The secret superstitions of surgeons: How rituals impact surgical success

Dr Carmen Fong
Dr Carmen Fong.

As a surgeon, when I routinely went to the OR, I had a ritual.

I would wake up at the same time every day, pack two hard-boiled eggs and a thermos of coffee in my small leather bag, walk to work via the same route, and swipe into the pre-op area, waving hi to the front desk on my way past.