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BackTable / ENT / Podcast / Episode #231
Improving Surgical Outcomes Through Self-Awareness
with Dr. Melinda Thacker
Let’s talk about what it really means to show up for your patients—and yourself—as a surgeon. In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Mel Thacker, an otolaryngologist and founder of The Empowered Surgeon and the Surgeons with a Purpose Podcast, joins hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan to discuss humanity in surgery, and how to stay grounded in a profession that demands so much of us.
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BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, July 15). Ep. 231 – Improving Surgical Outcomes Through Self-Awareness [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
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Synopsis
Dr. Thacker shares her journey from experiencing anxiety and panic attacks in the operating room to becoming a coach who helps surgeons discover their purpose and practice medicine with greater humanity. They discuss the significance of self-awareness, the importance of protecting oneself as a valuable asset, and how to serve patients with compassion and empathy. Practical advice is offered on shifting mindset, engaging in meaningful connections with patients, and fostering a collaborative, rather than hierarchical, approach in medical practice.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
03:04 - Discovering Coaching
10:52 - Residency Reflections
23:06 - Improving Patient Relationships
29:48 - Coaching Surgeons and Addressing Emotional Growth
37:49 - Serving vs. Fixing: A New Perspective on Patient Care
44:09 - Daily Practices for Empathy and Self-Awareness
44:40 - Three Essentials for Success in Medicine
46:31 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Materials available on BackTable are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.
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