Surgeons at The Table
Surgeons at The Table is a podcast born out of my journey as a general surgery chief resident with aspirations for a career in academic cardiac surgery, focusing on heart and lung transplantation. Throughout my training at some of the nation's top academic hospitals, I've had the privilege to learn from and be mentored by some of the most influential leaders in surgery. These interactions have ignited a deep passion within me for the art and science of surgery.
Reflecting on the invaluable wisdom and experiences shared with me, I decided to launch this podcast to bridge the gap between surgeon leaders and the next generation of aspiring surgeons. Each episode features in-depth conversations with directors, chairs, deans, and presidents who have risen to leadership positions in the field of surgery. I share their stories, insights, and advice to inspire, educate, and empower trainees, young faculty, and anyone aspiring to follow in their footsteps.
Tune in to Surgeons at The Table and learn from the wisdom of those who have shaped the beautiful field of surgery.
Surgeons at The Table
18. Dr. Thomas Varghese Jr.
Dr. Thomas Varghese, Professor, Chief, Section of General Thoracic Surgery at the University of Utah, and Chief Value Officer at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, joins us to share his inspiring journey in surgery. In this conversation, he discusses the evolving roles of mentorship and leadership, stressing the importance of resilience and continuous learning. Dr. Varghese highlights how he forged his path by seeking mentorship and embracing challenges, ultimately contributing to initiatives like the ACS Strong for Surgery program and the HCI-IMPACT Center.
He offers powerful advice on building a strong culture in medical institutions, emphasizes the role of effective communication, and breaks down quality improvement as a systematic approach to advancing patient care. Dr. Varghese’s story is a must-listen for aspiring surgical leaders, providing valuable insights on guiding others, creating lasting impact, and navigating the journey to leadership in medicine.
Takeaways
- Dr. Varghese's journey began with a fascination for teamwork in surgery.
- Mentorship in surgery is evolving to be multi-directional and involves curating a circle of mentors.
- Training future leaders in surgery is essential for building a strong culture in medical institutions.
- Leadership in surgery is defined by the ability to guide and positively influence others.
- First impressions matter!
- Establishing a cancer center requires a deep understanding of organizational principles and mentorship.
- Quality improvement is a systematic process that aims for measurable improvements in patient care.
- Effective communication is crucial for surgeons to convey information to patients and teams.
- Aspiring surgeon leaders should seek feedback and continuously strive for improvement.