In the last job I worked, I had the opportunity to plan my own elective operating lists for a few weeks. I lined up four inguinal hernias in a row, then two laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Then three vasectomies.

This technique of stacking the same cases up one after another is a type of deliberate practice. You learn more from your experience by repeating it immediately. I recovered from that week knowing I had squeezed the maximum learning experience out of the lists.

In the past twenty four hours, I’ve done four difficult cholecystectomies, each a struggle. This is my week rostered to ward cover and emergency operating. Not planned. Not predictable. But a windfall nonetheless.