Daily Analgesia - An Open Apology to Your “Passionate” Surgical Colleague

https://opmed.doximity.com/articles/the-myth-of-the-rageaholic-physician

Dearest Colleague,

I’d like to first emphasize that this is a safe space for your feelings and that I see you now. For as long as I can remember, at every hospital I have worked at, a few select surgeons have built prolific reputations as temperamental, difficult to work with, and just plain mean. Through thorough research and hours spent gathering personal accounts by surgical colleagues, I have concluded that your anger is actually not anger at all, but a passion for medicine and dedication to your work. This investigation has opened my eyes to how misreading one’s intentions can ruin a reputation.

Who would have thought that the simple act of caring about your patients could be so horrifically distorted? Every surgical tech who has refused to work with you for chucking retractors at the wall should see that you are just trying to do what’s right for the patient, and not having the niche instrument you asked for that isn’t listed on your preference card prevents you from doing that. Every anesthesiologist who has slowed you down by putting in a pre-induction arterial line for your patient with severe aortic stenosis simply doesn’t understand that if they stop “dicking around” (your words, but they didn’t correct you), you could help more patients in one day. Every resident with trembling hands who you have made cry while suturing should understand that you aren’t hard to work with, you are trying to make them better. Constructive feedback is for wusses, and this residency program shouldn’t be in the habit of raising weak surgeons.

Why don’t more people see that behind the berating of operating room staff, you are a person with feelings who just takes their job seriously? People write off your passionate rage as simply a person who never learned to self-regulate, disregards professionalism, and thinks the old toxic tradition of taking your beatings in medicine is the right way to do things. How very narrow-minded of them.

I recognize and applaud that many of your colleagues have gone on to take Anger Management courses to find alternate ways to express their passion. Some have even gone on to become Fellows of American Institute of Healthcare Professionals in Anger Management (MD, FACS, FAICHP in Anger Management has a great ring to it). These certifications are usually done through the National Anger Management Association, which primarily offers intensive training for counselors, psychotherapists, and social workers focused on domestic violence and crisis management in community settings such as schools, jails, and foster care, but I am sure the skills are widely applicable. After all, who needs the techniques and coping skills more: a professional navigating significant mental and emotional trauma or a condescending surgeon who isn’t able to communicate their needs in a healthy way?

A surgeon once said that if he were ever called difficult, he would respond by saying “I’m not angry. I’m committed. And sometimes that comes out strong.” On behalf of every resident, circulating nurse, scrub tech, consultant, and other colleague that you interact with on a daily basis, I want to apologize for horribly misinterpreting your dedication to healthcare and pledge to respect the sanctity of your tantrums. We see you, we recognize your passion, and we now know that none of us, no matter our backgrounds, training, or reasons for going into medicine, will ever match the same level of commitment and dedication that you bring every day. Thank you for giving us the pleasure of your company, and the honor of facilitating your care for patients.

Best Regards,

Your Surgical Staff

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