The Intentional Surgeon with Sharon L. Stein, MD

In surgery, we are taught the mechanics of saving a life, but rarely the mechanics of managing ourselves. In this episode, Dr. Sharon Stein sits with Dr. Daniel Eiferman, a trauma and critical care surgeon at The Ohio State University and author of the new book, Cut Open: A Surgeon's Stories of Loss, Resilience, and Growth. They dive into the "black book" of stories Danny kept for a decade, the lessons he has learned as a surgeon and a leader.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Resulting: How deciding to change a process (such as a...

In a medical culture that often views vulnerability as a deficit and burnout as a personal failure, Dr. Mary Brandt has spent decades advocating for a different path. A retired pediatric surgeon, ordained minister, and professor of medical ethics, Mary was talking about "wellness" long before it became a buzzword in surgical training.

In this episode, Dr. Sharon Stein and Dr. Brandt explore the injuries sustained in the pursuit of surgical "success" and how a return to compassion, truth-telling, and intentionality can not only save individual careers but transform an entire profession.

In This Episode...

We often think that our traditional model of specialty-based hierarchy is the most effective - for our patients and us... but what happens when we rethink that model, and create more patient- centric models of care. It is one of many topics we cover in this episode, as Dr. Sharon Stein sits down with Dr. Vikram (Vik) Kashyap, Chair of the Meijer Heart and Vascular Institute and Vice President of Cardiovascular Health at Corewell Health.

In this episode, they discuss the "reverse migration" from established academic centers to innovative integrated models, the shift away from traditional departmental...

What happens when a surgeon and a hematologist-oncologist decide to take their commitment to public health from the bedside to the ballot box?

In this episode, Dr. Sharon Stein is joined by trauma surgeon Jana Hambley, MD, and her husband, Bryan Hambley, MD, a leukemia specialist currently running for Secretary of State of Ohio. From their early days meeting in freshman chemistry at Notre Dame to navigating residency as a married couple, the Hambleys share how a shared passion for community service evolved into a statewide political campaign.

This isn't a conversation about politics—it's ab...

In this episode of the Intentional Surgeon, Dr. Sharon Stein welcomes her longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Tanaz Ferzandi, Director of Urogynecology at Keck Hospital of USC and Past President of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS).

Drs. Stein and Ferzandi dive into the power of "cross-pollination" between surgical specialties, the systemic gender inequities built into healthcare reimbursement models, and why surgeons must move from being "cogs in the wheel" to empowered leaders at the decision-making table.

What You'll Learn

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<...

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 t...

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...

Orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Lisa Canada joins the podcast to discuss her pioneering work in reforming surgical culture. Dr. Canada, who recently made history at UNC by being the first orthopedic surgeon to win both the Faculty Teaching Award and the UNC Mentorship Award, is a co-founder of Speak Up Ortho.

Speak Up Ortho was born from an overwhelming collection of anonymous stories revealing the pervasive culture of harassment, bullying, discrimination, and retaliation (HBDR) experienced by women in orthopedic surgery. Dr. Canada shares how this organization is fighting to create a workplace where speaking up is not...

In this powerful episode, we welcome Dr. Brian Williams, a trauma and critical care surgeon, Air Force veteran, and former Congressional healthcare policy advisor. Dr. Williams shares the intensely personal journey that led him to write his critically acclaimed book, The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal.

Dr. Williams discusses how the 2016 mass shooting of police officers in Dallas—where he was the trauma surgeon on call—served as a pivot point, driving him to use his expertise to seek broader societal change. He offers deep insights into...

In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon Podcast, Dr. Lee Ponsky, Chair of Urology, shares his journey of pushing boundaries within academic medicine, finding purpose beyond traditional roles, and discovering new paths to fulfillment.

Dr. Ponsky reflects on his early frustrations with systemic roadblocks in medicine and how his drive for innovation led him to challenge the status quo—most notably by pioneering the use of medical scribes to combat burnout and improve productivity. His data-driven initiative not only enhanced patient care but inspired other department leaders to adopt similar approaches.

He also explores the im...

Malpractice litigation is a universal reality in medicine, yet it remains one of the most isolating and difficult experiences a physician will face. We break the silence with Dr. Gita Pensa, an emergency medicine physician, educator, and the creator of the groundbreaking podcast and resource platform, Doctors and Litigation & LEAP.

Drawing on her personal 12-year legal saga that involved two jury trials, Dr. Pensa shares a story of trauma, resilience, and transformation. She challenges the conventional wisdom of "don't talk about it" and offers vital, humane, and strategic advice for surgeons and all physicians on how to...

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Dr. Julie Freischlag—a titan in surgery, education, and academic administration—to reflect on her groundbreaking career and the enduring lessons she's learned about leadership, connection, and resilience.

Dr. Freischlag is currently the CEO and Chief Academic Officer at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and the Executive Vice President of Health Affairs at Advocate Health. A pioneering vascular surgeon, she has amassed a legacy of "firsts," including being the first female Surgeon-in-Chief at Johns Hopkins and the first female President of the Society of Vascular Surgery. She served as President of the...

Navigating a career in medicine can be a challenging journey, and sometimes, physicians face injustices and workplace conflicts that are isolating and overwhelming. In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon, we sit down with Dr. Pringl Miller and Dr. Andrea Merrill, the founders of Physicians Just Equity (PJE), to discuss their mission to support physicians and surgeons in the United States who experience workplace conflict.

Dr. Miller, a board-certified general surgeon, hospice and palliative care medicine, and Dr. Merrill, a board-certified general surgeon and surgical oncologist, practicing breast surgeon, share their personal experiences with workplace injustices and...

Training as a surgeon is intense—almost a decade of education, residency, and fellowship. But for many, the most stressful phase comes next: the job search. In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon, Dr. Madeline Torres shares her journey from the uncertainty and anxiety of looking for her first surgical position to finding clarity, confidence, and mentorship that supported her early career.

From identifying your non-negotiables to leveraging mentorship networks, this episode is packed with practical advice for surgical trainees about to take the next big step in their careers.

What You’ll Lear...

In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon, Dr. Sharon L. Stein speaks with Dr. Geeta Lal about the importance of surgical ergonomics. They discuss Dr. Lal's personal journey with surgical-related injuries, the cultural shifts needed in the surgical community to prioritize surgeon longevity, and practical tips for improving ergonomics in the operating room. Included in this conversation:

Welcome to The Intentional Surgeon Podcast, where we talk about the people, institutions, and ideas that are transforming the culture of surgery.

In this episode, I’m sharing a process I’ve designed to help graduating residents and fellows navigate the job search process with clarity and confidence. As someone who has mentored and coached many surgeons through the transition from training to career, I’ve seen firsthand how little training provides in terms of launching a successful career. I created this process to address that gap and help you find a job that aligns with your priori...

In this episode, Dr. Sharon L. Stein is joined by Dr. Edward Barksdale, a renowned pediatric surgeon and mentor. Together, they explore the powerful concept of hope—how it influences both our personal and professional lives, especially for surgeons.

Key Discussion Points:

Welcome back to The Intentional Surgeon, the podcast where we dive into the people, institutions, and ideas that are changing the culture of surgery. In this episode, Dr. Sharon L. Stein is joined by the incredible Dr. Sherry M. Wren, a highly respected surgeon with a career dedicated to international medicine, humanitarian surgery, and global surgery.

Key Discussion Points:

In this deeply moving episode of The Intentional Surgeon, Dr. Sharon Stein welcomes Dr. Melissa Red Hoffman — trauma surgeon, hospice and palliative care director, writer, and former naturopathic doctor — for a conversation about the culture of surgery, vulnerability, and the power of integrated identity in medicine. Dr. Hoffman opens up about her nontraditional path, surviving violent loss, and how her experience in palliative care, trauma surgery, and chronic illness has reshaped her understanding of what it means to be fully present with patients — and with herself.

Together, they explore the ego, the myth of perfection, mental wellness in med...

This week on The Intentional Surgeon, I sit down with Dr. Amy Vertrees for a deeply resonant conversation on pivotal career moments, leadership in medicine, and the power of sharing hard-earned lessons. Dr. Vertrees shares the turning point when she realized the system wasn’t what she expected—and how she moved forward with intention instead of waiting for perfect conditions.

From building something meaningful in her own practice to redefining leadership beyond being a "widget" in the system, Dr. Vertrees invites us to reconsider what it truly means to lead in medicine. This episode is a must...

1001 Cuts: Being A Woman Surgeon in 2025

This episode is for women and men surgeons. It is important that all of us see the biases that still occur every day in (and out) of the operating room. It is literally 1001 Cuts. Asking for things multiple times, defer from the senior women surgeon to the young man medical student, having the equipment not fit. Needing a male colleague to explain what we are doing or get us what we need. 1001 Cuts.

We think that maybe things have changed, but not as much as they could have. We...

In this week’s episode of The Intentional Surgeon, Dr. Mark Soliman, the founder of SurgeOn App, joins the conversation to challenge the myth of surgical perfection. From the harmful culture of “peacocking” to the transformative power of vulnerability, Dr. Soliman advocates for honest reflection over performative excellence. Complications are inevitable, but it’s through embracing imperfection that surgeons truly grow, earn respect, and reshape the profession for the better.

Dr. Soliman also addresses a critical issue in surgical training: cognitive overload. Using the analogy of offering an appetizer rather than a buffet, he shares his approach to mento...

In this week’s episode of The Intentional Surgeon, Drs. Sharon L. Stein and Sunil Geevarghese dive into the emotional aftermath of surgical complications, questioning whether we prioritize learning or healing after a complication. They explore the pressure to present cases at M&M conferences before true recovery can occur, the emotional toll this tradition carries, and the need to rethink how surgical culture supports accountability and growth. Dr. Geevarghese makes a powerful case for evolving M&M structures by amplifying diverse voices and honoring surgical traditions without being trapped by them.

About Dr. Sunil Geevarghese: Dr. Ge...

In this compelling episode of The Intentional Surgeon Podcast, Dr. Neil Hyman, retired colorectal surgeon and author of The Breaking of the Surgeons, joins Dr. Sharon Stein to discuss the emotional and systemic challenges facing today’s healthcare professionals. From the heartbreak of watching young surgeons navigate a performative and unsupportive system, to the growing concern that healthcare is sustained by the unsustainable commitment of doctors and nurses, Neil sheds light on a profession under strain. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of the healthcare hierarchy—where patients come first, providers next, and administration serves in support—not th...

In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon, Dr. Sharon L. Stein explores the often-overlooked aspect of professional development in surgical training. While medical school dedicates substantial time to pathology, pathophysiology, and technical skill-building, there is a third, crucial component to a surgeon's growth — the development of a professional identity. Sharon delves into her personal experiences, the challenges of being seen as a leader, and the role of embracing failure as a catalyst for progress.

Dr. Sharon Stein's insights challenge the status quo of surgical training. Her call to embrace professional development, vulnerability, and calculated risk-taking is a po...

The importance of failing better. As surgeons, striving for perfection is ingrained in the profession, but failure presents an opportunity to rethink, adapt, and improve. Failure is an inevitable part of growth—and it happens to all of us.

This week on The Intentional Surgeon, host Dr. Sharon L. Stein is joined by Dr. Tania Arora, a surgical oncologist, professor, and Vice Chair of Access and Engagement. Dr. Arora shares her perspective on navigating change, embracing failure, and driving meaningful transformation in medicine.

Dr. Arora reflects on her experiences as a leader in academic medicine an...

The importance of failing better. As surgeons, striving for perfection is ingrained in the profession, but failure presents an opportunity to rethink, adapt, and improve. Failure is an inevitable part of growth—and it happens to all of us.

This week on The Intentional Surgeon, host Dr. Sharon L. Stein is joined by Dr. Tania Arora, a surgical oncologist, professor, and Vice Chair of Access and Engagement at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Arora shares her insights on navigating change, embracing failure, and fostering meaningful cultural transformation in medicine.

Dr. Arora discusses her tr...

Sometimes, a simple shift in perspective leads to groundbreaking innovation. In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon, Sharon L. Stein welcomes Dr. Daniel A. Hashimoto, a trailblazing surgeon who is reshaping how artificial intelligence is integrated into surgical practice.

Dr. Daniel A. Hashimoto is a surgeon and AI expert dedicated to advancing technology in surgical practice. His research focuses on how artificial intelligence can enhance decision-making, reduce complications, and improve patient care.

Dr. Hashimoto explores how AI can refine our approach to cholecystectomy, reducing injuries by focusing on how we identify the cystic duct. What...

In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon, we are going to talk about what happens when your values conflict with the profession of medicine. We are going to talk about how we, as surgeons, became indoctrinated into the profession of medicine. How we were rewarded for our service and the price we paid to belong. And we are going to talk about why, when we begin to feel that our values might conflict with the system, it is so difficult to call that out.

So many of us have had a patient who needed something, and the...

In this enlightening episode of The Intentional Surgeon Podcast, we welcome Dr. Carla Pugh.

Dr. Pugh's research in technology-driven training has made it clear that we are not measuring what matters most... we are not measuring the outcomes of surgery that matter. Why? Because we don't have the ability to do so safely. "No one wants a bronze medalist surgeon - we all want the gold medal surgeon. So what ability does a surgeon have to improve if they are not the best." Until we bravely move forward and insist that we need data that truly measures...

In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon, Dr. Sharon L. Stein sits down with the esteemed Dr. Ross, a board-certified advanced Foregut and HPB surgeon with nearly two decades of expertise in robotic and single-incision laparoscopic surgeries. Dr. Ross has performed groundbreaking work in minimally invasive operations for conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and liver, and is dedicated to training the next generation of surgeons through her leadership at the Digestive Institute at Advent Health Tampa.

Dr. Ross's journey from serving in the Israeli Defense Forces to becoming a trailblazer in her field exemplifies determination and...

In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon, host Sharon L. Stein welcomes Dr. Husein Moloo, Director of Planetary Health and Professor of Surgery at the University of Ottawa. Climate change is one of the biggest concerns for people around the globe, and surgery creates a huge amount of waste.

In this episode, Dr. Moloo delves into the ways that we can change our eco-anxiety into eco-action - including simple measures that you can implement right now in your hospital and practice. Almost 50% of hospital waste comes from the perioperative period - as demonstrated in this dramatic video...

Season 1 of The Intentional Surgeon Wraps Up!

What a journey it’s been! Season 1 has brought us incredible guests, tackled challenging topics, and sparked so much learning and growth.

As we plan for an even more impactful 2025, we’d love to hear from YOU!

Your feedback shapes the future of the podcast, so don’t hold back!

Thank you for bein...

Jo Shapiro, MD, FACS, is an associate professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Harvard Medical School and a consultant for the Department of Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. In 2008, she founded the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Center for Professionalism and Peer Support, where she served as the director for over 10 years. In 2018, Harvard Medical School gave her the Shirley Driscoll Dean’s Award for the Advancement of Women’s Careers. She continues to educate and assist organizations in developing specific programmatic and educational approaches to patient safety and clinician wellbeing, such as peer support, disclosure and apology, profes...

Jo Shapiro, MD, FACS, is an associate professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Harvard Medical School and a consultant for the Department of Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. In 2008, she founded the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Center for Professionalism and Peer Support, where she served as the director for over 10 years. In 2018, Harvard Medical School gave her the Shirley Driscoll Dean’s Award for the Advancement of Women’s Careers. She continues to educate and assist organizations in developing specific programmatic and educational approaches to patient safety and clinician wellbeing, such as peer support, disclosure and apology, profes...

Dr. Bethany Malone is a colorectal surgeon, an actor, and a colorectal TickTok phenomenon. A native of Fort Worth Texas she did her medical training in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, before heading back to Texas to start practice in the middle of the pandemic. After just months, she was finding that her practice was making her miserable. She was running around doing acute care surgery, rather than colorectal surgery, and not seeing her kids for days on end. Bethany decided to lean into her own belief in her worth, her skills and change everything.

As a...

In this episode of The Intentional Surgeon with Sharon L. Stein, MD we hear from Steven D. Wexner MD, PhD (Hon), FACS, FRCS (Eng, Ed), Hon FRCS (I, Glasg). Anyone who knows Steve knows what an academic, clinical, and educational powerhouse he is. With over 600 articles to his credit, zillions of lectures, and hundreds of mentees, Steve is known around the globe as a colorectal surgeon, researcher, and leader.

He shares with Sharon his values and passions in surgery, which include caring for patients, improving outcomes, disseminating results, and importantly, learning from others. He talks about the...

Dr. Buyske is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Board of Surgery (ABS). She joined the board in 1998, initially as a Qualifying Examination item writer, then an associate examiner, and finally, a director of the ABS starting in 2006. In 2008 she joined the staff full time as Associate Executive Director and Director of Evaluation, and in 2017 was named Executive Director. Prior to that, Dr. Buyske was Chief of Surgery and Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, and on faculty at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where her clinical experience...

Welcome back to The Intentional Surgeon with Dr. Sharon Stein - the podcast where we talk about the people, the institutions, and the ideas that are changing the culture of surgery. Today, we are joined by Dr. Rachel Pope. Rachel is a gynecologist who specializes in women's reconstructive surgery, concentrating on vesico-vaginal and recto-vaginal surgery. Rachel's passion for this particular corner of surgery didn't quite fit into any of the established tracks, so she shares her path to following her passion, serving women, and keeping her skills marketable. She has some great tips including "cyberstalking" her role model's CVs...