The Hive

Culture Eats Strategy

At the Hippocratic Collective, we’re not all that interested in polished, one-off strategies that look good on paper and die in the wild. We call that ‘academic brain.’ (No offense to the academics - we have plenty of those on the HC team). But that’s classic physician thinking. Exercising an abundance of caution, planning everything down to the minute detail…we’re really good at that. It’s what makes us great physicians. It does not however, prepare us to fight against the decaying culture of medicine.

The HC is not a lobbying group (not yet at least). We are not a team of lawyers, we do not have inside political connections. The idea of trying to ‘change the system from within’ does not make sense to us. Sure, can some individuals potentially rise to a position of power within an institution and advocate for better conditions? Why not. But we are also keenly aware that those who acquire titles and influence, often do so because of their willingness to uphold the status quo and perpetuate the system.

So we are here to be the lightning rod that can only exist from outside the system. To apply pressure to those who would rather see the current system upheld. Whenever a group of residents is feeling mistreated, our goal is to provide a blueprint for how to effect meaningful change (hint: get organized). When an attending is feeling pressure to see more patients, bill at higher levels, work more hours - we aim to provide outlets and alternatives.

This is not just another traditional institution or a group of ‘medfluencers.’ You probably won’t see us launch ‘viral’ marketing campaigns. This is looser, more alive, and over time, much more relevant. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Always.

Surgeon Social Club

We thought about getting a booth at Clinical Congress 2025 in Chicago next week, but then we realized that’s not really HC’s style. So instead we rented out a bar! Our first ever, Surgeon Social Club, an Empowered Surgeons Group x HC collaboration, is next Monday in Chicago. A night of connection and free drinks for surgeons attending the conference felt like the perfect addition to a day full of lectures and networking.

Unfortunately we are at capacity at this time, but this won’t be the last one. Stay tuned for more events like the Surgeon Social Club, hopefully coming to a city near you next.

Your Podcast Binge List

We linked some YouTube and Spotify pages for you, but click here to listen to any of our shows on the platform of your choice.

• The Hoeflinger Podcast - Brian Hoeflinger, MD + Kevin Hoeflinger - What is Rucking, Why I Started Rucking, and Why You Should Walk More

• Social Rounds - Anthony Chin-Quee, MD + Frances Mei Hardin, MD - From Hookups to Humanities: What Med School Doesn’t Teach You

• Fem MD - Lauren Umstattd, MD - The Dark Surgeon Psyche w/ Mel Thacker

• Surgeons with Purpose - Mel Thacker, MD - The One Way We Fail In Surgery

• Surgeon, Interrupted - Frances Mei Hardin, MD - How I Switched from Family Medicine to Dermatology | Dr. Liv Perez’s Residency Match Journey

• The Other Human in the Room - Joan Chan, MD - Enjoy Your Difficulties—Lessons from Nashville

• Beyond the Scope - Andy Nguyen, MD - Plastic Surgeon Turned Burn Patient

A Few Of Our Favorite 'Progress Notes' From August

Succession: Health Crises And The Family

By Sacha McBain, PhD

And for those familiar with Succession, there is an additional lesson in observation: those who learn to read these family systems carefully, understand motivations, and navigate them with strategic attunement may find themself to be the next Tom Wambsgans of the family meeting.

Realizing I Was In The Wrong Specialty

By Olivia Perez, MD

There are so many reasons I loved primary care, but feeling like a bad salesperson made me realize I wasn’t best suited to be a PCP. In dermatology, I found a specialty where the patient’s urgency matched my own, and where I could still connect prevention with the visible and the meaningful.

How Do I Stop Comparing Myself In Medical School?

By Iya Agha, DO

“I feel like everyone else is doing more than me! From research, to leadership, and awards… I’m just trying to survive. How do I stop comparing myself?”

A Soft Start

By Rotem Kimia, MD

I blurted out something about being there since 6:45 to “prepare the list.” His face tensed in remorse, realizing the cultural miscommunication. “Oh, mate, I’m sorry. That was a soft seven.”

Explore Our Growing Podcast Network

Here’s what’s live and ready for your next commute, call-room break, or coffee run:

• The Hoeflinger Podcast - Brian Hoeflinger, MD + Kevin Hoeflinger

• Social Rounds - Tony Chin-Quee, MD + Frances Mei Hardin, MD

• Fem MD - Lauren Umstattd, MD

• Surgeons with Purpose - Mel Thacker, MD

• Beyond the Scope - Andy Nguyen, MD

• Surgeon, Interrupted - Frances Mei Hardin, MD

• The Other Human in the Room - Joan Chan, MD

• The Four Humors - Paul Tran, MD

• We Are Human - Tommy Martin, MD + Tyler Beauchamp, MD

Want to Get Involved?

Since launching, we’ve been blown away by how many physicians have reached out asking, “How can I get involved?”

Here’s how:

• Submit your writing for consideration on our blog

• Pitch us a creative idea or original column

• Apply to be a guest on a podcast

• Follow us and share our content on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube 

The Collective only works because of voices like yours, and there’s always room for one more.

Until next month,
The HC Team

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