"Chase Better, Not Perfect — A Surgeon’s Path to Mastery"

In paediatric surgery, the stakes are high. We’re often working with tiny anatomy, fragile physiology, and anxious families. The pressure to be perfect is constant — both from within and from outside.

But here’s what experience has taught me:👉 Perfection is a trap. Progress is the path.

Early in my career, I used to think every case had to be flawless. Every stitch precise. Every patient outcome ideal.

But the truth? Mastery is built one small win at a time.

When I reflect on the surgeons I admire — those who seem effortlessly composed in theatre, who mentor with wisdom, who innovate with calm confidence — I’ve realised their excellence wasn’t born in a single moment of brilliance. It was compounded over time.

🧠 Mastery is made of micro-momentum.

It’s the extra hour reviewing anatomy.The reflective note after a challenging procedure.The commitment to debrief and improve — not because we failed, but because we care.

In paediatric urology especially, where tiny errors can have lifelong implications, the pressure is immense. But so is the power of incremental learning.

Let’s be honest — no one talks about the emotional burden of chasing perfection. It isolates us. It exhausts us. It dulls our joy for the work.

But choosing better instead of perfect?That gives us the freedom to grow. To sustain. To serve better.

So here’s what I remind myself now:

Don’t chase perfect. Chase better.And keep going.

Because the child in front of you doesn’t need a superhero.They need a human who is constantly evolving.