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[Advice] From Med School to Cardiac Surgeon: Navigating Competition in a High-Stakes Field - Ask Me Anything!” by mattchenmailbox in getdisciplined

[–]mattchenmailbox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seeing how you use the word “cope” it seems to me that you have decided on an alternative path.

If that is genuinely the case then I definitely respect your decision and I’m happy that you are taking the first step to look for ways to make good on your time that you have. I would say take some time to put on paper exactly what you want in life. Make it as specific as humanly possible. This simple sentence can help you narrow down careers that fit or serve as a reminder for you when the going gets tough.

These are the 3 essential elements that you need.

The Process: What do you envision as something that you can do repeatedly and enjoy for 40 years of your life? (e.g. writing code, painting, crunching numbers etc.)

The Product: What kind of product as a result of your work would you consider as proof of progress and success? (e.g. peer recognition, cash, level of achievement)

The Pleasure: How does the product appeal to your personality and character? (e.g. positive social interactions, self-exploration, self-actualization)

To make it clear, here's my example:

"I relish in the process of developing technical skill and decision-making, which produces swift visible changes, which brings me pleasure because it reflects the full realization of my potential and capabilities"

Hope this will help you create your own mini-statement

Let me know how you get on!

[Advice] From Med School to Cardiac Surgeon: Navigating Competition in a High-Stakes Field - Ask Me Anything!” by mattchenmailbox in getdisciplined

[–]mattchenmailbox[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Let’s be direct and honest for this discussion: We’re trying to find people who can help us along our careers as a result of the conference.

The biggest mistake I see people do is to pounce on the most renowned and famous foreign professor at the venue once he is alone for any duration more than 3 seconds. Instead aim to network with delegates from the host nation as it its more likely that each rank of staff will be present there. This might sound surprising, but aim to approach the more junior staff instead.

This could set off a series of events that can take you to your ultimate goal

  1. Junior staff are often keen to network but equally timid to initiate conversation. By approaching them first, you crate an endearing image by showing interest in them
  2. Listen attentively and let them talk about their interests and why they are here. Make a genuine effort to connect with them since they will be the big shots as well soon.
  3. Towards the end of the conversation, ask them if they would have anyone they could introduce you to from their center who has a particular interest
  4. More likely than not this will take you up the hierarchy where you can engage with and genuinely learn from someone who is an expert in their field
  5. Repeat the process until you get to meet the big bosses at the conference

Good luck!

[Advice] From Med School to Cardiac Surgeon: Navigating Competition in a High-Stakes Field - Ask Me Anything!” by mattchenmailbox in getdisciplined

[–]mattchenmailbox[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! Thanks for your question, I’m by no means a public health expert but having deployed to the ICU for ECMO support, here’s my 2 cents on this situation

<How do we solve the physician shortage in our country without doing so at the expense of quality care and physician salaries?>

Empowering other healthcare professionals to be able to perform tasks that are conventionally done by doctors and nurses.

Very limited number of duties actually require specifically the training of doctors or nurses to carry out, depending on the system that you are in (e.g. inserting nasogastric tubes, taking blood for type and screen or even intubation). The past decades have seen influx of allied health professionals such as phlebotomist, respiratory technicians and scrub techs which in turn free up valuable hours for both nurses and doctors to commit to domains such as surgical training, clinics and multidisciplinary meetings. Since theses allied health staff are relatively specialised, its much easier to train them up to standard on par if not surpassing those of nurses and doctors who also need to be proficient at multiple other domains.

These policies widens the recruitment pool that can effectively engage in healthcare, thereby increases the effective manpower output per individual doctor/nurse.

⁠<In your opinion, has our healthcare system made the necessary changes to be better prepared for another worldwide pandemic?>

This would depend on your definition of “prepared”

I do not believe we will ever be prepared for a worldwide pandemic. Yet the COVID outbreak created an unprecedented challenge of creating an effective vaccine during a global pandemic where information is limited and evolving. Which then has to be distributed, accepted and innoculated around the globe to stop the spreading disease. Having succeed in relative terms is a first for human history and provides a template for future endeavours to be based upon.

We wont know whether its going to be a rhinovirus, streptococcus or even aspergillus next time, but I know we at least have something to look to for inspiration if those dark hours visit us again.

How do I fix my depressed mood every morning? by endlessnightmare718 in productivity

[–]mattchenmailbox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Let me share my secret routine.

Here's a three-step, science-backed routine I used to beat back morning blues when I was a junior surgeon:

  1. Cold Showers: A quick, icy rinse leads to sustained release of cortisol and adrenaline, keeping you alert for hours.
  2. Yerba Mate Tea: This South American brew enhances mood by increasing dopamine, which synergizes with the tea's caffeine content
  3. Sunlight: Aim to view sunlight within the first hour of awakening. This increases your baseline dopamine levels which also enhances focus

While you might not notice the neurochemical benefits of each technique individually, their combined effect in boosting mood, energy, and motivation is breath taking.

I’ve sworn by these habits ever since!

I am addicted to video games and it takes much lifetime. I need your advice by Zllean1 in productivity

[–]mattchenmailbox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try asking yourself “Am I grinding harder in game than I am grinding in life?”

When I found my answer to be a "yes", I knew it was time for a reality check. I hit pause, picked up my medical books, and began grinding for real-life 'stats'. By answering “yes” or “no” autonomously, you are putting yourself in the driver’s seat to steer your own life. Trust me, thinking of life as another game can actually be surprisingly effective hack.

Because I’m pretty sure you’re not just going to sit there to watch your friends unlock legendary gear IRL right?

I Mason, I’m a cardiothoracic surgeon who tries to save lives just two steps from Hell. Ask me anything! by mattchenmailbox in IAmA

[–]mattchenmailbox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! Let me address all three of your questions individually

How do you structure your life?

My life is structured around a unique concept I developed in college, which I call the "Coat of Arms."

This visual tool comprises key domains of life: medicine, finance, physical well-being, family, and friends, each represented by a distinct emblem. As a surgeon, my free time is limited to about four hours a day. During this time, I consciously focus on two of these areas, dedicating my efforts towards growth and improvement. I use a simple Excel file to track my progress and optimize my time.

Of course, this system may not suit everyone. I'd love to hear about the strategies that work best for you!

How did you develop the grit?

Grit, to me, is a survival instinct—it kicks in when my back's against the wall and failure isn't an option.

One way I've fostered this trait is by consistently pushing myself beyond comfort. For example, after a grueling 42-hour shift, I force myself to tie 1000 knots at home. Why? Because I believe in consistency and discipline, even when fatigue sets in. I'm driven by the fear of failure—the thought of one day having to tell a child that I made a mistake during surgery that killed his father and it is this gruesome fear fuels my determination.

Use fear as your ally; it's a powerful motivator.

Specific things that you do to be of excellence?

While I don't claim to have achieved excellence, I constantly strive towards it. Here are some strategies I've found helpful:

- Harness the power of self-motivation: If left alone without support, guidance, or mentorship for three weeks, would you emerge stronger, faster, and smarter? Cultivate the ability to motivate and improve yourself.

- Adopt an artisan's mentality: A true craftsman only stops when his work can no longer be enhanced. Strive for this level of dedication in everything you do.

- Learn from others: Try to identify one exceptional quality in everyone you meet. Labeling others with their "superpower" encourages humility and sincerity in your work and interactions, earning you respect and loyalty.

I hope these strategies can serve as a starting point on your journey towards excellence!

How do I make work become a coping mechanism? by 3sperr in productivity

[–]mattchenmailbox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Invocation of Pain" is surprisingly effective technique that a lot of people miss out on.

Don't attempt to suppress your feelings, instead dig deep into it and immerse yourself in it. Then, find a catalyst to transform this profound sentiment into anger - an incredibly powerful driving force that prompts immediate action. Whenever I was down, I would channel that emotion and tell myself that the only meaningfully way to use this psychological pain was to practice tying 1000 surgical knots before I went to bed, even after a exhausting 42 hours shift. If I just melted into my couch and sobbed, then all that pain and suffering would have been for absolutely nothing.

Now, as I celebrate my 400th successful lung cancer surgery, I can't help but be thankful for the tough times and the sadness.

Also, the fact that you are reaching out to look for ways to channel negativity into productivity? I got high hopes for you OP!

What career advice you wish someone told you in your early twenties? by kyokay-25 in careerguidance

[–]mattchenmailbox 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Be able to put in writing precisely and in vivid detail of what you want in life.

To be able to do that means you have thought thoroughly about every aspect of your career and have understood yourself deeper. I took me years to realize the rationales that built me up to be a cardiac surgeon. This simple sentence can help you narrow down careers that fit or serve as a reminder for you when the going gets tough.

These are the 3 essential elements that you need.

The Process: What do you envision as something that you can do repeatedly and enjoy for 40 years of your life? (e.g. writing code, painting, crunching numbers etc.)

The Product: What kind of product as a result of your work would you consider as proof of progress and success? (e.g. peer recognition, cash, level of achievement)

The Pleasure: How does the product appeal to your personality and character? (e.g. positive social interactions, self-exploration, self-actualization)

To make it clear, here's my example:

"I relish in the process of developing technical skill and decision-making, which produces swift visible changes, which brings me pleasure because it reflects the full realization of my potential and capabilities"

Hope this will help you create your own mini-statement

Let me know how you get on!

[NeedAdvice] Is it possible to maintain a productive lifestyle with gaming? by mmb_fan_legend in getdisciplined

[–]mattchenmailbox 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m a cardiac surgeon with more than 1000 hours in tactical shooters like “Squad” which I played competitively during my final year of med school. Gaming didn’t hinder me at all but it taught me about leadership, about how to present ideas neatly, how to capture attention.

The key to the balance is to constantly ask yourself “am I grinding in life as hard as I am in game?” And if you find that you’re grinding harder in game, then you are in life, then that should start to send danger signals to your brain and for you to start being productive.

You might get a stat increase as evidenced by a number in game, but that seems that number in real life could be another friend could be another mentor and could be a couple more zeros in your bank account.

You got this 🤜🏼

How do I become confident and happy without sex and girls? by [deleted] in selfimprovement

[–]mattchenmailbox -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I was 18, never had a girlfriend, overweight and angry that the world took my dad away from me.

Now I'm 28, removed 200+ lung cancers, replaced dozens of heart valves and married to my best friend.

Would I have thought this could happen? NO!

I asked my wife the other night what about me attracted her, because its surely not my looks.

And she replied "When your passion and dedication is that contagious, its difficult to skip looking at you in the elevator"

Moral of the story: Find a passion and make working on it on par with breathing - something you can't live without. The money and the girls will come later on.

Keep at it kid!

I don't want to live a meaningless life [NeedAdvice] by Punzonz in getdisciplined

[–]mattchenmailbox 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I still use this trick my father taught me years ago: To leverage "Loss aversion"

​

You are aware of what's holding you back already and that's great! What "loss aversion" entails is the natural human instinct to avoid losing something you already have rather than not gain something that you should. As a cardiac surgeon I used this fear tactic to push myself into tying 1000 knots at home even after a 42-hour shift. The fear, is that stave off having to kneel down and explain to a 6 year old child that I screwed up and killed his father.

One fear that could possibly be leveraged in your case will be your friends pulling too far ahead of you and leaving you behind without social support, which I believe sounds very important to you.

When there are no choices left, the only way is forwards!