My Declaration of Independence

Three years ago, I declared my independence from burnout. Monday is when our country celebrates the Declaration of Independence authored by Thomas Jefferson amongst his fellow authors and signed by 56 delegates. I have always felt the Fourth of July is a very important holiday. However, this year I have a even greater perspective, because my family just returned from a trip to Washington DC, Mt. Vernon, Williamsburg, Yorktown and Monticello.

Different Perspectives

Each of us, spanning from ages 53 to 8, was learning about our history from a different perspective. What was your perspective? I was reminded of adversity, resilience, and an abundance of other characteristics as we toured many of the historically rich monuments and museums. I read various profound quotes from our nation's founding fathers and progressive leaders over the week. I was able to reflect on so many things over the course of our 9 day trip with my wife and kids, and extended family, as I have not taken so much time off since our honeymoon over 15 years ago. On our trip I was also "too busy" with the family, that I was unable to do much of any "real work." A few projects were delayed, but no one was harmed, and I am still a Highly Successful Surgeon!

When our founding fathers wrote the declaration of independence and later the constitution, they were taking on very complex problems. They created a system that allowed for progress and change, just as I was doing 3 years ago. They also created key foundation principles that allowed a framework for this change. The 8 PRACTICEs of Highly Successful Surgeons has been the foundation principles of my independence from burnout.

A Work in Progress

My life and career is still a work in progress. I still experience stress and frustrations. There are still areas where I seek much more control, especially where my experience and training have given me the perspective of what is best for my patients. However, I now have many more tools to manage the stress and frustration, to increase my control, to provide hope and care to others, and to make a major positive impact on other people's lives.


I choose to accept the label of revolutionary? When tyranny, regulation and a system treats doctors as second class citizens to serve only others, they forget that we are humans too. We can not be available 24/7, as we too must be available to our families and ourselves. I continue to speak up against the tyranny and against the parts of the system that I believe make things worse for all. I am not always right, but our goals should still be based upon enhanced patient experience, better health, lower cost, AND improved clinician experience!


I hope you will join me as "one people" / Surgeons that will declare our independence!

What will be your founding principles to Life, Liberty and your pursuit of Happiness?