Faculty Reflections on What Makes a Good Surgeon: “The operating Room is Often the Smallest Part of the Puzzle”

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Little research has inductively investigated the unique nontechnical qualities required of a surgeon holistic to their practice. This is problematic because there may be additional nuances, or entirely new attributes, that can only be identified in the authentic context of surgical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the unique nontechnical qualities required of surgeons holistic to their practice.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a thematic analysis. One-hour in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with faculty surgeons from two academic hospitals. Surgeons responded to the question: “What makes you a good surgeon?” Interviews were transcribed and coded. Theory-informing inductive data analysis, utilizing the lens of virtues ethics, allowed for development of an overarching theme.

PARTICIPANT AND RESULTS

Twenty-seven surgeons (25.9% female) participated. Ideas presented by surgeons on what makes a good surgeon were distilled into a novel conceptual framework comprising five virtue couplets. The good surgeon is perceptive and caring; self-reflective and growth-seeking; confident and humble; driven and balance-seeking; and honest and responsible.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates a unique set of nontechnical virtues present in the “good surgeon.” These virtues offer areas ripe for education and investigation.