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
20. Dr. Amir Ghaferi
Dr. Amir Ghaferi, Professor of Surgery & Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and President & CEO of Physician Enterprise Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, shares his experience establishing a bariatric surgery program at the VA, and how leadership roles have shaped his career. He dives into his research on quality and surgical care, highlighting the importance of fostering high-reliability systems in healthcare. Additionally, Dr. Ghaferi provides insights into the financial side of surgery, explaining revenue models like the dollar-per-RVU approach, tracking performance against budgets, and the value of a team-based approach to financial planning. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the courage to embrace new opportunities.
Takeaways
- Dr. Ghaferi's journey highlights the importance of adaptability in career paths.
- Establishing a new program requires both passion and perseverance.
- Building coalitions is essential for successful healthcare initiatives.
- Leadership roles can significantly shape one's career trajectory.
- Research in health services can bridge gaps in surgical care.
- A culture of high reliability is vital for improving patient outcomes.
- Budgeting is a critical skill for surgical department management.
- Collaboration among healthcare teams is key to effective patient care.
- Budgeting is a collaborative effort involving multiple expertise.
- Budgeting is more of an art than a science.
- Tracking performance requires understanding the story behind the data.
- Re-forecasting budgets is essential for accuracy.
- Emotional intelligence is key for future surgical leaders.
- Leaders should embrace opportunities and challenges.
- Saying yes more than no can lead to personal growth.