03/28/2024
⚡PI-KA-CHU!⚡This Pikachu is a school art project I made with my 7 year old son with a paper lunch bag. He wanted to add a tail and feet but I told him, “The art of art is knowing when to stop,” which is something my mom would always tell me. He has a great project already. I worried that it wouldn’t be able to stand on its’ own if we added too much which was an important part of the project.
➿ As an orthopedic residency instructor, I've found residents tend to exhibit two distinct tendencies: some may give up on something too soon, while others strive pathologically for perfection. It's crucial to recognize that both tendencies have their place in surgical training, but understanding when to apply each is the key to success. Accepting the acceptable will get people safely off the table... but when not controlled it can lead to problems. The pursuit of perfection has its’ place but can lead to unnecessary risks and prolonged surgeries and the loss of outcomes that would be acceptable.
☑ Helping these residents understand that achieving excellence does not always mean achieving perfection is something I think is valuable. Identifying which approach is best suited for each resident requires a nuanced understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses. This is something I’m definitely still working on 5 years in. I’m hoping that by providing tailored guidance and support, we can help each resident reach their full potential and become skilled orthopedic surgeons.
