This year, the Lucens team had the privilege of engaging with hundreds of doctors— general surgeons, obstetricians, psychiatrists, oncologists, ophthalmologists, and more. These conversations spanned continents and career stages, revealing one undeniable truth: while the challenges of medicine are vast, so are the opportunities to evolve, thrive, and give back.
Here are five lessons that stood out most to us, shared by those who are redefining what it means to succeed in healthcare today.
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1. Build Your Systems—Then Step Back
Across our conversations, one theme came up time and again: the need to escape what can feel like a daily grind and step into a bigger-picture mindset. Many doctors described the transformative power of creating systems that free them to focus on their true purpose: meaningful patient care.
Matthew Brink MD, an ophthalmologist, shared how he leveraged tech-forward solutions like dictation macros and integrated practice tools to simplify documentation and streamline patient workflows. “Efficiency and empathy aren’t opposites,” he said. “When your systems run smoothly, you create space for meaningful patient connections.”
Eric Mann MD, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of team empowerment. By delegating administrative tasks and focusing on training, he not only reduced his own burnout but also created a more positive environment for patients and staff.
These examples remind us that taking stock of your workflow and trusting your team isn’t about losing control—it’s about ensuring your energy is spent where it matters most.
2. Confidence Isn’t a Switch—It’s a Muscle
The transition from training to practice is daunting for many early-career physicians. “Confidence doesn’t show up overnight—it grows every time you try, fail, and try again,” one mentor told us.
Doctors who succeeded in building confidence spoke about the power of observation—not to copy but to learn. Matthew credits his mentor, Dr. Jose Ortiz, for encouraging him to pursue ophthalmology after an unexpected rotation. “Without his guidance, I might have given up before realizing it was my calling,” he said.
A powerful insight came from Myra Trivellas MD, who shared:
“I remember specifically at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, there's a doctor, Dr. Su, who's a total joint surgeon. He's fantastic, very skilled, very smart. When you're in his operating room for the first week, you literally don't even put a hand on the patient at all, but he is constantly explaining his steps. He asks you thoughtful questions about the anatomy or the patient presentation or what you would do in a situation. He keeps you really engaged, not in a Socratic method where he peppers you with questions that you feel like you need to know the answer to, but more just explaining his thought process and expertise.
I learned more in his OR than I did in 20 other people's ORs where they were like, "Yeah, hold this retractor," but you're not learning anything. Dr. Su’s approach is the kind of teaching that really makes a difference in medicine.”
The lesson? Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, learning from the process, and letting your experiences shape your unique path forward.
3. Redefine Success Beyond the Scrubs
Many doctors we spoke with found renewed joy by rediscovering their passions outside of medicine. Whether it was a psychiatrist advocating for addiction treatment on a national stage or an ophthalmologist integrating AI into their practice, these stories demonstrated the importance of weaving personal interests into professional life.
For Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson, combining her South African heritage with modern coaching practices helped her expand her impact beyond clinical care. “Healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and cultural, too,” she explained. By blending traditional Zulu healing practices with Western medicine, she provides holistic care while supporting marginalized communities worldwide.
“We spend so much time in survival mode that we forget we’re allowed to dream,” one doctor reflected. “Once I made space for what I loved—writing, mentoring—I started enjoying medicine again.”
For many, redefining success meant stepping away from rigid expectations. It wasn’t about doing less; it was about making room for what truly mattered, both in and out of the clinic.
4. Leverage Isn’t a Dirty Word
Physicians often struggle to articulate their value, but understanding and using leverage can be transformative. Many shared how recognizing their true worth—as clinicians, leaders, and innovators—helped them negotiate roles that aligned with their goals.
“You’re not just your RVUs or your salary,” Eric explained. “Your ability to lead, innovate, and connect is just as valuable.” By presenting data on his patient outcomes and operational contributions, he successfully negotiated leadership opportunities that aligned with his goals.
Lauren took a collaborative approach to building industry partnerships. “Start by asking, ‘How can I help you?’” she shared. This mindset led her to work with organizations that valued her expertise in addiction care while advancing mutual goals.
Leverage, as these doctors described it, isn’t about pushing for more. It’s about ensuring your career reflects your values and aspirations.
5. Give Back to Move Forward
Perhaps the most consistent message was the power of mentorship and advocacy. Doctors shared how mentoring younger colleagues reignited their passion for medicine. Eric described it simply: “You don’t stop needing mentorship—you just become someone else’s mentor while still learning yourself.”
For Nondumiso, mentorship is about creating space for the next generation of women in medicine. “Helping others navigate their path strengthens my own sense of purpose,” she said.
Bob Ellis DO reflected on how mentorship shaped his decades-long career in oncology. “Medicine is like a river—always changing. Mentorship is about teaching others how to navigate, helping them adapt to the currents,” he explained. He credited his early mentors with not only shaping his medical skills but also guiding him through the emotional challenges of his profession. Now, he pays it forward by mentoring younger physicians in holistic patient care.
Advocacy also emerged as a profound driver of fulfillment. Whether addressing inequities in healthcare or mentoring future leaders, doctors found that even small acts of advocacy could create lasting ripples of change. One physician summed it up beautifully: “The ripple effect of mentorship or advocacy can change someone’s trajectory—and the profession itself.”
Your Year in Review: What Will You Take Forward?
As we reflect on the lessons of this year, we invite you to do the same.
- What systems helped you thrive?
- Where did you grow—and where can you grow further?
- How can you align your goals with the life you want to create?
At Lucens, we’re building a community of peers who are committed to thriving—both professionally and personally. Together, we share insights, mentorship, and resources to help each other navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and create fulfilling careers.
Join us as we reflect on the past year, set bold goals for the future, and continue to grow, give back, and transform the future of medicine—together.
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