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We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com. Back to Healio \u00a0Key takeaways: Stress management as a surgeon takes practice. Start by identifying your \u201ctells,\u201d then practice resetting yourself to your target energy. When complications arise, process them, then \u201cclose the loop.\u201d NEW ORLEANS \u2014 In the high-stakes environment of ocular surgery, stress management is a trainable skill that can be improved with strategic planning and practice, according to a speaker. At the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting, Erin S. Seefeldt, MD, an ophthalmologist and founder of Physician Performance Lab, highlighted the scope of burnout among physicians. A survey of 592 participants found that 37% of U.S. ophthalmologists reported burnout symptoms, which can serve as a career-ending factor for a number of clinicians. However, Seefeldt said that combatting it is practical.
Data were derived from\u00a0Seefeldt ES. Practical tips and tricks for reducing surgical anxiety and burnout among ophthalmic surgeons. Presented at: American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting; Oct. 9-12, 2026; New Orleans.
\u201cThis isn\u2019t something that you just magically get throughout your career by being awesome,\u201d she said during the presentation. \u201cThere are things that you can do that will help you manage the stresses you are dealing with, and these can be done preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively.\u201d The first step, Seefeldt said, is for ophthalmologists to identify their own \u201ctells.\u201d It is important for surgeons to know how others perceive them when stress takes over. \u201cYou have to know yourself,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you don\u2019t know your tells, just ask your tech or your RN, or whoever works with you, because they can tell you. It is pretty obvious when you are in the OR and something is getting tense.\u201d Erin S. Seefeldt Next, when a tell surfaces, act on it. Ophthalmologists should identify a reset plan, which can range from a slow, controlled breath to an intentional loosening of the jaw or grip. A shoulder shrug can also help surgeons release any built-up tension and return focus to their fine motor muscles. Avoid sighing or audible breath, which can be perceived as frustration, according to Seefeldt. \u201cThe other piece of this that we found over multiple different types of work is knowing your target energy is really important,\u201d Seefeldt said. \u201cSo, what does it feel like when you feel good in the OR?\u201d When entering the OR with low energy, or high levels of tension, having both \u201cramp up\u201d and calm down techniques can help steer surgeons back toward their target goal. Physical movement and a tailored music playlist can help with fine tuning to the right headspace, while short writing exercises can help relieve a cluttered mind. \u201cYou can keep a piece of paper next to your OR plan,\u201d Seefeldt said. \u201cWrite those things and tuck them away so that you can take them out of your mental space.\u201d Mental rehearsal, or visualizing a smooth, uneventful day in the OR is a good way to start the day in a centered mindset, making possible complications more manageable. When they inevitably arise, recognize that bad surgical outcomes can be avoided. Acknowledge a change in procedure, then calmly pivot to a new approach. \u201cSay you get vitreous. It\u2019s OK. You are just going from surgery A, a routine cataract procedure, to surgery B, which is the new surgery,\u201d she said. \u201cThat helps you to transition unemotionally. Recognize that you have to make this mental shift, and then just click over.\u201d Ultimately, ophthalmologists should work toward not letting difficult cases follow them home. Seefeldt said that, after taking time to debrief internally or with their team about what went right and what could have been done differently, it is then time to \u201cclose the loop\u201d and mentally move on. Seefeldt recommended setting up monthly team rehearsals for practicing complication management; A well-prepared team will keep the room calm. \u201cIf your team is not prepared for these situations, that creates extra stress for you,\u201d Seefeldt concluded. \u201cYou do not want to be running around the room finding [the right tools] for a vitrectomy. You can create these drills. … Start this week.\u201d Published by: Sources\/Disclosures Source: Seefeldt ES. Practical tips and tricks for reducing surgical anxiety and burnout among ophthalmic surgeons. Presented at: American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting; Oct. 9-12, 2026; New Orleans. Reference:
Disclosures:
Seefeldt reports being the owner of Physician Performance Lab and Catalyst MedSpa, as well as a shareholder for Comprehensive Eye Partners.
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