The knife's edge

An intimate exploration into the psyche of a heart surgeon by one of the profession's leading figures. Professor Stephen Westaby, born with the necessary coordination and manual dexterity, experienced a head trauma during university that endowed him with qualities often linked to psychopathy, essential for an exceptional heart surgeon. His thirty-five-year career has been marked by fearlessness and ruthless ambition, leaving empathy at the hospital door as he undertakes the lives of thousands of patients. In this reflection, Westaby examines the mindset of those drawn to the exhilarating yet tragic world of cardiac surgery, highlighting pioneers who embraced risks to innovate and save lives. This field is fraught with the constant threat of public failure, and like his predecessors, Westaby is relentless in his pursuit of solutions to heart problems. His unwavering determination is supported by his unique mental framework. As we look towards the future of cardiac surgery, despite remarkable advancements, a lingering question remains: within socialized medical systems, how can heart surgeons—often characterized by an avoidance of self-doubt, a desire for glory, and a disregard for authority—truly thrive?