The “Pygmalion Effect” and Surgical Mentoring

Excerpt

The first year of surgical residency was overwhelming. My floor work was disorganized, discharge summaries were incomplete, and sleepless nights were starting to get the better of me. Dr. Venkataramani Sitaram, the chief of surgery at my alma mater, demanded and expected only the very best from the residents, and I knew I was falling short. He ushered me into his office after a particularly inadequate presentation on rounds. “Do you know what the Pygmalion effect is?,” he asked. “The more you expect of people, the better they perform,” he said without waiting for an answer. He proceeded to explain that he knew that I was diligent and sincere, but I could do more. I would have to rise to the challenge. …