
Why Stressed Doctors Could Be Good For New Yorkers
Picture this: You’re being wheeled into the operating room, the fluorescent lights glaring down as the hum of monitors fills the air. You glance at your surgeon. Do they look calm and relaxed? Or are they slightly tense, their focus razor-sharp?
If it’s the latter, you might be in luck. According to a groundbreaking study published by JAMA Surgery, patients operated on by surgeons showing signs of stress had a 37% lower risk of major complications. Yes, you read that right—stress might be the secret ingredient to better surgical outcomes.
Stress: A Surgeon’s Secret Weapon?
The study watched 800 surgeries performed by 38 attending surgeons. These surgeons wore devices to track their heart rates during operations. Researchers discovered that a heightened heart rate—a physiological marker of stress—correlated with significantly fewer major complications for patients.
But before you start imagining your surgeon sweating bullets, it’s important to note that the benefits of stress seem most pronounced in experienced surgeons. Like elite athletes, these professionals appear to thrive under pressure, using it to sharpen their skills and focus.
Not All Stress Is Created Equal
It’s worth noting that excessive stress or cognitive overload can impair surgical performance. However for seasoned surgeons with the experience and coping mechanisms to handle pressure, a modest amount of stress may act as a catalyst for better performance. But it’s reassuring to know that the surgeons operating in your hospitals might share this ability. This study provides a new perspective on the role of stress in high-stakes professions and could pave the way for innovative approaches to training and performance enhancement in the medical field.
Read More: Skiers Rescued By Rope On New York Ski Lift
So, the next time you find yourself in an operating room, don’t be alarmed if your surgeon seems a little on edge. That tension might just be the thing that ensures your surgery goes smoothly. Stress, as it turns out, isn’t always the enemy—sometimes, it’s the superpower.
5 Dangerous Phone Numbers You Should Block NOW
Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
The Most Deadly and Dangerous Places in New York
16 Of New York State's Most Wanted Criminals- January 2025
Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler
More From Lite 98.7







