In this engaging conversation, Dr. Michelle Cooper shares her unique journey from nursing to becoming a general surgeon, emphasising the importance of clinical reasoning and the holistic care approach. The discussion delves into the critical differences of the clinical features between acute and chronic abdominal pain, effective clinical assessment techniques, and the role of diagnostic tests in surgical practice. Michelle provides valuable information into abdominal pain and highlights the importance of clinical examination over imaging in many cases. The conversation concludes with practical clinical pearls for NP students.