Mental Health Matters: Breaking the Silence in the Surgical Profession

For generations, the culture of surgery has been defined by stoicism and endurance, often obscuring the profound personal toll exacted on the workforce. Today, however, the profession faces a silent epidemic: high rates of burnout, the insidious impact of microaggressions, and alarming statistics regarding surgeon suicide are symptoms of a systemic need for change. Addressing the mental health crisis in surgery is no longer a matter of individual resilience; it is an institutional responsibility and a critical component of patient safety. Moving from stigma to support requires a fundamental shift in how surgical teams interact, lead, and care for one another. On December 16th at 8 AM EST, AIS brings together a distinguished international faculty to explore these critical challenges and define a path forward. Led by Dr. Mary L. Brandt and Prof. Steven D. Wexner, the program features expert perspectives from Dr. Mochamad Nataliansyah on the hidden impact of bullying, Dr. Tasha M. Hughes on actionable strategies for suicide prevention, Dr. Marisha Burden on the environmental factors shaping mental health, and Dr. Harry T. Papaconstantinou on building psychological safety in the OR. This program is designed to break the silence and equip the surgical community with the tools to build a safer, more sustainable culture.

Clinical Background

1. Welcome & Introduction - Dr. Mary L. Brandt (USA) and Prof. Steven D. Wexner (USA) 

2. Understanding the Hidden Impact of Bullying and Microaggressions in Surgery - Dr. Mochamad (Muska) M. Nataliansyah (USA)

3. Q&A Session - Dr. Mary L. Brandt (USA) and Dr. Mochamad (Muska) M. Nataliansyah (USA)

4. Suicide Prevention in Surgical Communities: From Awareness to Action - Dr. Tasha M. Hughes (USA)

5. Q&A Session - Dr. Mary L. Brandt (USA) and Dr. Tasha M. Hughes (USA)

6. Environmental and Institutional Factors Affecting Surgeon Mental Health - Dr. Marisha Burden (USA)

7. Q&A Session - Dr. Mary L. Brandt (USA) and Dr. Marisha Burden (USA)

8. Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety in the OR and Beyond - Dr. Harry T. Papaconstantinou (USA)

9. Q&A Session - Dr. Mary L. Brandt (USA) and Dr. Harry T. Papaconstantinou (USA)

10. Closing Remarks - Dr. Mary L. Brandt (USA) and Prof. Steven D. Wexner (USA)