Inside the Mind of a Surgeon: Dr. Devgan’s Pre-Surgery Ritual
For most of us, surgery is a monumental moment — a day filled with emotion, anticipation, and trust. For Dr. Lara Devgan, it may be one of many procedures in her schedule, but she never loses sight of what’s at stake. In her words: “While it is just another day in my life, it may very well be one of, if not the most important day in my patient's life.” That perspective grounds everything she does.
Here are the five things Dr. Devgan focuses on before every surgery — reminders that keep her sharp, compassionate, and present.
1. Review the Patient’s Unique Medical History
No two patients are alike, and Dr. Devgan never assumes they are. She takes time to re-familiarize herself with the full context: medical background, medications, allergies, risk factors, and anything else that could affect the procedure. Precision begins with preparation.
2. Revisit the Surgical Plan
She reviews the individualized surgical plan, tailored to each patient’s anatomy. Every structure is studied again — what she’ll encounter, what she’ll avoid, and what must be transformed. This isn’t about routine. It’s about customized excellence.
3. Meet the Patient
Before heading into the OR, Dr. Devgan always meets the patient. Whether it’s reassurance, answering last-minute questions, or simply making eye contact — this connection is essential. It’s a moment of human grounding before the technical begins.
4. Consult with the Surgical Team
Great surgery is never solo. Dr. Devgan connects with everyone involved — nurses, scrub techs, anesthesiologists — to make sure the whole team is aligned. From instruments to timing, it all needs to flow seamlessly.
5. Get in the Game
Finally, she centers herself. Mentally, emotionally, physically. Surgery demands complete presence, and she treats it like the high-performance endeavor it is. Focused mind. Steady hands. Total clarity.
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