Practical Anger Management for Surgeons: Tools for the OR
Surgery demands precision, focus, and teamwork. However, high-stress environments like the operating room can also trigger intense emotions, including anger. Left unchecked, this can impact your interactions with your team and, ultimately, patient care. Below are practical tools tailored for surgeons to help manage anger both in the moment and over the long term.
1. In-the-Moment Techniques for the OR
Surgeons often have seconds to decide how to react in tense situations. These quick strategies can help you regain control without losing your focus.
•Sterile Breathing -While scrubbed in, even subtle physical actions can make a difference. Try slowing your breathing without drawing attention to it. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and pause for 4. This technique can be done discreetly while still maintaining control over the procedure.
•Reset with Internal Dialogue - As a surgeon, you have mastered the art of maintaining a calm exterior. Internally, when you feel anger building, use simple self-talk like, “Focus on the task, not the frustration.” This internal reset keeps the focus where it belongs—on the patient and the team.
•Surgeon’s Pause - If a situation in the OR becomes emotionally charged, taking a brief moment to pause—both mentally and physically—can diffuse tension. Even a 10-second pause to ensure everyone is clear on the next step can prevent miscommunication and allow you to regain composure before continuing.
2. Long-Term Anger Management for Surgeons
Sustaining resilience over the course of a demanding surgical career requires ongoing self-care and reflection. These practices help manage stress before it manifests as anger.
• Surgical Mindfulness - Integrating mindfulness into your day-to-day practice can make a significant difference. Try taking five minutes before scrubbing in to focus on your breathing and center yourself. This will create mental space that allows you to handle difficult moments without emotional reactivity.
• Reflect on Stressors in a Surgical Journal
After each surgery, spend 10 minutes reflecting on what triggered anger or frustration. Write down specific moments where you felt tension. Was it a communication issue? Equipment failure? Journaling allows you to spot patterns and develop alternative strategies for managing similar situations in the future. • Physical Activity as a Release- Surgeons often neglect their own physical health, but even a brief workout can reduce stress and prevent anger from spilling over into the OR. Consider high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that can fit into your busy schedule, or even a quick walk to decompress after a long day in surgery.
3. Stress Reduction Techniques for Surgeons in the OR
The OR can be a high-pressure environment where emotions run high. These strategies can help manage stress and reduce anger during surgery.
• Pre-Op Visualization - Before starting a procedure, visualize each step of the surgery unfolding smoothly, including how you’ll handle complications with composure. This mental rehearsal helps you prepare for unexpected stressors and navigate challenges calmly.
• Team Communication and Check-Ins - Anger can arise from communication breakdowns in the OR. Incorporating brief team check-ins before surgery can ensure everyone is aligned and prevent misunderstandings. If tension escalates during surgery, a quick clarification can diffuse anger before it spirals.
• Using Assertive, Not Aggressive, Communication - When stress peaks, communication can become sharp. Practice using assertive but calm language, starting with ‘I’ statements, to address issues without escalating tension. For example, “I’m concerned about the position of the retractor” is far more effective than a blunt command. It keeps the conversation professional and focused on the task at hand.
4. Managing Difficult Team Dynamics
In the OR, frustrations can arise when team members struggle to meet expectations. It’s important to address these challenges calmly and constructively, without letting anger take over. When faced with underperformance, start by clarifying the specific issue without placing blame. If necessary, pull the person aside and provide clear, respectful feedback focused on solutions rather than criticism. This approach fosters accountability and growth while maintaining a professional, supportive atmosphere.
Surgeons operate in some of the most demanding environments in medicine. Learning to recognize and regulate anger—both in the OR and outside of it—will not only protect your well-being but also enhance your leadership in the surgical theater. By integrating these practical tools, you can maintain composure under pressure and foster a more positive, productive working environment
If you’re looking for more tailored solutions or one-on-one coaching, feel free to reach out to me, Patrick Hudson MD, FACS.
With over three decades of experience as a surgeon, combined with mybackground as a psychotherapist and as a Fellow of both the National Anger Management Association and the American College of Surgeons, I specialize in helping surgeons navigate the complexities of their practice.
