There are several insights shared in this episode with Dr. Anthony Brissett which really struck me as important for career longevity. Dr. Brissett is a facial plastic surgeon and ENT physician. He wears a lot of hats, including responsibilities in clinical care, research, teaching, administration, and increasing responsibilities related to his medical non-profit organization.
He is very mission-driven, which has led him to devote much time to humanitarian work. His work in many countries around the world, from Ukraine to Rwanda, has focused on providing surgical care to patients as well as "developing capacity", in which he has worked to strengthen medical training programs locally. He continues to grow in his clinical practice as well, developing a new area of focus within facial aesthetic surgery called cultural preservation.
Another item that struck me about our conversation was how he gets it all done--always a key question when a physician wears so many hats. He spoke about collaboration, and the African proverb that says that "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." He's also very structured about his work week, as well as very persistent in asking for the resources he needs in order to provide the highest quality patient care.
I'm struck by how many of the physicians I speak to who are energized at work combine these two facets of their career. They are very mission-driven and focused on their values, while at the same time place a strong emphasis on the practical side of getting things done.
Dr. Brissett is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist. He is a founding member and board member of Casa El Buen Samaritano, which provides free healthcare services. He also travels across the world to provide surgical care, including Ukraine, Rwanda, and multiple other countries.
He is the Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital, as well as Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, Houston Methodist Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical College.