It was a Sunday morning, a rare moment of leisure for a young surgeon stepping into the fifth year of his superspecialty practice. Sitting with his family, savoring the tranquility of a slow day, he felt grateful for the pause. But as the evening crept in, so did the familiar storm: Calls started pouring in—an OT staff member asking about requirements for the next day’s surgeries, a medical officer updating him on new admissions, and a registrar discussing post-op rounds. Even the billing department chimed in about pending settlements.

By the time dinner arrived, his mind was already racing through the week ahead. There were surgeries to plan, patients to consult, and marketing strategies to refine. His daughter’s innocent laughter momentarily pulled him back into the present, but the weight of responsibilities lingered as he rested his head on the pillow that night.

This wasn’t an unusual day for him. At just 35, he was acutely aware that the next decade would be the most critical phase of his career: building his practice, earning trust, and establishing his name. Every step felt like laying the foundation for a future of stability and peace.

Monday morning arrived with its usual chaos, but there was a silver lining. Being an independent consultant meant he had control over his schedule. With a supportive team comprising his manager, registrar, and marketing executive, he managed to spend some quality time with his family before heading to the hospital.

The day began with patient consultations, explaining surgeries that cost lakhs and convincing families why his team was the right choice. Between OPD appointments, his manager informed him about complaints regarding OPD reception staff not attending to patients properly and internal conflicts among nursing staff. The result? Delays in preoperative preparation, leaving patients dissatisfied.

He immediately stepped into action: Discussions with his manager and direct conversations with staff followed. Later, during his rounds, he found most patients content, but there were exceptions. One patient complained about food quality and delayed dinner service. Another mentioned the late response of nursing and PCA staff. The surgeon addressed each issue—talking to the food manager, instructing the nurse in charge, and ensuring accountability.

When he finally entered the OT, it was like stepping into his sanctuary. The surgery was flawless, but even there, issues surfaced. The anesthetist brought up pharmacy delays, and the OT manager mentioned staff shortages. Reassurance and quick problem-solving were his only tools to keep the day running smoothly.

By the end of the day, meetings with the CEO, COO, and operations head were inevitable. Discussions revolved around streamlining OPD, IPD, and OT operations to improve patient care. Despite the structural challenges, he knew that patients placed their trust in him—not just for the surgery but for ensuring their entire hospital experience was smooth.

From room cleanliness to food quality, from billing disputes to staff behavior, patients often hold the surgeon accountable for everything. He recalled one incident where a patient’s relative argued about billing discrepancies, and he had to intervene personally, not just to resolve the issue but to maintain trust.

Over time, he realized that being a surgeon in a corporate hospital is much more than performing surgeries. It’s like running a small startup, where the brand is the surgeon’s name, and the success of this “business” depends on seamless coordination between multiple teams: admission staff, OPD and OT nurses, PCA staff, pharmacists, and billing executives.

Patients don’t just choose a hospital; they choose the surgeon. Their decision often hinges on a surgeon’s reputation, empathy, and ability to lead a team that delivers exceptional care. It’s a role that demands not just clinical expertise but also leadership, conflict resolution, and a relentless commitment to patient satisfaction.

The surgeon often marvels at how this profession blends healing with entrepreneurship. Every patient who walks out satisfied is a testament to his team’s collective effort. And while the weight of these responsibilities can be overwhelming, the gratitude and trust of patients make it all worthwhile.

This is the life of a surgeon: a blend of skill, compassion, leadership, and relentless dedication. It’s a journey that tests every aspect of one’s character but rewards with the priceless gift of trust and respect.

Bhavin P. Vadodariya is a surgical oncologist in India.