Operate with Zen

Time and space together can help us create routine.  Proactively designing spaces to maximize function is just one way to enhance efficiency and performance - this is what Ashley Cantley (Twitter: @AshCantley) is an expert in.  Trained in human design and Feng Shui, Ashley talks us through concepts of personal space design providing valuable insights in organization and structure of our work and h...

Challenges and resilience are a part of life, and each of us struggles to achieve fulfillment and happiness through these struggles.  Nishant Patel, MD (Twitter: @nishanturo) has his fair share of struggles including not matching (twice) into urology residency and medical issues with his family.  But none of these experiences are as profound as his story with alcoholism and sobriety.  Described as...

Very few physicians finish their career in the location or role in which they started.  Aditya Bagrodia, MD (Twitter: @AdityaBagrodia) is a urologic oncologist who recently transitioned from UT Southwestern to UC San Diego at about the same time I transitioned from Johns Hopkins to the University of Pennsylvania.  Reasons and rationale for transition are discussed as well as practical consideratio...

Repeat guest, Angela Smith, MD (Twitter: @angiesmith_uro) is an incredibly efficient urologic oncologist, academician, and mom.  Coordination and time management are keys to not only surviving, but thriving in each situation.  In this podcast, Dr. Smith breaks down the concepts of effective time management as well as providing practical advice to structure your week for maximal efficiency and happ...

Many of us can remember mentors who shaped our careers and are responsible for the situations in which we currently work or reside.  Kirsten Greene, MD (Twitter: KGUROmd) discusses many of the wonderful mentors she experienced through her evolution from a general surgery intern at UCSF to the Chair of Urology at the University of Virginia.  Strong examples of female and male mentors are offered, c...

Being grateful and expressing gratitude are important tools in the armamentarium of the mindful physician and surgeon.  In this brief solo podcast, I will review how being grateful can positively impact our lives and surgical experience, how expressing and exploring gratitude can help us overcome negative situations in our lives, and, if your interested, how to incorporate gratitude practices into...

Complications and bad outcomes are a part of medicine despite our best efforts.  Dealing with the complication, the patient and their loved ones can certainly be a challenge.  Dealing with the personal fallout from a bad outcome is another challenge that is rarely discussed in medicine in surgery.  In this solo podcast, we will discuss some of the stresses that can make bad outcomes, mistakes, or...

Medicine and surgery require complex problem solving and tough decisions are made every single day.  A mindful or thoughtful approach to decision making is one framework by which we can simply our day and decision-making process.  In Part 1 of this three part, solo, mini-series, concepts of decision fatigue, what makes a great surgeon, and kindness are discussed.  References and reading: Peak Perf...

Medicine and surgery require complex problem solving and tough decisions are made every single day.  In Part 2 of this three-part, solo, mini series, we review pillars of self-management, choice architecture, and how to say, "No."  References and reading: The First 90 Days, Nudge, Essentialism. Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.

As part of the Mindful Decision Making series, Dr. Granville Lloyd and I review 7 Ways to Think Differently by Looby McNamara.  This book is based on principles of permaculture where the creation of resilient, healthy, productive systems shape decision making.  The parallels to medicine and surgery are clear and we hope you enjoy.  (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Medicine and surgery require complex problem solving and tough decisions are made every single day.   In Part 3 of this three-part, solo, mini-series, the frameworks of heuristics, biases , emotion, ethics, and other challenges to effective decision making are reviewed in hopes of avoiding poor decisions. (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Dr. Yotam Heineberg is a clinical supervisor for therapists in training and lecturer for Palo Alto University, as well as a collaborating scientist with the Applied Psychological Interventions Associate at CCARE, Stanford University.   His focus on compassion-based therapy is applied to numerous clinical settings to help individuals and teams cope with systematic burnout.   To learn more about Dr....

Rob Kramer, PCC and Kara Penfield, PhD are founders of the Spiro Coaching Institute and the Academy for Academic Medical Center Coaching Program.  Together they have a tremendous history and experience coaching executives and other professionals in healthcare.   Coaching, interactions with colleagues, and professional development are discussed in a framework of mindfulness.  Find out more about co...

Dr. Patrick C. Walsh is the Chairman Emeritus of the Brady Urological Institute and a Professor of Urology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.  He is recognized internationally as a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.  His life-story and career in surgery reflect presence, kindness,  faith, and resolute commitment to purpose.  (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepin...

Angela Smith, MD is an Associate Professor of Urology, Vice Chair of Academic Affairs and Director of Urologic Oncology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  In this episode we discuss taking time away from work, managing your calendar, your email and other communications while away.  Tons of practical tidbits for providers of all levels are shared.   (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon...

Karen Swartz, MD is Director of Clinical and Educational Programs at the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorders Center.  Depression, suicide and the specific relations to medicine and surgery are discussed in this sobering podcast.  (Music Credit: Sunshine, Simon Jomphe Lepine.)

Stephen Nakada, MD, FACS, FRCS (Glasg.) is the Chairman of the Department of Urology at the University of Wisconsin.  Dr. Nakada is well-recognized as a leader in academic endourology but also lectures extensively on leadership and leadership cultivation.  He is also the editor of Navigating Organized Urology,   a text offering practical guidance to developing a successful career in urology (and s...

Granville Lloyd, MD is an Associate Professor of Urology at the University of Colorado in Denver.  In addition to being a phenomenal physician, surgeon, and teacher, Dr. Lloyd is an avid outdoorsman and athlete.  Dr. Lloyd discusses balancing work and life interests on this episode of OWZ.  

Why is a urologic surgeon talking about mindfulness?  The background story of OWZ and rationale for recording this podcast.  Disclaimer: This is not designed to be a "self-help" podcast, but to catalog concepts of mindfulness in surgery and refine a framework how incorporate well-being into surgery.  Hopefully you find it interesting!

In the first episode, listeners are introduced to Buddhist concepts of the "enlightened" and how these translate into surgery in 2021. Frameworks for work-life balance are introduced and discussed.  Understanding and intentionally managing our "dimensions" can improve efficiency and create time to maintain wellness.  Tips and tricks about time management, and both conceptual fr...

Concepts of time management from the previous podcast coupled with concepts of creating efficient working spaces unleashes the strength of routine to shape an efficient and competent surgical practice.  Routine allows us condition ourselves toward desired behaviors and consistency in routine allows us to be creative in unexpected ways.  Reading and References: Think Like a Monk, Peak Performance,...

The principles of routine and efficiency are grounded in the science of brain power including decision fatigue, unconscious and subconscious modes of thought.  Reading and References: Peak Performance, Essentialism, The Warrior's Meditation, Think Like a Monk. 

Sleep science and sleep hygiene are discussed to optimize routine, brain and body recovery.  Reading and References: Peak Performance, Essentialism, Think Like a Monk.

The Self dimension can be thought of as physical and the mental/emotional self.  Concepts covered include play and achieving mindfulness through physical activity and experiences.  Yoga presented as an example of transcendence through physical activity.  Reading and references: History of Yoga, Peak Performance, Essentialism, The Body Keeps the Score. 

The sense of self is one of the most powerful sources of human strength and angst.  This episode provides a framework for cultivating one's sense of self and purpose.  Concepts of dharma, as well as psychological and scientific constructs of self are discussed.  References: Think Like A Monk, Altered Traits, Navigating Organized Urology, Peak Performance, Man's Search for Meaning.