This M.I.T. educated neurosurgeon's story about finding purpose reminded me of a brilliant acupuncturist and herbalist I met in acupuncture school. He helped run the college's massive herbal dispensary, but his primary business was... wait for it... making furniture. Whaat?
I didn't understand why he wasn't busy healing people -- which he clearly had the skills and expertise to do! One day I got the courage to ask him why. He said he had a very busy practice but didn't like patients depending on him to "fix them". He wasn't happy. So he quit being a gifted, talented, expert healer and started doing what he really loved; making furniture. (Note: this was my judgemental way of thinking about it back then. Fortunately there was hope for me ... keep reading!)
At the time, I was an Intern ready to graduate and couldn't wait to help as many people as I could with Chinese Medicine. I thought he was nuts. It wasn't until I was deep into my career that I saw his wisdom... and courage.
In this thoughtful and introspective video, a former MIT-educated neurosurgeon shares his journey of leaving behind a lucrative but unfulfilling career to rediscover his true passions and purpose in life. Through his personal experiences, he explores the challenges of navigating a mid-life crisis and the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over financial security.
From Neurosurgeon to Questioning the System
The Journey Begins
Goobie, an MIT-educated neurosurgeon, dedicated twenty years of his life to medicine. His journey began with a deep fascination for the brain and its complexities. He envisioned a future where he could merge neuroscience with technology, dreaming of innovations like brain-machine interfaces that could give people robotic limbs.
Initially, everything seemed promising. He was trained in state-of-the-art techniques, including minimally invasive spine surgery, and was prepared to make groundbreaking contributions to the medical field. However, as he delved deeper, he realized that the reality of his profession didn't align with his aspirations.
Discovering the Limitations
Goobie’s enthusiasm began to wane as he discovered the limitations of the technology he was so passionate about. The brain's natural defense mechanisms, such as scarring, made it almost impossible for the electrodes used in brain-machine interfaces to function effectively in the long term. This realization was a significant blow, as it meant that the dream he had invested so much time in was not feasible.
Despite this setback, he continued his training and eventually started practicing as a neurosurgeon, focusing primarily on spine surgeries. But something was amiss. He had good colleagues, supportive hospitals, and a substantial paycheck, yet he was profoundly unhappy. The surgeries he performed often provided temporary relief rather than addressing the root causes of his patients' problems.
Confronting the Reality
Goobie began to see a pattern: the surgeries he performed were like patching up a leaky roof by fixing the water-damaged walls without addressing the source of the leak. This metaphor perfectly captured the futility he felt. He could perform flawless surgeries, but they often didn't lead to lasting improvements for his patients.
Through years of practice, he observed that patients who healed well had certain lifestyle habits in common. They ate mostly plant-based diets, avoided excessive salt, exercised, had good social support, slept well, and managed stress effectively. Conversely, those who led unhealthy lifestyles often saw their conditions worsen, regardless of the surgeries they underwent.
The Moral Dilemma and the Decision to Quit❓
A Crisis of Conscience
Realizing that the medical system was not set up to promote true healing was a turning point for Goobie. The focus on surgeries and medications, rather than prevention and holistic well-being, created an ethical conflict for him. He was performing surgeries knowing they weren't addressing the underlying issues, and this weighed heavily on his conscience.
Over time, this moral injury took a toll on his physical and mental health. He gained weight, felt persistently sad and angry, and saw no way out of the situation. The realization that he couldn't continue in this manner for another twenty years was daunting. He knew he had to make a change, but the fear of financial instability and uncertainty about his future paralyzed him.
The Turning Point
Goobie’s wife played a crucial role in his decision to leave his job. Recognizing the toll it was taking on him, she suggested that he quit, even though she wasn't working at the time. They had some savings, which provided a temporary safety net, but the uncertainty of what lay ahead was still intimidating.
After much contemplation, Goobie decided to take the leap. He informed his employers that he would stay on for nine more months to give them time to find a replacement. This period was challenging, as he continued to perform surgeries he no longer believed in, but it also gave him time to come to terms with his decision.
Embracing Uncertainty
Once he finally left his job, Goobie felt a mix of embarrassment and relief. Explaining his decision to others was difficult, as most people couldn't understand why he would leave such a prestigious and well-paying career without a clear plan for the future. However, over time, he began to embrace the uncertainty.
Admitting that he had no plan became liberating. It allowed him to explore new possibilities without the pressure of a predefined path. He found solace in nature and began to prioritize his well-being over financial security. This newfound freedom helped him rediscover his passions and gave him a sense of purpose that he had lost during his years as a neurosurgeon.
Finding Purpose
Goobie's journey is a testament to the importance of aligning one's career with personal values and well-being. His story highlights the challenges of navigating a mid-life crisis and the courage it takes to make significant life changes. By prioritizing his health and happiness, he has found a new sense of fulfillment and purpose beyond the operating room.
His experience serves as an inspiration to others who may be struggling with similar dilemmas. It underscores the idea that true healing and happiness come from within and that sometimes, the bravest thing one can do is to walk away from a situation that no longer serves them.
Finding Happiness in the Mountains with Doobie 🏔️
After leaving his job, Goobie found solace and joy in the mountains, accompanied by his beloved dog, Doobie. The mountains became a sanctuary where he could reconnect with nature and himself. He walked extensively, aiming to shed the weight he had gained during his stressful years as a neurosurgeon.
Spending time with Doobie was particularly fulfilling. For most of her life, Doobie had a monotonous routine due to Goobie and his wife's busy schedules. Now, she had the chance to explore, smell new scents, and experience the outdoors fully. This change brought immense happiness to both Goobie and Doobie.
Creating Memories
Goobie started a YouTube channel, "Goobie and Doobie," to document their adventures. He wanted to capture these precious moments, knowing that Doobie's life would likely be shorter than his own. Recording their hikes allowed him to preserve memories and appreciate the time they spent together.
Through these recordings, Goobie also discovered the therapeutic effects of nature sounds. He found that listening to these sounds helped him manage stress and anxiety, especially during challenging times. Sharing these experiences with others became a new way for him to contribute to people's well-being.
Trusting Your Heart and Embracing the Unknown ❤️
Goobie's journey is a testament to the power of trusting one's heart and embracing the unknown. Despite having no clear plan after quitting his job, he found a path that brought him more happiness and fulfillment than he had ever experienced.
Letting go of the security of his neurosurgical career was daunting, but it opened up opportunities for personal growth. By following his heart, Goobie discovered new passions and ways to help others. He learned that sometimes, the act of letting go can make room for better things to come into one's life.
Leaning on Loved Ones
Throughout this transition, Goobie leaned on the support of his loved ones. His wife's encouragement played a crucial role in his decision to leave his job. Trusting in their support helped him navigate the uncertainties of his new path.
Goobie's story encourages others to listen to their hearts and trust in the process. Even when the path ahead is unclear, prioritizing well-being and happiness can lead to a more fulfilling life. His experience serves as a reminder that true healing and contentment often come from within.
Finding Happiness In Your Life
As healthcare practitioners, we take an oath to "Do No Harm". I think we need to apply that to ourselves more faithfully. Making time for self care and reflection is a good beginning. Supporting our colleagues who need to take a break or change directions is also important. As I think back to that acupuncturist proud furniture maker who tried to teach me this when I was an intern, I am now so grateful for the example he provided to me, even though it was lost on me at the time.
Finding happiness is a journey that should be applauded especially when it takes unexpected turns. I appreciate Gooby for sharing his story (while getting eaten by bugs, no less!🪰😬) and showing that we are worthy of prioritizing our mental, emotional and physical well-being.
What do you think? Are you prioritizing YOUR health? Let me know in the comments what actions you're taking for self care.👇 (And if you need any ideas, let me know. I got a whole list!)🤗
