E03: Navigating Global Rural Surgery with Dr. Lauren Smithson

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Smithson, the Chair of the Advisory Council for Rural Surgery, shares her journey from the Caribbean to the UK to rural Canada, providing valuable insights to those eager to pursue a career in rural surgery. Host Dr. Randy Lehman and Dr. Smithson discuss her wide-ranging scope of work, from complex breast cancer operations to unique trauma cases, and her involvement in advocacy for rural medicine.

 

[00:58] Dr. Smithson’s background

[05:07] St. Anthony’s resources

[16:51] Rural biopsies and mastectomies

[34:10] Skin-sparing mastectomy technique

[40:59] Financial corner and Dr. Smithson’s unique investment

[45:43] Classic rural surgery anecdotes

[50:27] Resources for the busy rural surgeon

[53:35] Tips for choosing a program

 

Resources Mentioned:

Advisory Council for Rural Surgery

RagnaRok Brewing