Dissecting Operating Room Culture with Dr Carol Anne Moulton

DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.  

 >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.       

Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

Welcome to another episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat" with your host, Dr. Mark Bonta! 

In today's conversation, we are honored to have Dr. Carol Anne Moulton, a prominent hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon and an expert in medical education. Together, they delve deep into the critical role of cognitive rehearsal and the 10,000 hours rule in mastering both technical and non-technical skills in medicine.

Dr. Moulton shares her invaluable insights on fostering compassion and humanity in the high-stress world of surgery, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and authentic patient connections. They discuss revolutionary cultural shifts in the medical field, the pressing need for teamwork and open communication in the OR, and the significant impact of non-technical skills on patient outcomes.

Tune in as Dr. Bonta and Dr. Moulton explore the evolving definition of surgical expertise, the ongoing feminization of surgery, and the urgent need for balancing technical excellence with compassionate care. This episode promises to provide key takeaways that will inspire both seasoned professionals and aspiring medical practitioners to nurture a more humane and effective healthcare environment.

03:25 – Doctor Moulton: Surgeon, mom, juggles multiple passions.

09:45 – Surgery combines skill with good bedside manner.

11:07 – Choosing a medical career involves fitting personality.

17:01 – Cognitive rehearsal and environment shape personality skills.

18:49 – Expert calmly saved patient and reassured family.

23:13 – Connectivity and vulnerability positively impact surgeons' welfare.

26:33 – Impact, introspection, recovery, reputation, surgery's lasting effects.

29:30 – Compassion, collaboration crucial for effective healthcare transformation.

30:53 – Improving culture reduces surgeons' bad behavior.

35:05 – Practice patience and kindness for a better culture.

40:16 – Expand skills beyond technical expertise safely.

43:47 – Checklists improve surgical safety, reducing mortality rates.

45:40 – Key qualities for outstanding surgeons: skill, culture.

47:43 – Collaboration and humility essential for successful surgery.

52:15 – Human skills enhance technical fields like surgery.

54:59 – Humanistic skills essential, irreplaceable by AI robots.