August 1–2, 2025 | Dr. Vitale was pleased to attend the Bridging the Gap meeting (BTG) in August. It is refreshingly different from any meeting in the field, with numerous attendees commenting that the meeting is enjoyable, profoundly worthwhile, and even life-changing. While most meetings focus on research, technology, and techniques, BTG emphasizes the skills that will most significantly benefit attendees at work and in their personal lives.

This year, the focus was on Leadership. Learning how to be an excellent leader is critical for the OR, but it’s also key for us in finding greater success and enjoyment in our profession, our families, and ourselves.

The goal of BTG is: Learn. Play. Give. This meeting aims to provide a space in which knowledge is acquired and put into action while we have fun, and are challenged to give back to those around us. BTG creates an environment where we all learn and grow together.

This engaging meeting included:

• Life ain’t easy when you’re a surgeon: Attainable ways to build a better me
• My life’s too fast and stressful: The power and wisdom of slowing down to be faster
• We all mess up: Navigating failure without losing myself
• The pressure cooker of being a surgeon: How to lead in the midst of our professional challenges
• Leading the majority when you’re in the minority—Tips and insights from the frontlines