Welcome to 2026! In this solo episode, Dr. Sharon Stein kicks off the year by exploring a topic that defines—and often derails—surgical careers: The Surgical Ego.

We all know the TV stereotype of the arrogant surgeon. But Sharon dives into a more subtle version: the ego that hides behind the mask of the "humble, meticulous surgeon." Whether you walk into a room saying "I’ve got this" or rack yourself over the coals after a complication, both extremes stem from the same risky belief: that we have total control over every outcome.

What You'll Learn

• The Summit of Ego: A residency story about a surgeon who believed the worst thing that could happen to a patient was something happening to him.
• The "Humble" Trap: Sharon shares how her own guilt over an anastomotic leak revealed a hidden ego—the belief that being "careful enough" could prevent all complications.
• Ego as a Distraction: Why questioning your skill mid-case directs focus away from the patient and toward your own self-doubt.
• Suffering as "Payment": The common but illogical feeling that if we suffer enough along with the patient, we can "pay" for a bad outcome.
• The Learning Cycle: Why our "precious surgical ego" makes us want to hide mistakes rather than being curious about how to improve.
• Finding Balance: How to maintain the confidence required to operate while accepting that some factors remain beyond our control.

Key Takeaways for 2026

1. Notice the Shift: Watch for when your ego—through overconfidence or shame—takes the driver's seat.
2. Focus on the Patient: In difficult moments, move from "Am I good enough?" to "What does this patient need right now?"
3. Ditch Perfection: Meticulousness is a goal, not a guarantee. Even the best surgeons have complications.

Join the Conversation: How has ego helped or hurt your practice? Sharon wants to hear your stories at www.intentionalsurgeon.com.

Ready to be intentional about your surgical career? Visit intentionalsurgeon.com/launchpad to learn about securing the right surgical position for you.

In the final episode of the year, Dr. Sharon Stein sits down with Dr. Mel Thacker, an otolaryngologist and master certified coach, to discuss how surgeons can design success on their own terms.

Obligation vs. Creation Energy

Dr. Thacker explores the shift from "obligation energy"—performing tasks out of a sense of "should"—to "creation energy." By approaching surgery and clinic as a creative act, physicians can rediscover presence and joy. This mindset shift transforms work from a heavy burden into a deliberate choice.

The Identity House

A core concept discussed is the Identity House. If your identity consists of only one room—"Surgeon"—and that room burns down due to burnout or injury, you lose everything. Dr. Thacker emphasizes the need to "diversify your identity" by building other rooms for hobbies, family, and creative outlets. This diversification provides the resilience needed to survive demanding professional landscapes.

Goal Setting and Essentialism

Rather than overwhelming New Year’s resolutions, Dr. Thacker recommends Essentialism:

• Pick Three: Identify three essential goals (e.g., a new skill, a leadership role, or better boundaries).
• Reverse Engineer: Determine the exact steps and mindset needed to achieve those results.
• Hold Goals Loosely: Recognize that while a "mountaintop" provides direction, the process and internal motivation are what truly matter.

Moving from Victim to Creator

Many surgeons feel stuck in the "dream" of an older version of themselves or their parents. Dr. Thacker encourages listeners to let those old versions go. By reclaiming their power and setting firm boundaries, surgeons can move from feeling like victims of the system to creators of their own lives.

Resources:

• The Hippocratic Collective
• How to save lives with two minutes of listening, Dr. Mel Thacker on TEDxSouthLakeTahoe

Parting Words: "Design your life however you want it to look, and then make it happen."

Dr. Monique Hassan, a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon and former Army surgeon, joins the podcast to share the philosophy behind her brand, "Surgery with Soul: Rooted in Purpose, Powered by Compassion."

Dr. Hassan details her circuitous path to general surgery, motivated by a dramatic life-saving trauma case that cemented her commitment to becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable. She discusses how this led her to bariatrics, a specialty where she sees immediate, profound transformations.

Fighting Stigma and Finding Connection

Dr. Hassan emphasizes that obesity is the only major medical problem carried externally, leading to constant judgment and systemic barriers in healthcare. Patients often take three to five years to seek help. She believes that for success in bariatrics, surgeons must go beyond technical skill and address the social issues that surround a patient's health, offering genuine empathy and support.

Leveraging Social Media for Change

Dr. Hassan uses her professional social media to combat the pervasive misinformation about bariatric surgery. She finds that posts that are supportive, speak from the heart, and validate the patient's struggles ("Obesity is a disease; it's not your fault") resonate most strongly, helping patients feel seen and connected.

The Power of Intentionality

To build a reputation outside a major academic center, Dr. Hassan adopted a "Year of Yes" strategy, saying yes to every speaking opportunity to build a quality portfolio.

Ultimately, Dr. Hassan would like to see more genuine diversity in surgical culture—in terms of race, ethnicity, and background—to ensure the profession reflects and better serves the patients it treats.

Resources:

• ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery): Dr. Hassan is involved in the executive council of this national society.