Ep. 56: Valerie Sams: Handling Trauma and Saving Lives

Passing The Torch

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What happens when a life hangs in the balance during a high-stakes NFL game? Join us as Air Force Colonel and Dr. Valerie Sams, a renowned general surgeon and trauma critical care expert, recounts her heroic efforts on the night Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest. Dr. Sams sheds light on the often overlooked emotional and mental traumas that accompany physical injuries, emphasizing the importance of addressing these invisible wounds. Hear her unique perspective on the immense pressure and expectations that come with emergency surgery and learn how she stays grounded through it all.
Ever wondered how medical professionals handle the intense demands of their jobs without breaking? In this episode, we explore the vital skill of detachment in high-stress medical environments and how Dr. Sams teaches this to new trainees. Discover the delicate balance between rigorous training and providing emotional support to patients' families. Plus, we tackle the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome and share strategies for staying current with medical advancements to keep self-doubt at bay. For a touch of light-heartedness, listen to Dr. Sams discuss her proficiency in the board game Operation and her admiration for the character Hawkeye from MASH.
Finally, we take a journey through the evolution of combat surgery and the importance of continuous learning and truth-telling in leadership roles. Dr. Sams shares heartwarming stories of camaraderie among deployed medical professionals and clarifies common misconceptions about the roles of trauma surgeons and emergency medicine doctors. Hear her thoughts on the necessity of confidence in their field, and the critical role of teamwork in medical emergencies. Our conversation culminates in a reflection on the Damar Hamlin incident, underscoring the preparedness and crucial role of medical teams in saving lives. Tune in for a compelling discussion that celebrates excellence, kindness, and humility in the medical field.

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Capitole

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Thursday Night Football Game (00:02:16)

3. How society can heal invisible wounds (00:03:31)

4. Advice for clearing one’s self of trauma taken on from others (00:04:51)

5. Tips for handling pressure when expectations continue to rise (00:05:50)

6. When feeling overwhelmed or unfocused, or has lost focus temporarily, steps taken to get back into the zone (00:07:43)

7. Coping With High-Stress Professions and teaching skill of detachment (00:08:44)

8. Shutting down internal doubt and negative self-chatter (00:09:24)

9. Rating her skills at board game OPERATION (00:10:38)

10. Which character from MASH she most identifies with (00:11:30)

11. Exploring Trauma Recovery and Truth-Telling (00:12:35)

12. Recommended books for anyone recovering from traumatic events (00:17:48)

13. Misconceptions About ER and Trauma Doctors (00:18:57)

14. Billboard message for everyone to see and read (00:21:53)

15. What she wants people to know about Damar Hamlin event (00:23:06)

16. Parting thoughts (00:24:57)