One of the most terrifying thoughts to some of us is operating on a human. If you’re not a medical professional, trust us, it sounds like something we never want to do. How can we possibly be responsible for someone else’s life? Well, we researched, and this is what we found on how these professionals stay focused under pressure.
The Room is Prepped
A huge factor is the environment. Operation rooms are prepped specifically for the procedure that is about to be performed. They have all the tools they need and the proper assistants are there to help with extra hands. Additionally, the room is a well-balanced temperature that minimizes sweating and keeps the staff comfortable. Some doctors even have thermal cooling jackets that help them stay frosty during the procedure.
Oftentimes, the doctors will request calming music to be played. This helps them to focus. They have to be intellectually prepared just as much as anything else. Many doctors claim that calming music or sounds help clear their minds of outside stressors. They simply know what they have to do and have trained to do it, so it gets done.
Even if they come across a situation in which things start to go south, they keep calm by using breathing techniques. They are all highly trained and know they are there to help save someone’s life. To outsiders, we see it as a stressful environment. However, for those who are built to do it, it’s just another day at the office.
Proper Training
As mentioned above, technique and skill play a vital role here. Doctors know what is on the line if anything goes wrong. They don’t want to get a phone call from a medical malpractice lawyer. When you’re going through medical school, there are hundreds of times you will watch and learn. Panicking is not an option for them. They practice their breathing in ways that train their body to handle stressors. Lamaze exercises can help anyone get through a difficult situation.
Surgeons have the quick-witted ability to prioritize their tasks. They start where and when they need to start and follow very specific steps to achieve their goal. A lot of surgeries are routine. They may even perform a specific surgery ten times a day. Practice makes perfect, after all.
They have been trained on how to manage conflict during procedures. Something can always go wrong and this may send some of the surrounding staff into a state of stress. The best professionals can not only keep themselves calm, but they can assist with helping others relax as well. Clear communication can do wonders.
Staying Healthy
The medical staff knows firsthand what it means to take care of your body. The proper diet and exercise can add years to your life. It can also make daily tasks easier as you grow older. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t operate at peak performance forever. You have to keep your body in shape. We put our bodies through a lot in a lifetime and it takes a toll. Doctors and nurses know that eating a good meal, snacking when hungry, and drinking plenty of water are just the basics of getting through your day.
In an operating room, there’s tons of standing. The staff could be standing for hours depending on the surgery being performed. Yoga and other strength training regimens can keep your body prepped for the grueling hours of operation. In addition to this, you want to make sure what you are putting in your body doesn’t have any adverse reactions. If you have 4 cups of coffee before surgery, your hands may be a bit shaky. That isn’t the desired state for an operation.
A combination of all of these skills is needed for doctors to complete their jobs properly. Medical professionals are some of the highest-paid and most responsible members of society. They have a duty to help and protect their patients. They take great care in honoring their oath. This is why medical malpractice can be so devastating. But most doctors care about others and that’s why they chose this profession. So although an operation may seem crazy to someone who doesn’t do it every day, it’s rather normal for them.
