Everyday Oral Surgery

Dr. Morton Goldberg: Life lessons from an 89 year old surgeon (sharing experiences from his book, The Humpty Dumpty Syndrome)

July 12, 2021 Grant Stucki - oral and maxillofacial surgeon Episode 58
Everyday Oral Surgery
Dr. Morton Goldberg: Life lessons from an 89 year old surgeon (sharing experiences from his book, The Humpty Dumpty Syndrome)
Show Notes

Oral surgeons, as our title suggests, belong in the operating room. Unfortunately, an increasing number of oral surgeons are spending more and more time in their offices and less and less time in theatre. This is something that greatly concerns today's guest, Dr. Morton Goldberg, who struggled for many years alongside other professionals to successfully lift the oral surgery profession out of the shadows. Morton’s colorful life and love for storytelling make for a fantastic episode, in which you will hear about his most influential year of education, the challenges he has faced during his career, and the achievement he is most proud of. Morton also shares what you can expect to learn if you read the book he wrote, The Humpty Dumpty Syndrome, how he came up with the name, and some stories from his 89 years around the sun that you are not likely to forget anytime soon!


Key Points From This Episode:

  • Work Morton has been doing since he retired.
  • Morton’s experience at Harvard’s dental school. 
  • Why Morton was drawn to oral surgery.
  • Challenges that Morton faced when he attempted to get into medical school.
  • What Morton learned during the year that he considers the best educational experience he ever had.
  • A question that Morton was asked during a residency interview, which had a profound impact on him.
  • What the term, which is also the title of Morton’s book, The Humpty Dumpty Syndrome, means.
  • The 20 year process Morton went through from conception to publication of his book. 
  • How oral surgery has advanced over the years.
  • Morton shares one of the things he is most proud of achieving in his career.
  • A rundown of how Morton’s book is structured, and what you can expect to learn from reading it. 
  • Concerns Morton has about the future of oral surgery.
  • The most bizarre implant experience that Morton ever had.
  • A very important part of resident education that isn’t being taught. 
  • Morton shares a story of a malpractice case that he was involved in. 
  • Valuable advice from Morton to all oral surgeons.


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059