Light Reading! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 135 Artwork

The SurgeonMasters Podcast

The SurgeonMasters Podcast is for surgeons who wish to create a highly successful and sustainable practice that is lifestyle-friendly with less stress and frustration. Each episode focuses on learning, understanding and implementing effective habits that will allow you to create a thriving practice while still having time to travel, connect with your family, take care of your health, and pursue outside interests. Your host is Jeffrey M. Smith, MD a practicing Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon (Orthopaedic Traumatologist) who also assists other Surgeons to develop the critical skills needed to create a highly successful lifestyle-friendly practice which is physically, mentally and emotionally sustainable.

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The SurgeonMasters Podcast

Light Reading! Life improvement strategies for the surgeon who wants more … in 10 minutes – Episode 135

January 22, 2026 • Jeffrey M. Smith, MD • Episode 135

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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast retired orthopedic surgeon and leader, Dr. Richard Barry.

Oscar London was the pen name of a local internist, the late Dr. Arlen Cohn, who practiced in Berkeley, California for over 40 years. His 1987 book, Kill as Few Patients as Possible, is the crown jewel of medical satire.

Most medical textbooks are just full of hubris. London, in contrast, gave us a mission statement that was achievable, humble, and refreshingly honest. He didn't say heal all, he said please, for the love of God, just try not to kill too many.

Ultimately, it comes down to this: patients don't want arrogance, they want honesty. Oscar London insisted that patients remember how you made them feel, not your board scores. Curiosity is the first diagnostic test. Your job is to listen, make eye contact. If you're judging the patient, you've stopped listening.

What steps does Rich suggest we take to show up how we want to for patients?

Step 1 - Be humble and approachable. Listen more than you talk, and make eye contact when you do.
Step 2 - Have a life outside of work. Master the subtle art of doing nothing.
Step 3 - Accept imperfection and embrace growth.

Most importantly, PRACTICE your version of “light reading”!

BIO

Rich Barry is a retired orthopaedic surgeon living in Northern California. Prior to medical school and residency, he served as an Air Force C-130 pilot on a combat tour in Vietnam. After serving in the Air Force, he was in private practice in Davis California for over 20 years. He served as a clinical faculty member for the U.C. Davis Department of Orthopaedics.Rich is a past-President of the California Orthopaedic Association and a past-Chair of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Board of Councilors. Rich and his wife remain active in the Lamplighters Orthopaedic Association, a leadership alumni group of Fellows and their spouses.He is married, and is very proud of their three children, and 4 grandchildren.

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Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, PCC

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