The Impact of Being a Surgeon on Personal Life: Balancing Work and Family

The amount of time a surgeon can spend with their family varies significantly based on several factors, including their specialty, work setting, and personal circumstances.

Specialty

Some surgical specialties like general surgery may have more unpredictable schedules due to emergencies, while others like elective surgery may have more regular schedules. This variation impacts the availability of surgeons for their personal lives.

Work Setting

Surgeons working in academic medical centers may have additional responsibilities such as teaching and research, which can further impact their time with family. These responsibilities often require extensive dedication and commitment, further reducing the time available for personal life.

Personal Choices

Many surgeons strive to find a work-life balance and prioritize family time by setting boundaries or choosing less demanding roles. This approach can help create a more balanced lifestyle, although it may come at the cost of professional advancement.

Residency Experience

As a resident on trauma call, the schedule was intense and demanding, with the need to work every other day and stay available for emergencies. Even on days off, residents often had to work to complete tasks that couldn’t be handed off. Not much quality time was left for family life, as evidenced by the experiences of colleagues. However, experience and time can bring changes. As a surgeon progresses in their career, they develop the skills to manage their duties more effectively.

For example, at the start of my career, the challenges were immense due to prolonged surgeries, emergencies, and anxious patients. It often felt like I was the junior guy or the Gal (a term used to refer to junior female surgeons who also tend to spend more time away from home). The pressure and unpredictability made it difficult to maintain a consistent family routine.

Evolution with Experience

Through the years, I have learned how to empathize and behave appropriately in emergencies. Most importantly, I have learned when to perform surgery and when not to, based on the situation and the wellbeing of the patient. These lessons have transformed my approach to work-life balance. Now, I find it easier to allocate time for family, but I still need to be mindful and proactive to ensure that family time is scheduled and prioritized.

Even with these improvements, the challenges continue. Junior surgeons often feel the pressure of being the junior guy or the Gal, and the need to prioritize work may mean less time with family. However, with experience and self-awareness, it is possible to strike a better balance.

Conclusion

Being a surgeon presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to balancing work and family life. However, through experience, learning, and prioritization, it is possible to create a more fulfilling personal life that includes quality time with loved ones.