Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast Clinical Challenges in Surgical Education: Power & Leadership
Jan 5, 2026
33:04
Ever feel powerless in the clinical environment? You’re not alone - and you may have more power than you think. In this Clinical Challenges in Surgical Education, hosts Drs. Maya Hunt and Mckenzie Rowe explore power and leadership within surgical learning environments. Joined by guests Drs. Paula Ferrada, Chair of Surgery at Inova Fairfax, and Frances Mei Hardin, co-founder of the Hippocratic Collective, the team discusses frameworks of conceptualizing power, how it can be found at any point in training, and tips on how to identify and better wield our own power in learning environments.
Episode Hosts:
Episode Hosts:
- Dr. Maya Hunt, Indiana University, mayahunt@iu.edu
- Dr. Mckenzie Rowe, Inova Fairfax, mckenzie.rowe@inova.org
- CoSEF: @surgedfellows, cosef.org
Guests:
- Dr. Paula Ferrada, Inova Fairfax, @pferrada1, paula.ferrada@inova.org
- Dr. Frances Mei Hardin, Hippocratic Collective, @francesmeimd, francesmei@hippocratic-collective.com
Learning Objectives:
- Identify different sources of power within individuals
- Define framework of ‘power-over’ vs. ‘power-to/power-with’
- Recognize how leaders (including residents) may wield different types of power in both harmful and helpful ways
- Spark self-reflection upon how each of us wields our own power in our role
References:
- Brown B. Brené Brown on Power and Leadership. https://brenebrown.com/resources/brene-brown-on-power-and-leadership/.
- Pansardi P, Bindi M. The new concepts of power? Power-over, power-to and power-with. Journal of Political Power. 2021;14(1):51-71. doi:10.1080/2158379x.2021.1877001
- Bolman LG, Deal TE. Power, Conflict, and Coalition. In: Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership. 7th ed. Jossey-Bass; 2021:187-207.
- Ferrada P. Breaking the silence: Addressing toxic leadership to restore psychological safety in healthcare. Forbes. October 8, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/10/08/breaking-the-silence-addressing-toxic-leadership-to-restore-psychological-safety-in-healthcare/.
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Visit goremedical.com/btkpod to learn more about GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, including supporting references and disclaimers for the presented content.
Refer to Instructions for Use at eifu.goremedical.com for a complete description of all applicable indications, warnings, precautions and contraindications for the markets where this product is available. Rx only
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
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Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review
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Download our App:
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