Why are surgeons such arrogant arseholes

[KirtonandKim]

*not all of them

Seasoned manager of over 25 years. Brought in to manage a team of surgeons who have ridiculous retention of staff (they can’t). Managers, operational, PAs and juniors - they cannot retain anyone.

2 months in and I can see why. They are without a doubt the most arrogant group of people I’ve ever had the misfortune of trying to manage. I’ve managed “bad” teams before - but nothing like this. And it’s just shrugged and accepted as “what surgeons are like”.

They know they are untouchable - they know they have us over a barrel and we can’t sack them. But the constant moaning and bitching and whining and utter lack of any insight into their own behaviour is fucking flabbergasting

God I can’t face work tomorrow

"*I was working for 8 surgeons last night.
**1. Wanker

1. Wanker
2. Absolutely lovely I hadn’t a break and he bought me a slice of cake
3. Gentle giant (once saw him lift a older woman from the floor like a baby) Universally adored.
4. Very intense (and slightly demanding) but really care for his patients.
5. Female one. Absolute grafter. V.polite.
6. Softly spoken Asian doctor (hides from the nurses but patients love him).
7. Aggressive arsehole who shouts in nurses faces.

My point is they’re all different, some good ones, some excellent ones and some you wouldn’t piss on if they were on fire*"

Sound like a random example picked from the general public to me. Except most of can't do what surgeons do.

Feeling very much in the minority here!! I am very lucky to have a pair of extremely lovely, talented and most importantly non-arsehole consultants. One is an orthopaedic surgeon, the other a neurosurgeon and thankfully neither fit the stereotype described whatsoever. Both very well liked and respected among colleagues (I am an ODP and have scrubbed for them in the past) so not just all an illusion put on for patients. The majority of the younger consultants rising through the ranks definitely seem far more personable and are all for positive change in terms of teamwork, respect etc.

Personally I would never have anyone who didn't show basic respect for their colleagues or patients anywhere near me. There is a difference between being confident in your abilities, and being an arrogant arsehole.

@clipclop5 Hello from a student ODP! :)

I agree, the younger ones coming through now are mostly really lovely. Very into team work!