Plumber, scientist, entrepreneur, teacher: Can one really do all?

I’ll begin by admitting that the title of this article is inherently flawed. I chose it intentionally because it captures the essence of much of the existing literature on the role of the surgeon-scientist. It implies that these roles are mutually exclusive, and that by taking on more, we inevitably become less effective. But I would argue that the premise is wrong. The idea that being a vascular surgeon, scientist, entrepreneur, and teacher (Fig.) dilutes our ability to perform well is misguided.