Jeff Gadsden
Chief of Regional Anesthesiology, Duke University
Durham, NC
Favorite block:
❤️
Gonna have to say the RAPTIR, hands down (pun intended). It’s simple, elegant, and there are two moments, immediately after the needle is pulled out, that are block-bay gold: first, when the trainee looks up and says, “That was so much less scary than I thought!” (followed by knowing nods and smiles all around), and second, when the patient looks up and says, “Hey my fingers are tingling!” (cue the same nods and smiles).
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you at the beginning of your career?
💡
There are tons of ways to find success in this job. The “traditional” ones that you may see as a trainee aren’t the only path. Sometimes it’s hard to see beyond “publish a bunch of papers and rise through the administrative ranks”. Find what brings you joy, do that thing, and success will find you.
What is a non-medical hobby you’re passionate about?
🪚
I really enjoy woodworking. It’s both creative and technical at the same time, and requires a lot of precision. I still have 10 fingers too!
What would be your walk-up song as you enter the lecture hall?
🎵
“Final Countdown” by Europe…classic.
What’s one thing attendees should come and talk to you about at the Summit?
🤝
When I was finishing residency I thought the idea of doing research was scary, intimidating and something only the smart kids were doing. I found out that — if you do it the right way — it’s actually easy, fun and super-rewarding.