Self-care for surgeons is a topic that Dr. Paul Fedak, a 54-year-old cardiac surgeon, knows all too well. As a young medical student, he was fascinated by open-heart surgery and dedicated his life to becoming a leading cardiac surgeon in Calgary.
Dr. Fedak describes himself as someone who thrives on challenge and “trying to do the hardest thing,” which made him well-suited for the demanding role of a cardiac surgeon. However, the high-intensity environment of cardiac surgery can take a toll on one’s mental health.
Cardiac surgeons operate in high-intensity environments, where they must be “in the moment, at peak performance” to perform complex and long operations. The stress is undeniable, with patients’ lives in their hands, but Dr. Fedak says the rewards are the impact on families and the challenges of reconstructive surgery.
According to Dr. Fedak, research shows that surgeons’ blood pressure and heart rate actually go down while they’re operating, despite the high-intensity nature of the work. This is because they are hyper-focused on the task at hand.
Dr. Fedak’s life took a dramatic turn when he suffered a neck injury that forced him to stop operating in 2023. The injury led to a crisis of identity and a deep spiral into depression, as he struggled to come to terms with no longer being able to do the job he loved.
He had dedicated his life to being a cardiac surgeon and an expert at fixing others, and the loss of this identity was devastating. He had to strip away the “mask” and superhero uniform that had defined him for so long and confront his vulnerability and humanity.
With the help of his wife and a friend in psychiatry, Dr. Fedak sought professional help and began to rebuild his sense of self. He realized that he didn’t have to be defined by his role as a surgeon and that he could find new purpose and meaning in life.
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Dr. Fedak is now on a mission to help change the culture of the medical profession, particularly among surgeons. He believes that the culture of silence and stoicism that pervades the medical profession can be harmful and that doctors need to be able to speak openly about their struggles and vulnerabilities.
He is working to create a national peer-to-peer support network for surgeons and is speaking out about his own experiences to help normalize the conversation around mental health. Dr. Fedak is also working with a filmmaker friend on a documentary about the pressures and expectations placed on surgeons.
Debby Carreau, a human capital thought leader and CEO of Inspired HR, agrees that the situation is critical. She believes that the health-care system is overloaded and that physicians are being asked to do too much with too little support.
Carreau advocates for a workplace wellness approach that prioritizes the well-being of health-care professionals.
His story is a powerful reminder that even the most skilled and dedicated professionals can struggle with mental health issues. Dr. Fedak’s courage in speaking out about his experiences is helping to break down the stigma and silence that surrounds mental health in the medical profession.
Dr. Fedak looks to the future, committed to creating a more supportive and inclusive culture for surgeons and health-care professionals. He believes that by working together, they can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment that benefits everyone.
Dr. Fedak’s new leadership position at the University of Alberta will give him a platform to influence the culture of next-generation physicians. He plans to use this opportunity to shape the culture and promote a more open and supportive environment for surgeons to discuss their struggles and vulnerabilities, including the importance of overcoming hidden barriers to well-being.
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