Medicine is more of a team sport than people may actually think. The doctors usually get most of the credit–but just like in sports–sometimes we’d never get as far were it not for our teammates. In surgery this team concept is critical. Surgeons are seen as the captains of the ship. But a successful voyage requires more than a strong captain. If the whole crew is not functioning on the same level then the ship can sink very easily.
The best crews always keep their composure when storms hit. As the captain of the ship, a calm and poised Surgeon gives the rest of his crew the confidence to handle difficult situations smoothly and without a sense of panic.
I was blessed enough to have such a crew last night. Their calm under pressure and confidence in one another helped save a life that may not have otherwise have been saved. Thanks for keeping the ship afloat.