LIMITLESS Leaders Podcast Series Season Four-Episode 15: Academics vs Practice

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This episode of the Limitless Leaders podcast, hosted by Dr. Kelly Bolden, features a discussion with Drs. Shruti Tannen, Paige Benjamin, and Michelle Shermak about career paths in plastic surgery, especially the choice between academia and private practice.<br /><br />Each surgeon shares her journey and reasons for choosing her current path. Dr. Tannen describes leaving academics for solo private practice to gain more control over work-life balance as a mother and to build a practice that reflected her values. Dr. Benjamin, nearing the start of her career, explains why private practice appealed to her because of flexibility, mentorship, and family planning. Dr. Shermak reflects on a long academic career before transitioning to private practice, citing changing reimbursement and institutional pressures.<br /><br />A major theme is the need for better support for women in academia. The panel discusses mentorship gaps, the “bleed” of women out of academic surgery, and the importance of institutions supporting the whole person rather than only productivity. They also note positive shifts, including more women in plastic surgery training programs and growing attention to paternity leave and work-life balance.<br /><br />The conversation also covers leadership, networking, publishing, and the realities of solo versus group practice. The surgeons emphasize showing up at meetings, saying yes to opportunities, building connections, and using mentorship to grow. Financial planning and practice-building are also discussed, with advice on reducing overhead, using business plans, and leveraging one’s MD credentials for loans.<br /><br />The episode closes with each surgeon defining success as happiness, joy, fulfillment, and the ability to serve patients well while maintaining a satisfying personal life.

Keywords

plastic surgery

academia

private practice

women surgeons

work-life balance

mentorship

career paths

leadership

financial planning

female surgeons