Episode 45 - Modern Insights into an Academic Career in Trauma & Acute Care Surgery with Dr. Carlos Brown

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carlos VR Brown from the Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas to discuss issues relevant to both junior and mid-career trauma & acute care surgeons.

Topics covered include: military-civilian trauma, finding one's niche in academic surgery, work-life balance, and learning from our mistakes. As I prepare to enter a new phase in my academic surgical career, the timing of this interview could not have been more perfect. This episode is packed with career pearls and words of wisdom that are not to be missed!

Time Stamps
00:12 Introduction

02:37 Welcome Dr. CVR Brown

05:39 When did your interest in trauma surgery begin?

08:26 Military versus civilian trauma surgery

11:16 Carlos Brown is a Hero (No Matter What He Says)

13:18 Military & advances in clinical knowledge

14:29 Research & the importance of mentorship

15:04 The path to academic surgery: LAC-USC 2002-2007

17:45 Mentorship and research

20:31 Coming home & the opportunity to build

23:33 What is really important in a job? People, place, and family

26:32 “If you build it, they will come” BUT you need to surround yourself with REALLY GOOD people. Oh, and time management is also essential!

28:08 If you don’t have to be at work, leave! And go do the things that bring pleasure to you outside of work.

30:25 “We all make mistakes….”

31:36 Ask yourself, “What’s the best fit for both your career and family?”

32:51 Outro and call to action

Links:
Carlos Brown is a Hero (No Matter What He Says)
https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/carlos-brown-is-a-hero-no-matter-what-he-says/