In Part Two of The Human Side of Leadership: Becoming the Physician You Want to Be, Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Johanna Richey, is joined by Dr. Savannah Santiago, third-year chief resident at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, and Lindley Andrews, President of the Maryland Healthcare Education Institute and leadership consultant for the APMA. Dr. Johanna Richey continues the conversation with Dr. Savannah Santiago, third-year chief resident at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis and Lyndley Andrews, president of the Maryland Health Education Institute and leadership consultant to the APMA.
Together, they explore what it means to strive for excellence while embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and the reality that perfection is neither always possible nor always necessary. The discussion begins with authenticity and the pressure to conform to preconceived ideas of what a surgeon or leader should look and act like. The group discusses the importance of understanding personal values, setting boundaries, and recognizing that professional excellence does not require sacrificing the individual behind the professional role.
The conversation also examines emotional intelligence and the importance of adapting communication to different audiences without compromising authenticity.
Building meaningful connections, understanding others’ perspectives, and recognizing what helps people feel comfortable can strengthen relationships, particularly in high-stress environments such as the operating room. Lyndley offers practical strategies for approaching courageous conversations, including identifying the risks of remaining silent, clarifying the desired outcome, separating observable facts from emotions, and focusing on shared goals.
Vulnerability emerges as a critical component of effective leadership and professional growth. Savannah reflects on the tendency to isolate ourselves when we make mistakes or fear judgment, emphasizing that acknowledging challenges and asking for help can build trust rather than undermine credibility.
The discussion also explores reframing perceived failures as opportunities for learning, using deliberate practice to improve surgical skills, and recognizing accomplishments alongside areas for growth.
Finally, the group tackles the tension between healthy striving and perfectionism. While clinical care demands rigorous attention to detail, not every professional task requires the same level of perfection. The challenge is learning when further refinement meaningfully improves outcomes and when it risks creating unnecessary work or harm. Through reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to keep learning, listeners are encouraged to pursue mastery while extending grace to themselves and others. www.apma.org/wellbeing