How Surgeons Stay Focused and Manage Disgust During Surgery

Surgical Procedures amidst Disgust and Distraction

Surgery is a field where the human body is exposed and examined in ways that can be exceedingly challenging. Surgeries involving blood, bodily fluids, and exposed organs may cause fear, disgust, and even physical distress in some individuals. Yet, professional surgeons excel in their craft, maintaining their composure and focus even during the most harrowing surgical procedures. Why do they remain resilient amidst such overwhelming sights and smells?

Several factors contribute to a surgeon's ability to perform without feeling grossed out or passing out:

Training and Adaptation

Just as sewer workers get used to swimming in sewage, artists to naked bodies, and zombie fighters to seeing dead people, surgeons develop a tolerance to the sights and smells of surgery. Medical students often feel overwhelmed upon their first exposure to surgery, but over time, this adaptability becomes crucial for their essential work. The continuous exposure, which includes watching countless surgical videos and performing hundreds of procedures, helps them build a clinical mindset.

Professional Focus

Surgeons are primarily focused on what needs to be done. Their concentration is on completing the surgical task at hand, rather than being distracted by the gross elements. This type of professional focus is not unique to medicine; similar traits are seen in pilots, rock climbers, and boxers. These individuals are trained to remain resilient and concentrate on their goals despite fear factors. In the case of pilots, they must not be afraid of flying, rock climbers must not be afraid of heights, and boxers must not be afraid of being hit. Surgery similarly requires a level of resilience that some individuals simply cannot achieve. Those who are grossed out by blood are often weeded out during medical school, and many who choose to become surgeons do so because they are inherently unbothered by such elements.

Professional Numbing and Clinical Perspective

The clinical perspective plays a significant role in a surgeon's ability to stay focused. Surgeons learn to view the human body in a clinical, analytical manner, focusing on the presence of signs and clues that aid in diagnosis and treatment. They are fascinated by the intricate details of the body and the challenges it presents. For instance, during an eviscerated organ surgery, a surgeon sees the detailed anatomy and the need to repair, rather than viewing the blood and guts as something gross.

A personal anecdote from a medical professional who worked with thousands of patients, including varying conditions from sprained fingers to gunshot wounds, illustrates this point. They state, 'I have never been "grossed out" nor have I come close to passing out. We're not normal, and that's probably just as well.' This statement emphasizes the clinical nature of a surgeon's profession and the unique perspective required to handle such grueling tasks.

Personal Experience of a Non-Surgeon

A non-surgeon's personal experience highlights how even individuals not directly involved in surgical procedures can be affected by the presence of blood. The experience of a medical student who fainted during an extended period of assisting in a heart surgery due to the smell of electrocautery and an early cold syndrome emphasizes the need for resilience in the medical field. Fainting in such a scenario is unprofessional and thus led to a change in career path away from surgery.

Despite the inherent challenges of their profession, surgeons are highly respected for their bravery and dedication. They are essential in the healthcare industry, providing crucial services that save lives and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

Surgeons maintain their composure and focus during surgeries by a combination of training, clinical perspective, and an inherent resilience. Their ability to stay unfazed by the gross aspects of their work is a testament to their dedication and the unique nature of their profession. Understanding the factors that contribute to this resilience can help medical students and aspiring surgeons emulate these traits, allowing them to excel in their careers.