Finding Work Life Balance as a Brain Surgeon

Are the neurosurgery stereotypes really true? Are neurosurgeons overworked, stressed, and strangers to their own families?
I'm here to tell you that work life balance IS possible as a busy brain surgeon, but it takes flexibility, give and take, and commitment to your values to make it happen. Join me as I discuss how neurosurgery brings me joy and satisfaction in my life, but only when counterbalanced with family time and self-care. Being thoughtful about what specialty you choose, what practice style you have, and how you structure your time is critical to maintaining balance.

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Navigating work life balance often means the difference between happiness and dissatisfaction, fulfillment and burnout. How do you find balance?

[@MedNotesPavelPichardo]

Thanks a lot for this amazing video Doctor! I'm an IMG and an aspiring neurosurgeon, and will be starting a research fellow in neurosurgery in January ! thanks for your amazing job with these videos

[@kenyaefford335]

You don’t care bout patients we didn’t see you until we told staff that we wanted to talk with you Mr the new normal you put the Mapp family in financial distress You took my daughter careers from her she was in the navy now she can’t get around and have lost everything you didn’t did not tell her all the risk of this surgery tell the people how you turn our life up side down 😢😢😢😢

[@gitarist25]

As a neurosurgeon, I am neurosurgeon, and while being neurosurgeon, I want to share my opinion as a neurosurgeon. As a fully board certified neurosurgeon, I just want to tell you that I am a neurosurgeon, and wrote this comment, as a neurosurgeon.

[@HaikingPoireng-cc5rb]

Great that you know how to play guitar aswell .

[@amrezzedin]

I have been so interested in Neurosurgery! Currently I am studying CNS module: neuroanatomy, physiology, etc. Your videos make me more interested doc, I love this channel ❤️

[@Sona77.]

You are right. Your profession isn’t your whole identity and it’s important to do things outside of your career. I’m a pediatric speech therapist and I’ve really made it a priority to not let my job define me as a person. Exercise, reading, and meditation helps. Thank you for spreading awareness on work life balance.

[@ryanoboyle1772]

This guy makes my dream feel possible. Thanks!

[@LOG2007]

I'm so happy I found you on KZbin, Doc. I am a pre-med student and really want to become a neurosurgeon. I wonder if you can make a video about books you recommend for pre-med & medical students? I mean I know your profound knowledge comes from real-life experience; however, for students who are still discovering this world, books are another crucial source to shape the vision and give rise to contemplation. Thank you so much, Doc!

[@garrettdyess1110]

I am not a neurosurgeon - but am an entering medical student who has been around the field a decent bit over the last year. I’d give you the advice of taking the chance to reach out to a local neurosurgeon near you and ask to shadow. The vast majority are happy to let you. As far as books, all have strength and benefits. “Do No Harm” is good, but is more about dangerous cranial cases (whereas 80% of neurosurgery is actually spine cases). “When Breath Becomes Air” gives a glimpse as to what residency is like. Watch KZbin videos like this or documentaries such as Lenox Hill. Follow a few neurosurgeons on Twitter - Michael Lawton, MD - would be a good first person to follow. But, most importantly, reach out to a neurosurgeon near you and ask to shadow. Academic centers are likely better for this than others due to the fact that they are so used to having students around.

[@alexnguyen6518]

Dr. Rutknowski, thank you so much for sharing your beliefs and practices on life/work balance. I want to go into a surgical specialty and I'm also married, so seeing you saying that it is all possible to carry the responsibilities of being a surgeon, enjoy your work, take care of yourself and give time to your loved ones gives me hopes and inspires me to keep going!

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Absolutely. Don’t let fear of imbalance change your goals and dreams, where there’s a will there’s a way.

[@yashgajjar6205]

Thank you for this video! I am a high school senior interested in neurosurgery and this was one of my primary questions about the field, thanks for clearing it up!

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thanks for watching!

[@darthmetalus7469]

Great video! Not only for aspiring neurosurgeons but for all young medstudents who are still struggling to get their life together especially when all their responsibilities are so time consuming. Making these career choices from this perspective seems pretty hard sometimes 😅 Thank you, Doctor.

[@javiermartinez8191]

Soy estudiante de medicina de Chile y me quedan unos pocos años para elegir especialidad, este tipo de relatos son los mejores ya que no hay mejor información que la que viene de primera mano. Neurocirugía es una de mis opciones a tener en cuenta, así que agradezco el tiempo y esfuerzo para realizar estos videos :) son muy útiles jeje Disculpe el español, me dio pereza escribir en inglés jajaja

[@giovannisignaroldi4113]

That definitely was the video I was waiting for!! I'm now studying in med school in Italy, and I'd love to see a video about neurosurgery for Img. Thank you for your good work, this channel is just amazing

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

I’ll have one coming up soon!

[@CZMCIQ]

Needed to hear this and will definitely come back to listen in times of anxiety/doubt about future lifestyle prospects. Thank you Dr. Rutkowski!

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

You’re welcome.

[@johnraven1053]

All of this pressure and you still find time to inspire us about neurosurgery. Love the consistency and diligence dr.!

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thanks John! It’s not easy, I appreciate you saying this.

[@Rawhite007]

I like this video because it gives a realistic take about what to expect and what is feasible and what is not. Some weeks will be more demanding than others and some won't so spend it with those who have supported you. Deeply appreciate realistic dive of what happens behind the scenes so to speak, life ain't easy but rewarding at the end of this path. also @ 1:30 , your last video showed that & seem a glimpse of the brain was pretty cool ! Hope there's more videos like this one that are real & honest, & more procedure videos because those are cool in general 👀

[@kevinespinoza1016]

Thank you so much for your videos Dr. Martin. They are so professional and rich in knowledge. You are truly inspirational!

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thank you Kevin! Great things ahead as the channel keeps growing!

[@danielj844]

Great video and insight. Work life balance is something that is underrated, but must be evaluated by everybody in every specialty. In conclusion, LOVE THE PROCESS and neurosurgery will give you love. TRUST THE PROCESS and neurosurgery will make the best version of yourself. Thanks for the video. Greetings from Ecuador

[@Jose-cu3ff]

dude your videos are like good advice for just all life in general.. You videos are better than all the self help garbage books you have to pay for. Thanks for the free video..

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thanks for your support!

[@JesusRamirez-fb4hc]

I’m not a medical professional, but this video has lots of good points for anyone trying to find work-life balance in a job

[@CuriousDoc]

Useful advice for any busy career. It's all about your values and priorities!

[@suhasshrinivasan]

I'm actually not in medicine at all but I am a doing a PhD, and this video was valuable.

[@Meeounn]

I'm always professional, but I have a huge crush on a neurosurgeon on my unit. I'm a new ICU nurse and he's very nice. He takes time to answer my questions. Unfortunately our interactions are generally when our patients aren't doing too well though... Haha no idea why this video was recommended to me.

[@tropicalsavannah6484]

I know I could never be a neurosurgeon because of the beginning description of wanting to see a brain. I felt uneasy. I love the work ethic of doctors.

[@arenbeers]

Thanks for shedding light with honesty, perspective and hope.

[@kevinwoloszyn62]

I’m just an overworked pharmacist, but this video came up in my feed at just the right time! Thanks much!!

[@ethanpitney2563]

More killer content! Enjoyed it!

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thanks Ethan!

[@yahyaz.5744]

Definitely a person I look up to as a first year medical student! Thanks for the insight and advice :)

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

You’re welcome!

[@bullholder]

Really motivational video Dr. Martin. Neurosurgery residency I have heard is incredibly tough and rigorous, though it definitely makes sense given it's such a tough specialty. I liked your point about how it goes from being work to being a privilege. I agree that medicine in general cannot simply be compared to a 9-5 job. I guess with surgery in particular, as long as you go into it for the right reasons (with a genuine interest not just looking up average salaries) and with the right motivation, at the end all your efforts will be worthwhile as there are so many paths you can take so you can shape your life as an attending how you wish. In most highflying careers be it law, investment banking, computer science, medicine or even as an entrepeneur to get the rewards at the end of the road you need to put the effort in your formative years. That is what motivates me in my pursuit for orthopedics!

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thanks for sharing this. Glad it resonated with you.

[@jasonb4254]

Based on the neurosurgery residents I've seen in hospital...yes the work life balance is brutal in residency. But most surgical specialties are like this. It takes compromise. Excellent video overall. Should be watched by all incoming medical students.

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thanks Jason

[@muadh6]

Can you please make a video of possible pathways pros and cons after general neurosurgery residency? And give a glimpse of what kind of diseases/operations they handle, etc. I will check your channel in case you already done it.

[@alecpugh2005]

Thanks Dr., these videos couldn’t come out at a better time. I am motivated to reach out to try and shadow a neurosurgeon now, the closest to me is an hour away

[@channghiem5012]

great work again big guy!

[@francescavioli7069]

Hello Dr. Rutkowski, this is the exact information I’ve been looking for, my passion is neuroscience and my goal is to become a neurosurgeon but I’ve always wondered about the work/life balance. Thank you for creating this, your videos are perfect to watch on study breaks. Informational and inspiring! from a premed in Toronto, studying neuroscience

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Glad you find them helpful, good luck in your studies.

[@jocelynorozco5632]

As an aspiring neurosurgeon I find these motivational to keep going on my pre-med journey! If possible I would like to see a case video if possible please! You're doing amazing Dr.Rutkowski! Thank you for the content!

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thanks Jocelyn. Check out my last video for a quick operative case, I’ll have several much more complex operations broken down with video explanations on the channel very soon!

[@AGCMII]

As a premed student this video is very informative.

[@emilyhasemascarelo1403]

excited to see a vlog on your daily routine maybe? thanks!!

[@Charmanderlilligant264]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos! I love watching them and I would love to go down the road of surgery one day.

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thanks for watching, and good luck in your journey!

[@mohamedhoussemknkr1607]

i'm not intrested in neurosurgery but i'm really inspired by you

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thank you Mohamed.

[@hjkdhfliuwyreafdsaffd]

This is a great video. I just finished law school and find myself struggling with work life balance.

[@michaeldebeau6917]

This really put me at ease.

[@caramelcheezit6978]

Appreciate this video so much.

[@rodihajkassem1122]

I have so much free time, one more reason to become a neurosurgeon 😎. Important tobic, and great presentation Dr. Martin.

[@MCMMADDOGXCV]

Man I love this channel

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

💪😎

[@jennafitzgerald985]

Hi, Dr. Rutkowski! I really enjoy your videos. They are informative and really interesting. I’m wondering if you might consider making a video on things one can do to have a healthy brain. Thanks again for your videos.

[@jennifere2258]

The videos are so interesting! Thanks for sharing. I’m curious what made you interested in starting a KZbin channel? You are so well spoken! Looking forward to see where this channel will go! I remember seeing you on 73 questions! Your lovely wife also.

[@dfjunior11]

Really enjoyed this video Dr Rutkowsi. Appreciate the insight into the field and also your take on setting boundaries and how feasible it is.

[@davidlakhter]

Thanks doc, great video!

[@jeanlanz2344]

It is interesting that you are teaching thousands of people thru youtube. You can be an academic thru technology.

[@IkramulHasanLV]

Thank you❤

[@astrowarlorde]

Been waiting for this video. Thanks a lot doc💖💖

[@chillwavezneuroscience2547]

I appreciate the thought economies your videos provide, it is great insight.

[@ayeshakhilji2831]

This gives me so much hope! Thanks doc ♥️

[@alexmi7123]

Great vide, dr Rutkowski! Can't wait for ur channel to explode !

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Thanks for the optimism Alex.

[@95_nishanraisulkarim62]

Brilliant video sir

[@Ajooba1982]

I want more of these videos!!!! Nurse Practitioner.

[@Hajar1904]

Brain surgeon specialist in tumor that's maybe take 2 second to say it but trust me that's really take minimal 15 years of hard working between medical school and residency

[@anthonycekic4509]

I'm curious about how much debt patients get into for brain surgery. I imagine having to pay hundreds of thousands and that's if you got insurance. Reason I ask is because as someone who works in biotech, that the products are only going to be affordable if you are a multimillionaire.

[@ritu.sharma]

Thankyou for such motivating words 😊

[@yahiaosman8938]

Love the vids

[@koz7102]

The story got me goosebumps at like 1:25

[@zeynebouchene8311]

So inspiring doctor

[@zundee4182]

A well rounded insightful video, can bd really help young trainees define the principles of navigating stress full specialities

[@shahidwasil5049]

I have never seen doctor confidence like you .approching to each of everyone and one of us . how did you become the best version of yourself please reply?

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Great idea for a future video! I promise to address this.

[@smokerx6291]

Would love a video on how you studied in medical school

[@shajwanakram6505]

Doctor wowness 🙏🏽

[@kevdayao]

Really wanna be a neurosurgeon, but I fear I only want it for the prestige and not because I love learning about the brain. I also don't feel I have the grades for it in medical school haha. Neurosurgery is so hard to get you can't apply to residency for it you have to be selected. Hopefully it works out for me.

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

🤞

[@benjaminsydneypretsch786]

I am wondering if neurosurgons in hospitals get enough sleep prior to a surgery to perform the best they can?

[@mridulbhattarai7051]

Hey doc I love the content. RIght now even though I am only in high school I am very interested in either Neuro/Ortho/Ophthalmic Surgery. What is a privademic practice? I thought that was something only for pain medicine such as anesthesia rather than surgery.

[@-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-...]

You might not even like the sciences on you get to college

[@channghiem5012]

where are we at stroke treatments? stroke survior here .....

[@ricksreels]

What program did you use to edit this video? Very well made!

[@spiritualwoods4677]

Hey Dr Martin! Do you ever take sleeping pills or anti-anxiety pills when you experience high stress periods in life/work. For me stress really shows up in sleep problems and it is hard to treat that with natural remedies :)

[@ameeshasingh8909]

💕💕

[@sadikadhaan4595]

Hi, I searching a Clinical Rotation in neurosurgery in the US. Can i rotate with you Dr. Rutwokski, M.D. ? I am an international medical student from France (Marseille) in 5th out 6 years.

[@talhadawood7969]

You ever consider doing a more informal Q&A of question ppl have in the comments?

[@martinrutkowskimd3709]

Absolutely. As the brainiac family grows and more questions come in, we can make it happen.

[@anuj9749]

No need of work life balance when your work is your life.

[@dkierans]

Slow down your delivery. More like you spinal stuff. You have a good on screen thing going on. Just talk like your teaching videos. They are awesome and you deliver them super good.

[@dinosorbutt]

Pardon my ignorance….but how are there so many people in your part of Georgia who need brain surgery? I literally never met anyone who has ever had brain surgery so I wonder why the practice is filled with such long hours lol

[@diegos.marquezdiaz4860]

Subtitles in English pls, I'm Latam :(

[@aronshrey]

Genuinely curious about what car you drive 😂😂😅

[@ElizabethRutkowski]

He drives a manual Honda Civic and even that was a challenge for him to give up his 1980-something beater of an Acura 😅

[@aronshrey]

@@ElizabethRutkowski Thank you much appreciated 😊

[@amirzaki4170]

I thought it was funny and ironic that the neurosurgeon doesn't take care of his brain by not sleeping, but takes care of the rest of his body. LOL

[@americanbobtail1]

The true test for work lifestyle balance will be how his kids turn-out at ages 20 and 30. Otherwise, everything said here is worthless.

[@DrDeusExMachina]

How to find work life balance as a neurosurgeon? That's easy, retire.