The New Surgeon on the Block-First Impressions, Establishing a Practice, and Developing Referrals

Transitioning from surgical trainee to new surgeon presents unique challenges and opportunities. This manuscript offers practical guidance for new surgeons to establish themselves as a safe, effective, and reliable independent surgeons. It reviews basic principles to follow to build a practice and cultivate referral networks. The manuscript will highlight the importance of making strong first impressions, fostering respectful relationships with healthcare providers, and engaging with multiple professional outlets to advance their career. Additional factors that will support the new surgeon include strong mentorship, support from the hospital leadership, free resources through surgical societies, paid resources through private companies, and thoughtful management of one's own practice of surgery. Common pitfalls for the new surgeon such as burnout, setting unrealistic expectations, and patient complications are also discussed including considerations for how to counterbalance each threat.