Episode # 231 • 15 Jul 2025
Improving Surgical Outcomes Through Self-Awareness
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.
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
You may also like
More about this episode
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.
The Materials available on BackTable are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the independent professional judgment of a qualified healthcare professional in diagnosing or treating patients. Any opinions, statements, or views expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, platform, or any affiliated organization.