Be Like a Lobster: A Surgeon’s Path of Growth, Adaptation, and Evolution

In the ever-evolving field of surgery, staying relevant is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. The journey of a surgeon mirrors the life of a lobster, a creature that thrives by shedding its shell, embracing discomfort, and growing stronger.

The Lobster Analogy: Growth Through Discomfort

A lobster does not grow within the confines of its hard shell. As it outgrows its current form, it must break free, shedding its rigid armor to develop a new, larger one. This process is not easy—it is a phase of vulnerability, discomfort, and risk. Yet, without it, the lobster would stagnate.

As surgeons, we face similar moments. Medicine is constantly evolving, and the skills that once defined excellence may become obsolete. To remain at the forefront, we must be willing to adapt, unlearn, and relearn—to step out of the comfort of what we know and embrace new technologies, techniques, and perspectives.

Adaptation in Surgical Practice

From open surgeries to laparoscopy, from laparoscopy to robotics, and now towards AI-assisted surgeries, the field has seen monumental shifts. A surgeon who clings to old methods without evolving risks becoming outdated. The best surgeons are those who continuously challenge themselves, learning new procedures, refining techniques, and adopting innovations that enhance patient care.

Mastering Upper GI Endoscopy and Colonoscopy has transformed rural surgical practice, allowing remote surgeons to diagnose and manage conditions effectively. Similarly, robotic surgery is revolutionizing outcomes in oncology, gastrointestinal, urology, and gynecology. Each step forward requires letting go of old shells and embracing the new.

Mahabharata and the Art of Rebirth

The Mahabharata offers profound wisdom on transformation. One striking example is the story of Arjuna and his exile. When stripped of his royal comforts, Arjuna did not lament his situation; instead, he used the time to retrain, evolve, and return stronger. Under Lord Shiva, he gained the Pashupatastra; under Indra, he mastered celestial weapons. His growth was not just about acquiring new skills—it was about unlearning arrogance, adapting to challenges, and preparing for the battles ahead.

As surgeons, we, too, must embrace continuous learning. The unlearning-relearning cycle is what ensures we remain competent, compassionate, and cutting-edge in patient care.

The Future: Strength Through Change

To be relevant in surgery, we must be like the lobster:

? Recognize when growth is needed—stagnation is the greatest threat to progress.

? Embrace discomfort—learning new techniques, whether robotic surgery, AI-driven diagnostics, or precision oncology, is challenging but necessary.

? Be open to transformation—what worked yesterday may not be the best today. Medicine demands continuous evolution.

Final Thought

In the operating room, just as in life, resilience is about breaking through limits, adapting to change, and embracing the next challenge. The best surgeons are those who never stop growing.

Be like the lobster—shed your shell, embrace discomfort, and evolve. That is the only way to ensure we serve our patients in the best possible way.