Do No Harm

Accepting and learning from our mistakes leads to greater compassion and understanding.

I vividly recall a surgery early in my career that didn’t go as planned. Instead of wallowing in guilt, I chose to reflect and improve, which in turn made me a better surgeon.

• Mistakes are inevitable but provide invaluable learning opportunities.
• Recognizing our flaws fosters empathy towards others.
• Learning from errors enhances personal growth and professional skills.

Take a moment today to reflect on a recent mistake, jot down what you learned, and how it might inform future decisions.

Avoid blaming external factors for every mistake; introspection is key to genuine learning.

Balancing emotional involvement with professional detachment allows for effective decision-making.

During particularly intense surgeries, keeping a cool head and a warm heart ensured not only procedural success but also humane patient care.

• Passion drives excellence but can cloud judgment if unchecked.
• Detached observation prevents burnout and emotional exhaustion.
• Finding this equilibrium ensures both compassion and competence.

Practice a moment of mindfulness before engaging in stress-filled tasks to balance your emotional and professional state.

Steer clear of complete emotional detachment; it might deteriorate your connection with those you serve or work with.

Clear, honest communication, even when difficult, reduces anxiety and builds trust.

I remember breaking bad news to a patient’s family. Despite the somber truth, they appreciated the candor, which helped them cope and plan ahead.

• Transparency avoids misunderstandings and builds stronger relationships.
• Even negative truths are better than hopeful falsehoods in the long run.
• Open communication fosters trust and cooperation with colleagues and loved ones.

Identify a communication you’ve been avoiding and plan how to convey your message with honesty and empathy.

Avoid sugar-coating or withholding information to spare feelings; it often leads to greater problems later.