The Six Career Regrets of Surgeons (And How to Avoid Them)

A few years ago, I met a surgeon who had everything going for them on paper.

Brilliant technically.

Loved by patients.

Deeply respected by colleagues.

But there was one problem – they were stuck.

Not progressing. Not getting visibility.

Not building the career they had once dreamed of.

It wasn’t for lack of skill or effort. It was something else. Something I’ve seen again and again in the surgical world.

A subtle, costly trap: Believing that being a great surgeon is enough.

Because the truth is, it’s not.

The surgeons who build meaningful, fulfilling, high-impact careers don’t just operate well.

They make strategic moves — and they make them early.

Here are six of the most common career regrets I’ve seen among surgeons – and what you can do differently, starting now.

1. Treating the Consultant Role Like a Finish Line

There’s an unspoken belief in training: “Once I make it to consultant, things will fall into place.”

But the consultant role isn’t a finish line — it’s a starting point. A place where you’re suddenly expected to lead, make high-stakes decisions, and shape your own path… without a roadmap.

When you treat the consultant title as the destination, you stop growing. But when you treat it as a launchpad, you begin to ask better questions: What’s next?

What impact do I want to make?

What am I building towards?

2. Avoiding Leadership Opportunities

Many early-career surgeons avoid leadership roles because they feel too junior or inexperienced.

The thinking goes: “Leadership is for later.”

But here’s what no one tells you: Visibility doesn’t wait for seniority.

Those who show initiative early get noticed — and remembered.

Leadership isn’t about having the title. It’s about having the courage to speak up, the curiosity to solve problems, and the commitment to create change.

3. Staying Too Long in One Place

Familiarity is comforting. You know the system, the people, the routines.

But often, that sense of safety becomes a silent ceiling.

You stop being challenged.

You stop growing.

The surgeons who rise quickly are the ones who aren’t afraid of lateral moves.

They switch environments to stretch themselves, explore new systems, and unlock fresh opportunities.

4. Neglecting Your Personal Brand

There’s a deep discomfort with the idea of self-promotion.

It feels tacky or arrogant.

But here’s the quiet consequence: you stay invisible.

And invisibility is expensive.

It means fewer invitations, fewer speaking opportunities, fewer doors opening.

You don’t need to shout to be seen.

Start small. Share your ideas. Tell your story. Contribute to conversations in your field.

Your personal brand isn’t about ego – it’s about making your value visible.

5. Never Learning How to Negotiate

Most surgeons aren’t taught how to negotiate, and many avoid it because it feels uncomfortable.

But here’s the cost: You end up working more than you want, earning less than you should, and accepting terms that don’t serve your goals.

Negotiation isn’t about being pushy.

It’s about being clear on your value — and having the language to advocate for it.

6. Only Relying on Assigned Mentors

If your only mentor is the one assigned by your department, your vision will be limited.

The most successful surgeons curate their mentors.

They seek out people who challenge them, who’ve taken unusual paths, people outside their immediate specialty.

Great mentorship is intentional — not assigned.

Don’t just wait to be guided. Build your own circle.

Taking Action

You don’t have to wait.

Not for the next title.

Not for someone to notice you.

Not for the system to offer you a new path.

The most fulfilling careers are shaped by people who stopped waiting — and started building.

Pick one of these six areas. Just one.

Ask yourself: What small step could I take this week to move in the opposite direction?

Then take it. Because small, strategic moves now can save you years of regret later.

Whenever You’re Ready, I Can Help You With This

If you’re looking for tools to enhance your surgical career, build your brand, or stay ahead in the field, here are some valuable resources:

🔹 Digital Products – A collection of practical tools and templates available here to support your professional growth.

🔹 Cosmoplastic – A platform designed for aesthetic surgeons, offering expert insights, education, and personal branding services to help you stand out.

Feel free to explore and see what can support your journey in surgery! 🚀