Spotlight: Dr. Aussama Nassar

What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned from a work experience, good or bad?

"In acute care surgery, seamless teamwork isn’t just helpful—it’s lifesaving. Initially, I found it challenging to remember the names and roles of OR staff and anesthesia colleagues during daily procedures, causing moments of embarrassment and inefficiency. Recognizing this issue, I collaborated with champions from anesthesia and interventional platforms to introduce surgical scrub caps embroidered clearly with each team member's name and role. This simple innovation had an immediate and significant impact—enhancing communication, building a stronger sense of community, and boosting overall team cohesion. Referring to colleagues by name streamlined our interactions and fostered mutual respect, greatly improving teamwork and patient safety. Today, these personalized scrub caps are a valued standard practice in Stanford’s ORs."

How do you handle pressure or tight deadlines? Share your tips for staying calm and focused.

"In acute care surgery, managing multiple critical situations simultaneously is a routine part of the job. My strategy begins with rapid and precise triage, quickly identifying and prioritizing the most pressing threats—such as hemorrhage, sepsis, or respiratory failure. Clear and direct delegation to trainees and colleagues helps ensure organized and efficient responses. Breaking down complex, high-pressure scenarios into manageable isolated tasks allows me to maintain clarity and control. Over time, this practice serves as stress inoculation, building resilience and confidence. For deadlines, I reserve protected blocks of uninterrupted academic time, setting clear, achievable goals to transform pressure into productivity."

What advice would you give to someone new starting at Stanford?

“Stanford is more than just an institution—it’s an ecosystem filled with extraordinary possibilities. Upon arriving, I quickly discovered the importance of proactively engaging with the extensive resources and diverse opportunities available here. Participating in Stanford’s faculty Biodesign fellowship, for example, allowed me to transform my initial ideas and curiosity into tangible innovations, including a patented abdominal closure device and two medical smartphone applications. My key advice to newcomers is to wholeheartedly embrace interdisciplinary collaboration—seek diverse perspectives, proactively engage with colleagues, and freely share your ideas within Stanford’s vibrant culture of innovation. By maintaining strong multidisciplinary collaborations, I’ve successfully launched several significant initiatives. However, given the vast array of opportunities, it’s crucial to stay focused. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or distracted—much like being faced with endless appealing choices. Always maintain clear goals and prioritize carefully to maximize your impact.”