Frozen Ambitions: When Surgeons Must ‘Let It Go’ and Find New Strength

Back in our time—let me clarify what I mean by “our time.” It was an era when phones were still connected by wires, schools offered only chalk and blackboards, and “writing” meant putting pen to paper, not typing as I am now. And to clear up any misconceptions, I am not from the time of dinosaurs, nor have I seen one outside of Jurassic Park. That movie’s release, however, sparked a wave of curiosity; we fell into the craze of collecting dinosaur stickers, reading, and cutting out every newspaper article about them.

But let’s get back on track. In those days, the experience of education felt different. The world seemed larger, with faraway places remaining mostly as dreams because they were impossible to see up close. Maybe you could call us daydreamers, unafraid to keep dreaming through the night. So, why am I writing all this down? Because I feel it’s essential to capture those experiences—to keep a record of what shaped us and our way of seeing the world.

Now, let me get to the serious part. Back then, for any medical school freshman, becoming a surgeon was the ultimate dream. It was a goal that seemed distant due to the sheer amount of hard work and dedication it demanded. Pursuing surgery felt as daunting as building an ice castle like Elsa’s in Frozen. Surgeons, especially in their operating theater attire, had a certain power and confidence—they radiated energy that made surgery not just a first choice, but often the only choice for many aspiring doctors.

Yet, just as Elsa’s castle in Frozen fell to the snow monster, surgery is slowly losing its allure. The intense litigation and rising complaints from patients and their families have created a culture of fear. People are now abandoning their dreams of becoming surgeons, afraid of losing their “throne” to the ever-growing risks of lawsuits. Many brave souls are dissuaded by this climate, hiding their true potential, much like a queen concealing her powers. For some, the fear has made them feel they have no choice but to “let it go,” leaving behind dreams they once held so dearly.

Maybe it’s time to rethink and restart, to rekindle the same sense of wonder we once had as kids collecting dinosaur stickers and dreaming of far-off places. Just as we imagined castles and heroes, perhaps we can reimagine surgery as a field of purpose, courage, and dedication—a realm where passion overcomes fear. To return to a time when dreams weren’t limited by the risks and pressures of modern systems, but fueled by the drive to make a difference. This new chapter could bring back the pride and vision that first drew so many of us to medicine.