How a Surgeon Transforms Others with Small Moments of Recognition (Dr. Jon King)

In this honest conversation, Sandy talks with Dr. Jon King, a seasoned surgeon who’s spent over three decades navigating the highs and lows of private practice. Dr. King opens up about the internal battles he faced with burnout, self-criticism, and the pressures of modern healthcare—and how he’s rewriting the script on leadership, purpose, and joy in medicine. Together, they dive into:

• Why Dr. King says most surgeons lose touch with their “why”—and how reconnecting with it transformed how he leads his team and himself.
• Dr. King opens up about his tendency to ruminate over surgeries and why most surgeons are their own worst enemy.
• How creating a personal North Star gave him the power to turn down opportunities that don’t align with his core mission—and why he feels more liberated because of it.
• How acknowledging a colleague in the moment creates ripple effects for morale and patient care.
• Dr. King challenges the belief that healthcare is broken beyond repair, sharing why he believes in the next generation of surgeons and the power of reinvention.

This episode is an unfiltered look at what it takes to stay human in a system that often feels dehumanizing. Dr. King’s story is about reclaiming joy, leading boldly, and finding freedom in the work that matters most.