Drake lecturer examines the role of pop culture in perceptions of surgeons

Television, movies, and other forms of popular culture often portray surgeons with behavioral traits that perpetuate the image of a rude, destructive (but technically skilled) physician.

As these stereotypes continue to thrive in the media, developing a deep understanding of how patients perceive surgeons is fundamental to providing optimal care, according to Frederick G. Barker II, MD, FACS, who will deliver the Charles J. Drake Lecture on history of surgery. “Pathologies of the Surgical Image in Contemporary American Popular Culture,” tonight at 2:30 p.m. in room 104ABC.

While previous Drake lecturers have focused on the history of surgery and pioneers in the field, Dr. Barker’s presentation takes a different approach. “It’s helpful to have role models you want to be like, but that’s not all there is to the story. So, in addition to studying the great surgeons of the past and the history of treating various diseases over time, there are other aspects of surgery that I think are less studied,” explained Dr. Barker. , referring to how portrayals of surgeons in popular media can distort the patient experience.

“It’s remarkable that someone who has never met you before walks into your office and you tell them the best course of action is to cut it open, and they believe you and let you do it,” said Dr. Barker, a neurosurgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital. general in Boston. “And this is based not on personal knowledge of you, but on an idea of ​​​​what a surgeon is and what he can be trusted; these ideas are not always based on reality.”

Some patients may view surgeons as “mad scientists, brilliant but a little out of control and able to do things that seem impossible,” Dr. Barker said, noting that back in the 1930s, Harvey Cushing, M.D., FACS, the father of modern neurosurgery, had “a highly visible public image that echoed the idea of ​​the mad scientist.”

The key to building a strong relationship between surgeon and patient is trust. Maintaining this confidence involves recognizing how patients may perceive health care providers based on multimedia messages and the personal experiences of others.

“Some of these stereotypes of surgeons are not the kind of warm images that necessarily inspire trust,” Dr. Barker said. “I think it’s important to just be aware of that and make an effort not to conform to those perceptions. Do whatever is necessary for the person to build trust. This will require cultural sensitivity, which surgeons don’t always take seriously.”

Dr. Charles Drake was an adult vascular neurosurgeon from Canada who became internationally famous for his work promoting the treatment of aneurysms in the 1960s until his retirement. The ACS Advisory Council on Neurological Surgery established the Charles J. Drake Lectureship in the History of Surgery in 1992 in honor of this leader in neurological surgery.

After today’s lecture, the session will also be available to watch on demand.