A Surgeon Presses Pause: Frances Mei Goes On Sabbatical

Surgeon, Interrupted · 2025-08-26

27:06

Today, I’m stepping into something I never thought I’d allow myself: a sabbatical. After years of moving at full speed as a surgeon, I’ve finally built in a month to stop, to breathe, and to see what happens when I’m not buried under the weight of clinical responsibility.

This isn’t just a vacation. It’s a leap of faith I planned more than a year ago - trading call schedules for train tickets, clinic lists for café tables, and using every travel point I’ve hoarded to make it happen. For five weeks, I’ll wander Paris, the south of France, Milan, and Lugano. I’ll be chasing sunlight, quiet mornings, and maybe finally the ending of the book I’ve been writing for years.

In this episode, I share what it takes to actually step away, why most doctors never do, and how I’ve wrestled with giving myself permission to pause. We’ll talk about the logistics of planning a month abroad, the myth that you can’t afford to step off the treadmill, and the truth that you can’t afford not to.

Because sometimes, the bravest thing isn’t grinding harder—it’s daring to walk away, even just for a little while.

Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MD

Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

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Surgeon, Interrupted

A raw, reality-style podcast following Dr. Frances Mei Hardin’s final months as a surgeon and her bold leap into the unknown. Through solo episodes and unfiltered guest convos, it captures the chaos, clarity, and courage of walking away from a “dream career” to choose something better. For high-achievers, burnt-out professionals, and anyone ready to rewrite the rules - this isn’t just a show. It’s a permission slip.

Find more info about Surgeon, Interrupted and other shows on the Hippocratic Collective at hippocratic-collective.com

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