Becoming a Better Surgeon: A Journey Towards Empathetic and Safe Patient Care

All surgeons strive to be better surgeons, respected by their peers, appreciated by their patients, and valued by their communities. However, despite the estimated 200 million surgeries performed worldwide every year, surgical complications and preventable medical errors remain a significant concern. Why do experienced surgeons still create adverse events, and more importantly, what can they do to address this situation?

Blood, Sweat and Tears: Becoming a Better Surgeon provides pragmatic answers to these questions. Written by trauma surgeon Philip Stahel, this book chronicles his 20-year journey from his ‘rookie years’ in internship and residency to his development as a global patient safety advocate, renowned academician, and compassionate surgeon.

The book provides in-depth coverage of critical components of safe surgical care, offering practical tips for improving partnerships between surgeons and patients. By sharing his personal experiences and insights, Dr. Stahel aims to help surgeons reduce the learning curve to becoming better surgeons.

What the Experts Say

Renowned experts in the field of medicine have praised Blood, Sweat and Tears for its unique approach to patient care. Dr. Marty Makary, author of The New York Times bestseller Unaccountable, commends Dr. Stahel for presenting a rich compilation of honest and remarkable experiences.

Dr. Wade Smith, Co-founding Editor of Patient Safety in Surgery, describes the book as a “practical story about life” that will be of interest to many outside the realm of medicine.

Dr. Jerome M. Buckley, Retired CEO/Chairman of COPIC Companies and Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, recommends the book as mandatory reading for medical students, interns, residents, and fellows-in-training.

Dr. Ted Clarke, Orthopaedic Surgeon and CEO of COPIC, Denver, Colorado, appreciates Dr. Stahel’s emphasis on empathy and communication, which he believes is essential for quality improvement and self-fulfillment.

Kerry Olson, RN, praises the book for its down-to-earth writing style and compassionate approach to patient care, which has reinvigorated her love of nursing and passion for patient care.

Nicole Morgan, MHA, finds the book to be a unique and captivating narrative that provides a fresh perspective on healthcare, emphasizing the importance of patient involvement in healthcare choices.

Blood, Sweat and Tears: Becoming a Better Surgeon is a must-read for anyone in healthcare, offering valuable insights and practical advice for surgeons, healthcare professionals, and patients alike. By sharing Dr. Stahel’s journey, this book inspires a new approach to patient care, one that prioritizes empathy, communication, and safe surgical practices.