August 16, 2025

Steady minds, steady hands: Why surgeons must prioritise their own health to improve patient outcomes

Key Points

Surgeons' personal health significantly impacts patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for self-care.
Evidence suggests that prioritizing surgeons' health may reduce mortality rates and enhance surgical performance.
This editorial advocates for improved resilience among surgeons to foster better patient care and safety.
Highlighting the link between surgeon well-being and quality care suggests a shift towards holistic practice models.

Abstract

Surgical PracticeEarly View EDITORIAL Steady minds, steady hands: Why surgeons must prioritise their own health to improve patient outcomes Paul B. S. Lai, Corresponding Author Paul B. S. Lai email protected Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong Correspondence Paul B. S. Lai, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong. Email: email protectedSearch for more papers by this author Paul B. S. Lai, Corresponding Author Paul B. S. Lai email protected Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong Correspondence Paul B. S. Lai, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong. Email: email protectedSearch for more papers by this author First published: 16 August 2025 https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-1633.70024Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookxLinkedInRedditWechatBluesky No abstract is available for this article. REFERENCES 1Patel VR, Stearns SA, Liu M, Tsai TC, Jena AB. Mortality among surgeons in the United States. JAMA Surg. 2025. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2025.2482 10.1001/jamasurg.2025.2482 Web of Science® Google Scholar 2Ferrario C. Doctors' own end-of-life choices defy common medical practice. Medscape. 2025. Accessed August 13, 2025. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/doctors-own-end-life-choices-defy-common-medical-practice-2025a1000k01?form=fpf Google Scholar 3Bovero A, Gottardo F, Tosi C, et al. Spiritual issues in palliative healthcare providers. J Health Psychol. 2025; 30(4): 823-834. doi:10.1177/13591053241253046 10.1177/13591053241253046 PubMed Google Scholar 4Udeh-Momoh C, Migeot J, Blackmon K, et al. Resilience and brain health in global populations. Nat Med. 2025. doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03846-w 10.1038/s41591-025-03846-w Web of Science® Google Scholar Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue ReferencesRelatedInformation

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Steady minds, steady hands: Why surgeons must prioritise their own health to improve patient outcomes

Key Points

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