Why I Quit Neurosurgery: Gooby's Story

Introduction

• Background: Former neurosurgeon for nearly 10 years; trained at MIT and completed medical school and neurosurgery training.
• Purpose: To explain why he quit neurosurgery and to help others in tough spots.

Journey to Neurosurgery

• Medical School: Took a Hippocratic Oath to relieve suffering.
• Interest in the Brain: Curious about brain function, consciousness, and brain-machine interfaces.
• Training: 4 years at medical school and 6 years of neurosurgery training.
• Specialization: Learned both brain and spine surgery with a focus on minimally invasive techniques.

Disappointment and Realization

• Initial Goal: Wanted to work on brain-machine interfaces to help people with robotic limbs.
• Research Findings: Found limitations with brain-machine interfaces due to brain's rejection of electrodes.
• Moral Injury: Realized surgeries were not healing underlying issues but only providing temporary relief.

Ethical Dilemma

• Patient Observations:
  • People with certain lifestyles healed better and faster.
  • Healthy Diet: Mostly plant-based, low salt.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity and sweating.
  • Lifestyle: No smoking, limited alcohol, good social support, sufficient sleep, low stress.
• Systemic Issues: Medical system focused on treatments (surgeries, pills) rather than prevention.
• Professional Conflict: Felt torn between knowing the limitations of surgery and the system's financial incentives.

Personal Struggles

• Mental Health: Became unhappy, gained 40 lbs, felt stuck and ethically conflicted.
• Support System: Wife supported the decision to quit despite financial uncertainty.
• Decision to Quit: Decided to leave the profession without a clear plan for the future.

Aftermath

• Initial Steps: Focused on health by walking, eating better, and sleeping well.
• Newfound Freedom: Embarked on new activities with no specific career plan.
• YouTube Channel: Established 'Gooby and Doobie' to document experiences with his dog and share nature scenes.
• New Purpose: Found fulfillment in nature and helping others find peace through nature videos.

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway: Letting go of something harmful opens up opportunities for better things.
• Final Advice: Trust your heart, lean on loved ones, and do what you need to do for your well-being.