Finding Voice and a Purpose: Trauma and Transition in Medicine

In this episode of Promising Young Surgeon, Dr. Frances Mei Hardin reflects on her transformative journey through residency and the power of self-discovery. As she celebrates the milestone of her 51st episode, Frances Mei shares her struggles with confidence and competence during her ENT residency, revealing how podcasting has helped her reclaim her voice and identity. She expresses her gratitude to the audience for their support over the past year and introduces her guest, Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors, a retired US Army physician and advocate for mental health and education reform.

Dr. Neighbors shares her compelling story of navigating trauma and systemic challenges in military medicine, highlighting her transition from medicine to writing. Her debut memoir, Too Much, offers a raw account of her experiences, tackling themes of resilience and self-discovery. The conversation delves into the complexities of misogyny and discrimination in the medical field, as both Frances Mei and Cindy reflect on their shared experiences as female surgeons. They discuss the importance of speaking out against a broken system and the need for change in medical training environments.