29 - The Anatomy of Burnout: Insights from an Orthopedic Surgeon

Join us for a revealing conversation with Dr. Dimitri Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon, as he opens up about the challenges of burnout in medicine and shares invaluable insights on how to maintain balance and passion in a demanding profession.In this captivating podcast episode, host Catryn Becker sits down with Dr. Dimitri Thomas, an esteemed orthopedic surgeon with a remarkable journey that spans from serving in the Army to pursuing his dream in sports medicine. Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Texas, Dr. Thomas shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his deployment to Afghanistan after completing his residency. He explains why he chose orthopedics, citing the instant gratification and job security of helping people heal from injuries and get back to their active lives.However, amidst the highs of his profession, Dr. Thomas candidly opens up about the pervasive issue of burnout in the medical field. He reflects on the pressure to work relentlessly and the lack of emphasis on business education for doctors, leading to a perception of martyrdom. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of understanding finances and seeking balance in one's life to prevent burnout.Delving into the complexities of his profession, Dr. Thomas discusses the ethical dilemmas he faces, such as using bone and cartilage from cadavers for transplants. He provides profound insights into the realities of surgery and the responsibility patients have in caring for their bodies. Moreover, he speaks passionately about treating coworkers with respect, highlighting the need for humility in the pursuit of excellence.In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Thomas experienced a shift in perspective, realizing that true medical heroes are often found in the ER. He emphasizes the value of leaving work at work and focusing on providing cutting-edge care to his patients without getting consumed by personal glory.Overall, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the life of an orthopedic surgeon, sharing valuable lessons on navigating the challenges of medicine, avoiding burnout, and finding fulfillment in serving others. Join us as we gain invaluable insights from Dr. Dimitri Thomas' inspiring journey.About Dr. Dimitri ThomasDr. Dimitri M. Thomas is a highly skilled orthopedist based in Kinston, North Carolina, with affiliations to prestigious hospitals like Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center and UNC Lenoir Healthcare-Kinston. Prior to his medical career, he excelled as a sprinter during high school and college, achieving an impressive 5th position in Texas for the 400m event and receiving the Texas All-State Scholar/Athlete Scholarship.Dr. Thomas's journey also led him to serve as a U.S. Army Major, where he deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 as the orthopedic surgeon at a forward operating base in Ghanzi Province. There, he demonstrated his expertise in treating complex war injuries, showcasing his unwavering commitment to helping others.After his 13 years of military service, he pursued a sports medicine fellowship in Missouri, further honing his skills and providing invaluable team coverage for the Mizzou Tigers athletic teams. Driven by his passion for assisting patients, Dr. Thomas chose to become a physician and specialized in orthopedics, finding joy in the immediate impact of his treatments and seeing patients regain their lives.His clinical interests encompass various areas, including sports medicine, cartilage restoration, meniscus transplantation, osteotomy (bone realignment), ligament injuries, shoulder (rotator cuff and instability), and the innovative WALANT surgery for hand and wrist procedures.—Contact Catryn Becker: Work with CatrynLinkedin