In this episode, Dr. Sharon L. Stein is joined by Dr. Edward Barksdale, a renowned pediatric surgeon and mentor. Together, they explore the powerful concept of hope—how it influences both our personal and professional lives, especially for surgeons.Key Discussion Points:The relationship between vulnerability and resilience in surgery—why hope is not "soft" but an essential discipline that drives our actions, even in tough times.Dr. Barksdale and Dr. Stein discuss that hope is not a wish, but an active pursuit in which you maintain a positive orientation to develop the skill set to move in a direction toward goals.Dr. Barksdale reflects on a transformative trip to Nicaragua in 2007 that reinforced his belief in the power of hope as a strategic tool for creating positive change, both in surgery and in society.The importance of relationships—faith, family, and friends—as vital components in rekindling hope and helping us overcome challenges, both personal and professional.Hope as an active, intentional force that requires action and vision, particularly in times of crisis or despair.How small, meaningful actions—like reaching out to a friend or colleague—can have a profound impact on someone struggling with hopelessness.Highlights:Dr. Barksdale’s story of a young boy from Nicaragua illustrating how hope can move mountains when paired with action.The "Barksdale F’s": faith, family, and friends, as guiding principles for maintaining hope in the face of adversity.The concept of "antifragility," or how we grow stronger from adversity, and the role hope plays in fostering resilience.Dr. Barksdale’s involvement in the International Foundation for Education and Research on Depression (iFred) and his advocacy for recognizing the International Day of Hope on July 12th.Special Note on Mental Health:As part of the conversation on hope, Dr. Barksdale highlights the growing mental health crisis among healthcare professionals, particularly surgeons, and the importance of supporting each other. The episode includes a discussion on the need for better mental health care for surgeons, as well as practical steps to support one another during tough times.Resources:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.International Foundation for Education and Research on Depression (iFred): ifred.orgAbout Dr. Edward Barksdale:Dr. Edward Barksdale is a professor of surgery at the University of Chicago and serves as the Chief Surgical Officer of the Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance, which includes Advocate Children’s Hospital, Comer Children’s Hospital, and Endeavor Health. He is the second vice president-elect of the American College of Surgeons and the Executive Director for the Society of Black Academic Surgeons. With years of experience, Dr. Barksdale has been a mentor and leader, supporting others in navigating the challenges of surgery and life.Stay tuned for future episodes of The Intentional Surgeon as we continue to explore the culture of surgery and how we can change it—one intentional decision at a time.

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