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BOSS Business of Surgery SeriesAuthor: Amy Vertrees, MD
Welcome to BOSS Business of Surgery Series! This program was specifically designed to help surgeons learn concepts not taught in residency but necessary for a successful surgery career. We were not told that most of our job would be interacting with others. We thought it was about the technical success of surgery or the knowledge that we learn. But it is so much more. Difficult partners and colleagues. Dealing with complications. Negotiating with administration. Running a successful and efficient clinic that doesnt take bleed into our home life. How to have a life outside of surgery But if we dont learn these concepts, we will end up in a negative spiral that will lead us into misery. And all of the time we spent training for the job we love, that could be so rewarding, is lost. You know there has to be a solution out there. That you cant be the only one unhappy or wondering if it is just you. Its time for a program that addresses your specific problems run by someone who knows what you are going through. You need a fellow surgeon who knows the way. You need a surgeon who has been where you are and found her way out to the other side: -Loving surgery again -Not taking work home -finishing notes immediately after clinic and heading home on time -Not letting complications set you back -Interacting with others with confidence -Finally seeing that you can control the results you get at work and home You can find out more about Dr. Vertrees and her work at www.BOSSsurgery.com. Language: en Genres: Business, Careers, Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Ep 223: The real cost of hospital employment with Dr. Mark Shashikant
Monday, 23 March, 2026
Episode Description: What is the real cost of hospital employment for surgeons—and is it as “safe” as it seems? In this episode of the Boss Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrens sits down with plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Shashikant to explore his journey from military medicine at Walter Reed to civilian practice, and ultimately toward greater autonomy and entrepreneurial thinking. Dr. Shashikant shares a candid look at the transition out of the military, including the dramatic increase in compensation—and how high salaries and signing bonuses can create “golden handcuffs” that keep physicians stuck in misaligned roles. He also breaks down the realities of hospital-employed practice, from intense trauma call schedules to the hidden expectations of unpaid administrative work. This conversation dives deep into the business of medicine, including how surgeons generate far more value than they are often credited for—especially through downstream revenue that hospitals rarely acknowledge. The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment, exposing the imbalance in employed physician contracts and challenging the assumption that hospitals carry all the risk. From there, Dr. Shashikant began rethinking everything—from compensation models to long-term career strategy. You’ll also hear how his practice evolved toward cosmetic surgery, why reimbursement changes are reshaping the future of surgical specialties, and what physicians should consider if they’re thinking about private practice or ownership. In this episode, we cover: Military to civilian transition for physicians Hospital-employed surgeon realities and burnout The “golden handcuffs” of physician compensation Understanding downstream revenue and true value Contract negotiation strategies for doctors Non-competes, productivity models, and leverage Cosmetic vs. reconstructive surgery economics Why no job in medicine is truly “safe” Physician entrepreneurship and practice ownership If you’re a surgeon or physician navigating early or mid-career decisions, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of your value—and how to take control of your career.
