SGEM Xtra: Yeah, Might Be All that You Get – How Ted Lasso Made Us Better
May 18, 2024
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Dr. Rebecca Szabo, an obstetrician/gynecologist from Melbourne, and Dr. Dennis Ren, a pediatric emergency medicine physician in DC, discuss how 'Ted Lasso' has inspired their medical practices. They explore themes of kindness and resilience that resonate strongly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. With reflections on empathy, community, and the show’s impact on personal growth, they emphasize the importance of supportive relationships in both healthcare and life. The conversation also touches on hopes for future storytelling, promoting inclusivity and authenticity.
Ted Lasso's unwavering optimism influences characters positively, showcasing the power of positivity to inspire growth during challenging times.
The show's emphasis on curiosity over judgment highlights the importance of understanding individual experiences, resonating with healthcare's need for compassionate patient interactions.
Deep dives
The Impact of Ted Lasso's Optimism
Ted Lasso exemplifies unwavering optimism, which serves as a cornerstone of both his character and the show’s overall message. His positivity not only creates an uplifting environment but also influences the characters around him, pushing them towards growth and joy despite challenges. For example, Lasso’s infectious attitude gradually transforms Rebecca, who starts as a bitter figure and evolves into a nurturing matriarch for the team. This optimism becomes especially resonant during difficult times, offering viewers a hopeful perspective amidst real-world challenges such as the pandemic.
The Importance of Curiosity and Non-Judgment
Lasso’s mantra of 'be curious, not judgmental' emphasizes the significance of understanding others rather than hastily forming opinions. This approach fosters deeper connections among team members, encouraging them to appreciate each other's backgrounds and struggles. An example from the show is Lasso’s relatable dart game anecdote, where he describes how judgment can stem from ignorance about others’ lives. This principle mirrors the ideal in healthcare, reminding professionals to approach patients with curiosity instead of scrutiny, particularly during their vulnerable moments.
Vulnerability and Authentic Leadership
The show highlights the power of vulnerability in leadership, illustrating how Lasso’s openness about his own difficulties enhances his effectiveness and relatability. His candidness about personal struggles resonates with both the characters and the audience, promoting a culture where asking for help and expressing emotions is normalized. For instance, Roy Kent’s development into a more compassionate figure showcases how confronting personal challenges can lead to profound growth. This theme encourages leaders to embrace their human side, fostering stronger bonds with their teams.
Lessons in Inclusivity and Respect
Ted Lasso champions the values of inclusivity and respect, addressing essential social issues with sincerity and depth. The show portrays diverse characters who not only navigate personal challenges but also support each other's growth, promoting a collaborative environment. Key moments, such as Rebecca standing up in male-dominated settings, reinforce the importance of representation and allyship. This celebration of diversity creates significant moments of connection among characters, ultimately leading to richer relationships and a more supportive community.
Date: May 13, 2024
Guest Skeptics:
Dr. Rebecca Szabo is an obstetrician/gynecologist and medical educator specializing in simulation from Melbourne, Australia working at The Royal Women’s Hospital and The University of Melbourne. This is her first time as a guest skeptic on the SGEM, she has created FOAMed content through various media, including the MedEd Stuff N Nonsense Podcast.
Dr. Dennis Ren is a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. He is the lead for SGEMPed and has created content for other FOAMed sites like First10EM, Don’t Forget the Bubbles, and PedsRAP.
This is an SGEM Xtra episode discussing lessons we learned from watching the show Ted Lasso. We have done other SGEM Xtra episodes looking at how various pop cultures impacted us as physicians and influenced us as people.
SGEM Xtra: Star Trek Made Me A Better Physician with kindness mentor Dr. Brian Goldman
SGEM Xtra: Lead Me On – What I Learned from Top Gun with my BFF Dr. Chris Carpenter
SGEM Xtra: Holding Out for a Hero – Lessons from The Dark Knight with PEM superhero Dr. Dennis Ren
Five Questions for the Guest Skeptics
Why did you like the show so much?
Who is your favourite character?
Who do you identify most within the show?
What friend do you have that represents the ethos of the show?
Who do you think needs to watch the show?
Listen to the SGEM podcast on iTunes or Spotify to hear Dennis and Rebecca's answers.
Ten Lessons Learned from Watching Ted Lasso
Be Curious, Not Judgemental
Optimism and Positivity
Be a Goldfish
Empathy and Compassion
Vulnerability
Open-mindedness
The Importance of Family
Learning from Failure
Leadership
Inclusivity and Respect
Listen to the SGEM Xtra podcast on iTunes or Spotify to hear Rebecca and Dennis discuss these lessons.
The SGEM will be back next episode doing a structured critical appraisal of a recent publication. Trying to cut the knowledge translation window down from over ten years to less than one year using the power of social media. So, patients get the best care, based on the best evidence.
REMEMBER TO BE SKEPTICAL OF ANYTHING YOU LEARN, EVEN IF YOU HEARD IT ON THE SKEPTICS’ GUIDE TO EMERGENCY MEDICINE.
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