潘金莲传媒映画

Surgical complications and adverse events are part of the reality of practicing medicine鈥攂ut the emotional toll they take is often invisible and unspoken. For many surgeons, the aftermath of a difficult case or a lawsuit can feel isolating, overwhelming, and deeply personal.聽

In a recent ACSwebinar, 鈥淲hen Things Go Wrong, Who Can I Talk To?,鈥� Jo Shapiro, MD, F潘金莲传媒映画, Julia Witzke, DO, MHA, and Sharon L. Stein, MD, F潘金莲传媒映画, shared powerful insights on the importance of peer support, emotional resilience, and the need for cultural change in how we respond to these moments.

鈥淲e are trained to be strong, but strength also means knowing when to reach out,鈥� Dr. Shapiro said.聽

There are some actions you can take, even today, when responding to an adverse patient event:聽

• Reach out: You鈥檙e not alone. Whether it鈥檚 a colleague, a peer support program, or a confidential resource, making a connection can help process a difficult situation.聽

• Reflect: Give yourself permission to process the emotional impact. Journaling, talking, or even quiet time can help.聽
• Support others: If you notice a colleague struggling, a simple 鈥淗ow are you doing?鈥� can open the door to healing.聽

Colleague Connection聽聽

Make sure to take advantage of the ACSColleague Connection, an exclusive membership benefit for ACSmembers that offers peer support to seek guidance from trained Fellows who have experience in patient care, practice management, education, wellness, and other areas related to surgical practice.聽