The SurgeonMasters Podcast

Hosted by Jeffrey M. Smith, MD

Business Careers Health Fitness Education

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Episodes

172

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The SurgeonMasters Podcast is for surgeons who wish to create a highly successful and sustainable practice that is lifestyle-friendly with less stress and frustration. Each episode focuses on learning, understanding and implementing effective habits that will allow you to create a thriving practice while still having time to travel, connect with your family, take care of your health, and pursue outside interests. Your host is Jeffrey M. Smith, MD a practicing Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon (Orthopaedic Traumatologist) who also assists other Surgeons to develop the critical skills needed to create a highly successful lifestyle-friendly practice which is physically, mentally and emotionally sustainable.

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October 21, 2026Episode 1459 min

Physician Fit! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 145

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes to the podcast physician health and fitness coach, Mike Coval. As physicians, our drive to perform at our best often comes at the expense of our own personal health. Many physicians have a perfectionist mindset that can lead to great professional heights. That perfectionism can be a detriment to a physician’s health and wellness. Physicians lead high stress, high demand lifestyles. The unpredictable nature of medicine can make it difficult to stick to a regular workout schedule. Finding a structure that allows you to be flexible and consistent is the key to long-term success. What steps does Mike suggest we do to achieve consistency with our own health and wellness? Step 1 - Don’t try to live in a perfect world. Live in your own reality. If you have no history of working out five days a week, don’t set that as the bar when you’re just starting out. Step 2 - Set realistic goals that you can actually follow through with. That could mean working out just once a week. Step 3 - Understand that where you’re starting now isn’t forever. If you start with a realistic plan and build on it consistently, you will get better and better over time. Most importantly, PRACTICE building a consistent routine! BIO Mike Coval founded the Physician Vitality Collective. His work focuses on closing the gap between professional performance and personal health—helping physicians reduce pain, improve body composition, and develop the physical capacity to sustain long careers in medicine. He does this through building out customized health & fitness plans which start with a 1-on-1 assessment. He is also the author of The Physician Vitality Blueprint, a framework designed to help physicians feel, look, and perform at a level that matches the standards they hold in their profession. He’s been coaching since 2007, with a client list that runs from NBA players to a 90-year-old veteran living with Alzheimer's. If you want to feel better in and out of the OR, schedule a free 20-minute Discovery Call to see what a plan built for you would look like by clicking here . Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Substack YouTube Website SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!

October 7, 2026Episode 1449 min

Changing Mindsets! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 144

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes to the podcast pediatrician, former ACGME wellness officer, and author of the book The Success Trap , Dr. Stuart Slavin. The primary driver of burnout and mental health issues for physicians is the system and environment. But we also have to recognize that environment isn’t the only driver. Medical professionals are particularly susceptible to self-critical mindsets that can significantly reduce well-being. Physicians and surgeons are tough on themselves and often lack self-compassion. These mindsets contribute to self-narratives that are often inaccurate and can compound the stress of a challenging work environment. Here are a few examples of these self-critical mindsets: Maladaptive perfectionism - setting the bar so high for yourself that you’re continually disappointed in yourself. Imposter syndrome - feeling like a fraud. Toxic comparison - only feeling good if you’re outperforming others. Performance as identity - equating feedback to who you are as a person. What steps does Stuart suggest we take to change these mindsets? Step 1 - Recognize that these mindsets are on the rise, especially in younger students and trainees. Step 2 - Address these mindsets early on in training. The goal isn't to get rid of these mindsets, but to recognize when you’re thinking a certain way and challenge those thoughts. Most importantly, PRACTICE changing your mindset! BIO Dr. Slavin a nationally recognized well-being expert, has several lenses that inform his view of the current child and adolescent mental health crisis. A board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Slavin practiced general pediatrics for seventeen years at UCLA. As a researcher, Dr. Slavin has conducted studies involving the mental health of medical students, medical residents, medical education staff, and in recent years, high school and college students. Dr. Slavin’s interest in mental health and well-being began when, as curriculum dean at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, he spearheaded efforts to improve the mental health of medical students that led to 80% reductions in rates of depression and anxiety–all while increasing performance levels. Dr. Slavin is a frequent lecturer who speaks regularly at schools and regional, national, and international education meetings. Dr. Slavin has received numerous education, teaching, and clinical awards and recognition over the course of his career, including the Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award in 2013. SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!

September 16, 2026Episode 1438 min

Finding Purpose! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 143

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes to the podcast Adeolu Adeboye, a board-certified trauma surgeon and surgical intensivist, medical educator, author, and founder of Shekinah Global Healthcare Foundation. One way to look at our “purpose” is by asking the question, “what are we here to contribute?” We often underestimate the value of what has been placed in our hands simply because we use these skills every day. As surgeons, certain operations become routine and commonplace. But for a patient who has been unable to have an operation, that procedure that is routine to the surgeon is completely life-changing to the patient. Something that has become ordinary to you professionally, can be extraordinary to someone else. It’s important to distinguish between purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. Purpose is what you’re here to contribute. Meaning comes from understanding why that contribution matters. Fulfillment is the joy that you experience when your actions align with your purpose. Purpose is not necessarily something you find by looking for a grand calling. Often it becomes clearer when you identify what you’ve been given. What questions does Adeolu suggest we ask ourselves to find our purpose? Question 1 - What has been placed in your hands? Question 2 - Who could benefit from the skills I have? Question 3 - How can I put my skills to work? Most importantly, PRACTICE purpose! BIO Dr. Adeolu Adeboye is a board-certified trauma surgeon and surgical intensivist, medical educator, author, and founder of Shekinah Global Healthcare Foundation. Through the foundation, he leads free medical and surgical missions in underserved communities, focusing on expanding access to care, training local healthcare professionals, and building sustainable capacity. His work reflects a commitment to using medicine, leadership, and service to create lasting impact. Website: Healthcare Access for Underserved Communities in Nigeria Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shekinah_ghf/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570593261430 SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!

August 20, 2026Episode 1429 min

Battle Buddy! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 142

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes to the podcast orthopedic surgeon, doctor of education, and retired 20 year Navy veteran, Dr. Marlene DeMaio. When you’re working as a physician, surgeon, or resident, you’re mostly focused on getting through the day and providing the best care possible. This often comes as the expense of your own wellbeing. Looking at your situation from an outside perspective, it can be easier to see the things that may be impacting performance and what needs to change. In the military, it’s commonplace to have a “battle buddy” - someone you trust implicitly in the most dire of situations. This is the type of person who is going to catch you before you even start falling. Whether you're a surgeon, physician, or resident, what if you had a “battle buddy” to help you through the good times and the bad? As physicians, it’s really difficult for us to be objective about ourselves. That’s why having a “battle buddy” is so important. We need someone who can see us in a way you cannot with explicit permission to tell us. What steps does Marlene suggest we do to implement this “battle buddy” system? Step 1 - Find your “battle buddy.” This buddy doesn’t necessarily have to be a work colleague, but you need to trust them and have regular exposure to them. Step 2 - Check in with yourself regularly. If something isn’t right, try to figure it out yourself and make a plan of action. Step 3 - Lean on your buddy when you need to. If something is wrong and you can’t find a solution, lean on your buddy to find a path forward. Most importantly, PRACTICE the “battle buddy” system! BIO Marlene is an honors graduate of Brown University and Drexel School of Medicine. She completed her residency in orthopaedic surgery at Yale-New Haven Medical Center, followed by fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine at Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center. Her 20 year career in the Navy included hospitals, ships, deployment overseas, and remote/telehealth. Marlene says it was a wonderful balance of sports medicine practice, research and education. She then served at the VA as a clinician, orthopaedic department chief, site GME coordinator, and assistant chief of surgery. She ended her federal career as a physician consultant at the VA Office of the Inspector General. In 2024, Drexel School of Education conferred an EdD to Dr. DeMaio for adult education and leadership. An author of peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and rehabilitation protocols, she also did award-winning research on body armor and knee kinematics. She has been on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Sports Medicine and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research and reviews for several journals. Dr. DeMaio is the current president of the Clinical Orthopaedic Society and a past president of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons. Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlene-demaio-b4727819/ https://www.instagram.com/demaiomarlene/ SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!

July 30, 2026Episode 1419 min

Science of Physician Wellness! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 141

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes to the podcast Richard Boyatzis, PhD, Distinguished University Professor of Case Western Reserve University, and a Professor in the Departments of Organizational Behavior, Psychology, and Cognitive Science. As healthcare providers, we learn so much about helping patients, which is fantastic. However, we often don’t apply these things we learn to ourselves. Physicians and nurses study the autonomic nervous system but often do not apply it to themselves. The sympathetic nervous system helps you focus and problem solve, but it’s not good for your overall health. It raises your blood pressure, decreases your cognitive ability, and (perhaps worst of all) compromises your ability to pay attention to other people. We now have documentation that every time you activate the task positive network you suppress the default mode. When you’re in a helping field, you need both. You need to be able to sort things out and solve problems, but you also need to be able to communicate with people. It’s essential that healthcare professionals treat themselves. That doesn’t mean you have to cut back or shift fields. It may just mean you adjust the rhythm of your day. What steps does Richard suggest we do to manage chronic stress? Step 1 - Engage Wellness. Richard offers science-backed ways to engage in wellness that don’t have to be an hour every single day. Step 2 - Focus on Purpose. Goals are great, and focusing on purpose and our why is even better. Step 3 - Build Relationships. Being playful and laughing with others is a fantastic way to support our well-being. Most importantly, PRACTICE wellness! BIO Richard E. Boyatzis is Distinguished University Professor of Case Western Reserve University, and a Professor in the Departments of Organizational Behavior, Psychology, and Cognitive Science. He has a BS in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT and Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Harvard. His more than 200 scholarly and 50 practitioner articles examine sustained, desired change, leadership, emotional intelligence, competency development, coaching, neuroscience and graduate education. He is ranked in the top 2% in PLOS Biology and the top .05% of all worldwide scientists by Scholar GPS, for 2023 - 2025. His Coursera MOOCs have over 1 ½ million visitors and enrolled from 215 countries. His 10 books include: the international best-seller, Primal Leadership with Daniel Goleman and Annie McKee; Helping People Change with Melvin Smith and Ellen Van Oosten; and the new The Science of Change: Discovering Sustained, Desired Change from Individuals to Organizations and Communities. Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-boyatzis-401822a/ https://www.facebook.com/richard.boyatzis https://x.com/RBoyatzis https://www.instagram.com/RichardBoyatzis/ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=fRFAIpQAAAAJ SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!

July 8, 2026Episode 1407 min

Zone 2 Exercise! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 140

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes orthopaedic surgeon and surgeon-wellness advocate Alan Jones, MD, to the podcast. Alan has been an avid runner for the last fifteen years, and typically runs one marathon per year. Recently, Alan has been training in Zone 2. If you’re unfamiliar, Zone 2 training involves working out at a relatively easy heart rate. This type of training provides a stimulus that often increases your fitness better than working out at a higher intensity. In addition, Zone 2 training also leaves you with more energy to do other things you love after the workout itself. As a result, it leads to an improved overall sense of well-being. This highlights an important mantra that we, as surgeons, often overlook: more is not always better. What steps does Alan suggest we take to try Zone 2 training? Step 1 - Incorporate Zone 2 training into your fitness routine. Whether you prefer cycling, running, or utilizing other equipment, this training is adaptable. Step 2 - Assess your physical and mental state before starting the workout, and reflect on how you feel afterward. You might discover that you have more energy than you did before the session, a notable contrast to the fatigue often following more strenuous exercise. Step 3 - Maintain a balanced fitness regimen by keeping other forms of exercise in the mix. Consider Zone 2 training as one essential component of a comprehensive physical routine. Most importantly, PRACTICE Zone 2 exercise principles for well-being! BIO Alan L. Jones, MD is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and a founding member of Orthopaedic Trauma Associates of North Texas. Dr. Jones is on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and serves as the medical director of orthopaedic trauma services. Dr. Jones specializes in articular fractures (bone breaks near major joints), injuries to the pelvis and acetabulum, and fracture non-union and mal-union. Dr. Jones received his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston before completing an internship in surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and affiliated hospitals in Dallas, where he also completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery. He is fellowship-trained in orthopaedic traumatology at the Shock Trauma Center/Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems in Baltimore, Maryland. SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!

May 21, 2026Episode 14019 min

Physician Needs Too! The SurgeonMasters Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes to the podcast family physician and physician coach, Ken Dodge, MD. As physicians, most of our stress and frustration doesn't come from not knowing what to do. Rather, it comes from not knowing what we need. In medical terms, when you fail to identify a need, you miss the diagnosis. If we can identify these needs, it can go a long way to reducing stress in our day-to-day lives. When we say needs, we don't mean preferences or wants. Needs are core human drivers like rest, autonomy, a sense of meaning, connection, etc. When our needs aren't met, some type of suffering or adversity will occur. These needs constantly shape our behaviors, whether or not we're aware of them. Every decision we make is an attempt to meet a need. For example, if a physician stays late at work it may be that they have a need for approval. It’s important to distinguish between needs and strategies to deal with our needs (lest a strategy becomes a need). Think of needs as the diagnosis, whereas strategies are the treatment. Needs are static and non-negotiable, while strategies are flexible. A physician who has a need to be seen as competent, may employ a strategy of staying late and picking up additional shifts. That strategy may work for a time, but eventually it will lead to issues like burnout. That’s not because the initial need is wrong, but that the strategy is serving the need ineffectively. If we take the time to identify our needs, decisions become clearer and communication improves. What steps does Ken suggest we do to meet our needs? Step 1 - Understand the difference between wants and needs. Before we can focus on meeting needs, we first need to know the difference between needs and wants. Step 2 - Identify your specific needs. Instead of asking yourself “what should I do?” ask yourself “what do I need?” Step 3 - Develop strategies to address those needs. This may take some time and tweaking. That’s OK! Most importantly, PRACTICE identifying and addressing your needs! BIO Dr. Ken Dodge is a retired family physician who devoted 42 years to patient care after earning his MD from Wright State University and completing residency in Dayton, Ohio. With an undergraduate background in psychology from The Ohio State University, he developed a lifelong interest in relationships, emotional health, and personal growth. Now retired from clinical practice as of June 2025, Ken coaches physicians, offering a compassionate, reflective space grounded in deep listening and respect for emotional and spiritual influences. He is passionate about helping physicians navigate challenges, reconnect with their inner wisdom, and cultivate greater balance and serenity. Ken is married, a father of three, and a grandfather of five. He enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, and reading. SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!

April 8, 2026Episode 1398 min

Recognizing Feelings! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 139

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes physician coach and family physician, Ken Dodge, MD, to the podcast. As physicians, we like to think we’re governed almost exclusively by logic, but despite our best intentions, we are often driven by our emotions. Feelings are so important because they inform all of our decisions. When we try to ignore them, they don’t just go away. Chip Dodd, PhD, tells us there are a handful of core feelings that help us make sense of the world: sadness, anger, fear, shame, acceptance, guilt, loneliness, and pain. If we understand these feelings, communication moves from reactivity to intentionality. We can let go of our defensiveness and improve our teamwork. What steps does Ken recommend we take to turn these feelings into tools that can benefit us? Step 1 - Don’t look at feelings as liabilities but as early warning signs. Step 2 - Honor and value your emotions. Become aware of them. Step 3 - Identify your personal emotions. Once you identify your emotions, utilize them. Most importantly, PRACTICE recognizing and honoring your feelings! BIO Dr. Ken Dodge is a retired family physician who devoted 42 years to patient care after earning his MD from Wright State University and completing residency in Dayton, Ohio. With an undergraduate background in psychology from The Ohio State University, he developed a lifelong interest in relationships, emotional health, and personal growth. Now retired from clinical practice as of June 2025, Ken coaches physicians, offering a compassionate, reflective space grounded in deep listening and respect for emotional and spiritual influences. He is passionate about helping physicians navigate challenges, reconnect with their inner wisdom, and cultivate greater balance and serenity. Ken is married, a father of three, and a grandfather of five. He enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, and reading. SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!

March 25, 2026Episode 1389 min

Injury Prevention! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 138

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes to the podcast, exercise physiology LiverTransplant Program member, Gil Spitz. In many ways, physicians are like athletes. We're high performers always striving to be the best version of ourselves - often to our physical detriment. Many physicians do things that are generally healthy, but they may not be doing exercises that properly train them for the rigors of a career in medicine. Instead of moving as fast as possible at all times, we should focus on precise movements that create specific outcomes. We need to train for what we do on a daily basis. Just like you would see on a sports team, there are a variety of different positions that physicians play. For example, a open surgery requires a different set of training than laparoscopic surgery. Training for different situations is essential to prevent injuries.. What steps does Gil suggest we do to prevent injuries? Step 1 - Perform an honest physical check. How does your body feel? What hurts? Step 2 - Work with an exercise physiologist or another qualified professional to create a personalized plan that helps you sustain your career longer. Step 3 - Follow your plan with scheduled check-ins to evaluate what is working well and what you can improve. Most importantly, PRACTICE personal injury prevention! BIO: Originally a classical musician, Gil Spitz shifted his focus to ergonomics and preventative exercise to help musicians with repetitive motion injuries. He furthered his expertise with an MS in Exercise Physiology, researching optimized training for first responders. In 2019, he joined the Medical ICU team at Baylor/St. Luke’s Medical Center, developing and enacting exercise plans for medically compromised patients. Since 2021, he has been with the LiverTransplant Program, implementing a hospital-wide method for assessing transplant patients physical suitability, providing post-transplant follow-up, and developing a virtual pre-habilitation program to improve outcomes. During this time he has worked with the surgical staff helping them prevent musculoskeletal and repetitive motion injuries. Gil has worked with providers both on a 1-on-1 basis, addressing specific needs and issues as well as presenting the topic of OR ergonomics, inter- & intra-op preventative exercises to incoming resident cohorts during an annual bootcamp at Baylor College of Medicine. Social Media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gil-spitz-088346138/ SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!

March 11, 2026Episode 1379 min

Physician Needs! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 137

Send us Fan Mail Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes physician coach and family physician, Ken Dodge, MD, to the podcast. As physicians, we often struggle to identify our needs. In fact, we often don't know the value. It's easy for us to get disconnected from our feelings and lack self-awareness. If we understood our needs, it would make life much easier. We could set boundaries, be intentional, and have honest conversations. It's ironic because we spend all day telling patients what they need, yet we often don't know what we need ourselves. If we're aware of our needs at any moment, we can have less self-judgment. Emotions often signal what is happening in our world and give us clues. If you become angry, it may indicate you need respect, fairness, or protection. When you understand your needs, the emotions you experience make more sense. By honoring your needs, you send a message to yourself that you matter. What steps does Ken recommend we take to more effectively express our needs? Step 1 - Be intentional in knowing your needs by practicing self-reflection and observation. Step 2 - Ask yourself what you need right now that you wish someone would notice without you having to say anything. Step 3 - Practice vulnerability by sharing your needs with someone you trust, such as a spouse or close friend. Most importantly, PRACTICE honoring and expressing your needs! BIO Dr. Ken Dodge is a retired family physician who devoted 42 years to patient care after earning his MD from Wright State University and completing residency in Dayton, Ohio. With an undergraduate background in psychology from The Ohio State University, he developed a lifelong interest in relationships, emotional health, and personal growth. Now retired from clinical practice as of June 2025, Ken coaches physicians, offering a compassionate, reflective space grounded in deep listening and respect for emotional and spiritual influences. He is passionate about helping physicians navigate challenges, reconnect with their inner wisdom, and cultivate greater balance and serenity. Ken is married, a father of three, and a grandfather of five. He enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, and reading. SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!