Surgeons with Purpose
A podcast for surgeons who feel like they are languishing in a career that didn't turn out to be as fulfilling or as prestigious as they expected. Dr. Mel Thacker, an ENT surgeon and coach, takes you on a journey to help you understand why you are feeling dissatisfied, burnt out, and stuck. With this newfound insight, you'll be able to reframe how you see your experience, rediscover who you are underneath your surgeon identity, and create a life that aligns with your authentic self.
Episodes
11 episodes since 2024
Drama to Empowerment
Humans love drama. But when we indulge in drama, we keep ourselves stuck in our current lived experience. In this episode, you will learn a language you can use to recognize drama in your life and a new lens through which to see the world that ...
September 09, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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35:54
Three Businesses
According to Byron Katie, there are three businesses: your business, other people's business, and the universe's business.Surgical complications are none of your business. They are the universe's business.What do I mean by this?...
September 02, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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31:38
Swan Theory
Our training has taught us to rely on white swans and fear red swans. In this episode you'll learn why approaching your patients this way creates roadblocks, can lead to misdiagnosis and mistreatment of the patient, causes you distress, and dis...
August 26, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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41:32
Creating Safety for YOU in the OR
We know how to create safety for patients. The processes and procedures have been shoved down our throats. Sure they are useful to keep patients safe in specific situations. But what about keeping us safe? Little does JHACO know that a...
August 19, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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40:22
The Anatomy of a Surgeon
Wait...our bodies aren't just vessels carrying our intelligent brains and skillful hands from the OR to the clinic? In this episode, you'll learn what makes you a whole, complete human and the importance of understanding and honoring your who...
August 12, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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25:41
Insomnia, Anxiety, and Panic: My Story
Wondering why I went from a seemingly successful surgeon to a surgeon coach and podcaster? In this episode, I give you a peak behind the curtain into my personal life. You'll learn about the drama of my past, my struggles with mental health, ho...
August 05, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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33:43
Martyrdom
Martyrdom is a toxic, one way street to burn out. In this episode, I explore why humans feel the need to add suffering to their lives, from historical and religious examples of martyrs to martyrs in medicine (and the dangerous precedent that se...
July 30, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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25:55
Overcoming Shame
Shame is an emotion that can either destroy you or humanize you. In this episode, you'll learn what shame is, why it is such a powerful social motivator and de-motivator, who is particularly susceptible to shame, the origins of shame, how to ma...
July 22, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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37:59
Anxiety in the OR
Surgeons are humans, and humans feel anxiety. Anxiety does not have to derail you in the operating room. If you are a surgeon who struggles with anxiety, nothing is wrong with you. I've struggled my entire life, and I've learned to love the anx...
July 05, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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25:43
The Imposter Within: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is pervasive in high-achieving women...even surgeons. In this episode, I look at all sides of this very important issue. You'll learn the history, the origins, the impact, and most importantly, how to overcome it.Get i...
July 05, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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41:23
Surgeons with Purpose Trailer
You climbed a mountain. You beat the video game. And you have all the diplomas, AOA memberships, awards, degrees, and board certifications to prove it. Now what? What matters to you? Where are you going next? Let's get you there with a ...
July 01, 2024
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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6:51