Presenter Status
Student
Abstract Type
Research
Primary Mentor
Dr. Richard Schwend
Start Date
12-5-2025 11:30 AM
End Date
12-5-2025 1:30 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Description
Hypothesis: We hypothesized that surgeons who continue practicing after a major complication are more likely to have strong institutional and peer support, a growth mindset, and access to coping mechanisms that mitigate distress and legal pressures. Study Design:
Qualitative study using Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) based on semi-structured interviews with pediatric spine surgeons who have experienced major surgical complications.
Introduction:
Complications in pediatric spine surgery have significant emotional, ethical, and legal
consequences. However, little is known about the factors that differentiate surgeons who continue performing spine surgery from those who transition away.
Methods:
33 pediatric spine surgeons were interviewed (28 continued practicing spine; 5 transitioned away). Participants described their most career-defining complication (modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink grade 4 or 5) and its impact on their career trajectory and well-being. Thematic analysis identified key patterns in support systems, ethics, emotional burden, resilience, and institutional trust.
Results
Surgeons had an average of 22 years in practice (range: 2–38). 2 were female. Complications occurred at a mean of 12 years into practice (range: 1–32). 12 had experienced a patient death, 15 encountered an intraoperative and 10 a delayed spinal cord injury. 15 complications were due to a surgical error and 9 surgeons faced a lawsuit. Five major themes emerged:
1. Support Systems – Institutional and peer support were critical; lack of support correlated with distress and career attrition.
2. Ethical Responsibility – Surgeons expressed deep accountability; full disclosure helped mitigate emotional and legal repercussions. 3. Emotional Impact – Guilt, shame, fear, and regret were most common. Those who
reframed complications as learning experiences were more likely to continue practicing.
4. Legal and Risk Management – Litigation and fear of legal action exacerbated distress, leading some to alter decision-making.
5. Resilience and Professional Growth – Surgeons who continued practicing exhibited
greater emotional resilience, mentorship networks, and commitment to patient safety. Conclusion
Surgical complications are transformative events in a surgeon’s career. Institutional support, mentorship, and structured coping mechanisms are key determinants of whether a surgeon recovers, adapts, and continues performing pediatric spine surgery. These findings underscore the need for peer support systems, ethical transparency, and mental health resources to enhance surgeon well-being and career sustainability
Included in
Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Medical Education Commons, Orthopedics Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons, Surgery Commons
Navigating the Fallout: How Pediatric Spine Surgeons Cope, Recover, and Persevere After Major Surgical Complications
Hypothesis: We hypothesized that surgeons who continue practicing after a major complication are more likely to have strong institutional and peer support, a growth mindset, and access to coping mechanisms that mitigate distress and legal pressures. Study Design:
Qualitative study using Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) based on semi-structured interviews with pediatric spine surgeons who have experienced major surgical complications.
Introduction:
Complications in pediatric spine surgery have significant emotional, ethical, and legal
consequences. However, little is known about the factors that differentiate surgeons who continue performing spine surgery from those who transition away.
Methods:
33 pediatric spine surgeons were interviewed (28 continued practicing spine; 5 transitioned away). Participants described their most career-defining complication (modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink grade 4 or 5) and its impact on their career trajectory and well-being. Thematic analysis identified key patterns in support systems, ethics, emotional burden, resilience, and institutional trust.
Results
Surgeons had an average of 22 years in practice (range: 2–38). 2 were female. Complications occurred at a mean of 12 years into practice (range: 1–32). 12 had experienced a patient death, 15 encountered an intraoperative and 10 a delayed spinal cord injury. 15 complications were due to a surgical error and 9 surgeons faced a lawsuit. Five major themes emerged:
1. Support Systems – Institutional and peer support were critical; lack of support correlated with distress and career attrition.
2. Ethical Responsibility – Surgeons expressed deep accountability; full disclosure helped mitigate emotional and legal repercussions. 3. Emotional Impact – Guilt, shame, fear, and regret were most common. Those who
reframed complications as learning experiences were more likely to continue practicing.
4. Legal and Risk Management – Litigation and fear of legal action exacerbated distress, leading some to alter decision-making.
5. Resilience and Professional Growth – Surgeons who continued practicing exhibited
greater emotional resilience, mentorship networks, and commitment to patient safety. Conclusion
Surgical complications are transformative events in a surgeon’s career. Institutional support, mentorship, and structured coping mechanisms are key determinants of whether a surgeon recovers, adapts, and continues performing pediatric spine surgery. These findings underscore the need for peer support systems, ethical transparency, and mental health resources to enhance surgeon well-being and career sustainability
