USA vs. UK: ASGBI Ep. 11 - Surgeons Are Human Too - Breaking the Silence on Mental Health
USA vs. UK: ASGBI Ep. 11 - Surgeons Are Human Too - Breaking the Silence on Mental Health  
Podcast: Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast
Published On: Thu Oct 29 2026
Description: How do we care for ourselves while caring for others?Surgery is a demanding profession that requires resilience, sacrifice, and the ability to navigate high-stakes decisions. However, depression, anxiety, burnout, and the emotional consequences of complications are realities that many surgeons face but often struggle to discuss openly.In this episode of the Behind the Knife/Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) collaborative series, our guests share their personal experiences navigating mental health challenges throughout their careers, confronting stigma, finding support, and learning that being a successful surgeon does not require being perfect.Hosts Dr. Agnes Premkumar — Behind the Knife Surgical Education Fellow, General Surgery resident (US) Dr. Gita Lingham — President, Moynihan Academy, trainee association within the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) (UK) Dr. Elizabeth McLennan — Vice President, Moynihan Academy, trainee association within the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) (UK) Guests Dr. Luke Elms — Board-certified general surgeon specializing in abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia surgery; host of The Hernia Gods podcast. Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Miller — Former neurosurgical trainee and current occupational health physician, mental health advocate, and author of Mood Mapping. Resources MentionedMood Mapping — Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” MillerA practical guide to understanding and managing emotional well-being through mood awareness, self-reflection, and strategies such as exercise, music, spending time outdoors, and connecting with others.The Hernia Gods Podcast — Dr. Luke ElmsA podcast exploring the humanity behind surgery, including imposter syndrome, complications, professional identity, self-doubt, and the shared experiences of surgeons at every career stage.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Doctors' Support Networkhttps://www.dsn.org.uk/. A peer-support initiative discussed by Dr. Miller, emphasizing compassion, connection, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health challenges among physicians.Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premiumOral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-boardOral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulatorGeneral Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-reviewOBGYN Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/course/obgyn-oral-board-reviewSurgical Critical Care Review: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-reviewABSITE Question Bank: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/absite-question-bankEPA Playbook: https://behindtheknife.org/course/epa-playbookSurgical Instrument Flashcards: https://behindtheknife.org/course/surgical-instrument-flashcardsABSITE Review: https://behindtheknife.org/course/absite-2026-exam-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US