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Ep 196 Successfully launching residents into new jobs with Dr. Sharon Stein

How do surgery residents find their first job—and keep it? In this episode, Dr. Amy Vertrees sits down with Dr. Sharon Stein, a colorectal surgeon turned professional development coach, to talk about her new program designed to help residents land jobs that truly fit their goals and values.

Dr. Stein shares eye-opening statistics:

  • 15% of surgeons leave their first job within 2 years.

  • 50% leave within 5 years.

The problem? Training programs teach standardized skills but don’t help surgeons identify their unique strengths—or what they really want in a job.

Together, Dr. Vertrees and Dr. Stein discuss:
✅ Why comparison (not competition) derails job searches
✅ The mid-career slump and how to prevent it
✅ A 4-step framework for assessing, interviewing, evaluating, and negotiating job offers
✅ How institutions (and surgeons) can avoid the high cost of misaligned job placements

Dr. Stein’s new six-month program includes on-demand modules, group coaching, and one-on-one sessions—limited to 30 graduates across all surgical specialties.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Clarity comes first: Identify negotiables and non-negotiables before interviewing.

  • It’s not just salary: Evaluate culture, mentorship, and long-term growth.

  • Negotiation = relationship building, not confrontation.

  • Coaching isn’t just for the lost— it’s for creating sustainable, fulfilling careers.

📌 Resources & Links

✨ If you’re a surgical resident—or know one—this episode is a must-listen for setting up a thriving career from the start.