Message from the EAST President
Monday, November 18, 2024
Dear Members of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST),
This will be the last in a series of newsletters that I have written as the President of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. As we near the end of the year and as the Annual Scientific Assembly approaches, I have been doing a lot of thinking about EAST and our profession. It is no surprise to any of us that our surgical community faces some real and urgent challenges. We live in a time when the demands on surgeons have grown in intensity and complexity. Our jobs are physically and psychologically demanding. Long hours, high-stakes decisions, and the relentless nature of acute care surgery are not new to us. Yet, what feels more acute is the overwhelming prevalence of burnout, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of disconnection and the impact they have on our well-being, our relationships, and even the quality of care we provide.
Many members of EAST are working on understanding these critical issues. Our leaders are making needed structural changes to work schedules, leave policies, compensation models, and many other issues. I have a hard question for you though. Will structural changes alone be enough to make us truly happy? I don’t think they will be. Ultimately, we need to turn inward and reconnect—with ourselves, our values, and each other. Through this deeper self-exploration and genuine connection, we can cultivate a sense of purpose that supports us through the inevitable highs and lows of our careers.
Ancient philosophers in both the Eastern and Western tradition may offer us a way forward. The Greeks called the way forward “Eudaimonia”. This is a complex idea that I will probably not fully explain since my understanding is evolving as well. It is not fleeting happiness or simple satisfaction that might come from hearing that you got a raise or learning that another person will be in the call pool. It is about reaching our highest potential and, most importantly, aligning our actions with a deeper sense of purpose. It’s the kind of fulfillment that comes from living in a way that’s true to our core values and from making a positive impact on others.
To move toward this state, we need to adopt a new lens for how we approach our careers and our personal lives. There will be no quick fix. It will take sustained work to nurture a way of living and working that enables us to thrive rather than merely survive. During the Presidential Address at the Annual Scientific Assembly, I will offer a thought on one framework that has been helpful to me.
We also need to consider how leaders can influence our happiness. As leaders, we set the tone for our teams and the culture within our institutions. As Simon Sinek has suggested, a leader’s role is to create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to bring their best selves to their work. Leaders who embody these qualities not only support their teams but also drive the kind of meaningful change that inspires others. We must seek leaders who embody humility, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of those they serve—qualities central to what Jim Collins has called a Level 5 leader. Such leaders focus on empowering others, fostering a culture of safety and trust, and making decisions that reflect both wisdom and compassion. In the future I plan to expand on this topic, but today I’d like to leave you with two steps that can help begin this journey toward eudaimonia:
- Start or expand a Reflection Practice: Consider setting aside five minutes at the start or end of each day to ask yourself questions like: "What am I most grateful for today?" "Did my actions align with my values?" and "What can I do better tomorrow?" This small act of reflection can be grounding and serve as a reminder of what truly matters, helping us to keep our focus on what brings us fulfillment rather than getting lost in day-to-day stressors.
- Prioritize Connections: Eudaimonia is as much about relationships as it is about individual purpose. Make time for meaningful connections with colleagues, family, and friends. Reach out to a peer or mentor within EAST, someone who understands the unique challenges we face. Share stories, advice, and support with one another. Building and strengthening these relationships can foster a sense of community, reminding us that we’re not alone in this journey. And – come to the EAST Annual Scientific Assembly in Arizona! It is the perfect time to connect and build community.
Thank you for your trust, dedication, and commitment to excellence. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President of EAST.
Warmest regards,
Ben L. Zarzaur, MD, MPH, FACS
President, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma