Time Management for Surgeon-Scientists: Balancing Surgery and Research by Melina Kibbe, MD
Published on:10/30/2025
For surgeon-scientists, time often feels like the rarest resource Balancing clinical duties with demanding research schedules can be overwhelming, but it is essential for advancing patient care and scientific discovery Mastering time management as a surgeon-scientist requires discipline, planning, and prioritizing effectively. Success depends on how hard one works and how efficiently each hour is used as noted by Melina Kibbe, MD.
The first step toward balance is understanding that clinical and research responsibilities demand different mindsets Surgery requires precision, immediate decision-making, and hands-on care, while research calls for reflection, patience, and long-term focus Many surgeon-scientists struggle when they try to treat both areas the same way. A clear schedule that separates clinical and research time helps reduce conflict and mental fatigue Protecting blocks of uninterrupted research time, just as one would defend time in the operating room, allows deeper concentration and better results.
Setting realistic goals is another key to effective time management for surgeon-scientists. It is easy to overcommit, agreeing to every project or collaboration This often leads to burnout and reduced productivity Focusing on a few high-impact research questions and meaningful clinical responsibilities helps maintain balance. Short-term goals, such as completing an experiment or writing a section of a paper, should support larger, long-term objectives like publishing significant findings or leading a new clinical trial
Delegation is also critical for managing a surgeon-scientist’s busy schedule Successful leaders recognize that they cannot do everything alone Relying on research assistants, lab managers, or clinical fellows allows them to focus on tasks that require their specific expertise. Building a trustworthy team helps distribute workload evenly and ensures consistent progress in the clinic and the lab.
Equally important is learning to set boundaries Clinical work often runs on unpredictable schedules, but surgeon-scientists must still carve out time for research and rest. Saying no to unnecessary tasks or administrative overload protects focus and well-being Maintaining a healthy balance also means prioritizing sleep, exercise, and personal time A rested mind and body make for sharper performance in surgery and science.
Ultimately, time management for surgeon-scientists is not about working longer hours but working smarter. It requires clarity of purpose, structured planning, and a willingness to adjust as demands shift When clinical excellence and research innovation are managed with balance and focus, surgeon-scientists can fulfill both sides of their calling—healing patients today while shaping the discoveries that will save lives tomorrow