Ep 206 You Can’t Operate Your Way Out of Burnout

🔍 Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Amy Vertrees explores one of the most pervasive and dangerous habits in surgery: overworking. Surgeons are trained for excellence and rewarded for endurance, but this mindset can quietly erode health, relationships, and even clinical effectiveness.

Dr. Vertrees shares her personal journey of learning to set boundaries after years of believing that saying “yes” was part of being a good surgeon. Through honest reflection and practical insight, she uncovers the identity and mindset issues that drive surgeons to work beyond sustainable limits—and why true leadership requires learning to stop.

💡 Key Takeaways

Overworking is not productivity—it’s depletion. Surgeons often continue working past the point where their efforts serve any meaningful goal.
The work will never be done. There will always be another patient, another chart, another case. Knowing when to stop is an act of leadership, not laziness.
Why saying no is so hard. From fear of judgment to feelings of obligation and scarcity, surgeons often override their own limits for reasons that have nothing to do with patient care.
Boundaries protect purpose. Overworking gives an illusion of control but actually surrenders it. Boundaries help surgeons stay creative, clear, and compassionate.
Five steps to building boundaries: Define limits, plan ahead, list what matters, assess your schedule, and make changes intentionally.

🧠 Quote Highlights

“Overworking is when your effort stops serving your goals and starts draining your energy, your relationships, and your purpose.”

“The work will never be done—but your capacity will. Protect it.”

“We don’t fix burnout by working faster; we fix it by redefining who we are when we’re not operating.”

🗓️ Action Items for Surgeons

Define your boundaries—time, effort, and emotional energy.
Plan your week in advance and block what truly matters.
Review your schedule: does it reflect the life you actually want?
Adjust intentionally to align your professional and personal priorities.
Remember: you are the authority over your calendar.

🚀 Learn More

Enrollment is open for The Boss Surgeons Program 2026, a year-long coaching experience designed to help surgeons lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Sign up now and get the rest of 2025 free, including live coaching, access to recordings, and a private podcast library.

👉 Visit bosssurgery.com to learn more or schedule a conversation with Dr. Vertrees before enrolling.