What does it mean to find purpose in surgery?
For ACOS member Nicholas St. Hilaire, D.O., FACOS, a career in surgery is about more than the procedures themselves. It’s about earning patients’ trust, guiding them through challenging moments, and finding fulfillment in the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
We asked Dr. St. Hilaire about his path to surgery, staying grounded during challenging days, advice for medical students, and what the patient experience means to him.
Read his perspective below.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in surgery?
A: As a medical student, I enjoyed rotating through many different specialties. The first time I shadowed a general surgeon, I knew that was the career path for me. I was intrigued about having the opportunity to improve patients’ lives through surgery. One of the best parts of this job is developing trust with my patients. It is humbling and an honor that they put their lives in my hands and trust me to address their surgical needs.
Q: How do you stay grounded during challenging days?
A: I remember my training and don’t panic.
Q: What advice do you have for medical students interested in general surgery?
A: Try to rotate through programs that you have researched and that you know have the potential to be a good fit for you. While rotating, work hard and be prepared. Read about cases you will be involved in and cases that you have seen. Ask questions that show you know the subject matter, to some extent, in order to inspire your mentors to know you are motivated. If there is a program that you like but cannot rotate in, ask to round with the team for a weekend and attend their journal clubs. You want to leave a good impression and for them to remember you (in a positive way, of course) when interview decisions come around.
You will be competing with other eligible candidates. Interact with the residents in the program you want to match with; they have input on who gets selected for interviews at many programs. When you get into residency, work hard. Five years goes by very fast, and there is a lot to learn. You will be operating by yourself or doing a fellowship before you know it. If you put the work in during residency, the transition to being an attending will be much easier. I am 11 years into my practice, and I still love my job.
Q: What does the patient experience mean to you?
A: The patient experience means a lot to me. Most people are nervous about having surgery. I make it a point to take the time to explain their disease process and the options they have to treat it. I like to make sure my patients know that they have a voice in the options for the care they receive. I work hard to make them comfortable with our surgical plan and guide them through the pre-op and post-op process.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self starting in healthcare?
A: Make sure you make time for yourself and your family. It is hard not to take your work home with you, and a part of us is always working. Give 100% effort at work, but when you’re at home, do the same for them.