humanity in surgery, and how to stay grounded in a profession that demands so much of us.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Thacker shares her journey from experiencing anxiety and panic attacks in the operating room to becoming a coach who helps surgeons discover their purpose and practice medicine with greater humanity. They discuss the significance of self-awareness, the importance of protecting oneself as a valuable asset, and how to serve patients with compassion and empathy. Practical advice is offered on shifting mindset, engaging in meaningful connections with patients, and fostering a collaborative, rather than hierarchical, approach in medical practice.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
03:04 - Discovering Coaching
10:52 - Residency Reflections
23:06 - Improving Patient Relationships
29:48 - Coaching Surgeons and Addressing Emotional Growth
37:49 - Serving vs. Fixing: A New Perspective on Patient Care
44:09 - Daily Practices for Empathy and Self-Awareness
44:40 - Three Essentials for Success in Medicine
46:31 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts