Why Coaching for Surgeons?

Unlock Your Potential and Thrive.

Empower yourself to lead, balance, and grow—both in the operating room and beyond.

Coaching is a transformative process designed to help surgeons like you thrive in every aspect of your life. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of leadership, striving for personal fulfillment, or seeking balance in your demanding career, coaching can provide the tools and guidance you need.

The Demands of Surgery Are Unique. So Is Coaching for Surgeons.

Surgeons work in some of the most high-pressure environments imaginable. The ability to remain calm under pressure, make life-saving decisions, and lead effectively comes at a cost—often in the form of burnout, exhaustion, or feeling unfulfilled. Coaching offers you the opportunity to pause, reflect, and focus on what truly matters.

In this space, we’ll work together to align your goals, overcome challenges, and rediscover the passion that brought you to this profession. Coaching isn’t just about improving your career—it’s about empowering you to live your best life, professionally and personally.

  • Burnout: You give everything to your patients, but you feel there’s nothing left for yourself.

  • Career Plateau: You’ve achieved so much, yet you feel stuck or unsure of the next step.

  • Work-Life Imbalance: Your personal relationships and health are suffering under the weight of your career.

  • Leadership Challenges: You’re expected to lead and mentor, but you’re not sure how to balance authority with authenticity.

  • Loss of Passion: The career you once loved now feels like a burden.

Is This You?"

Imagine a life where you feel energized, confident, and in control. Coaching is not about adding more to your plate—it’s about helping you:

  • Reconnect with the purpose that brought you into medicine.

  • Clarify your vision and set meaningful, achievable goals.

  • Enhance your leadership presence and influence.

  • Develop strategies to handle stress, build resilience, and maintain balance.

  • Unlock your potential to be the best surgeon, leader, and person you can be.

Coaching Is the Solution.

Why Dr. Martha Zeiger?

Coaching Backed by Expertise and Experience.

As a surgeon, educator, researcher, and leader, I’ve lived the challenges surgeons face firsthand. I understand the pressures, the expectations, and the sacrifices that come with this profession. Over my decades-long career, I’ve held positions like Chair of Surgery at the University of Virginia and President of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, among others.

But what I’ve valued most is mentoring and empowering others. Coaching allows me to share my experiences, strategies, and lessons with those who are ready to take their careers and lives to the next level.

My approach is simple:

  • Meet you where you are. Coaching is tailored to your unique needs and goals.

  • Empower, don’t advise. This is your journey, and I’m here to guide and support you.

  • Share life lessons. My coaching is enriched by the stories and strategies I’ve cultivated throughout my career.

  • Dr Brenessa Lindeman

    "Dr. Martha Zeiger demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding me through the complexities of academic surgery during my residency. Her organization, clear vision, and relentless drive for success served as a beacon throughout my training. By articulating achievable goals and providing strategic mentorship, she helped me navigate challenges and opportunities, ultimately securing a highly competitive fellowship in endocrine surgery. Her commitment to excellence and personal investment in my growth not only inspired confidence but also equipped me with the tools to succeed. Dr. Zeiger's influence has profoundly shaped my career, and I am deeply grateful for her guidance and unwavering support."

  • Dr Zeyad Sahli

    “Dr. Zeiger is an extraordinary mentor and coach who has immeasurably impacted my personal and professional life. Her guidance, expertise, and support have allowed me to navigate complex career decisions. Dr. Zeiger balances professional wisdom with empathy and compassion. She's always available, always listens, and provides sage advice. I'm forever grateful for her mentorship and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a dedicated and exceptional coach.”

  • Dr Aarti Mathur

    “Dr. Martha Zeiger is an AMAZING coach and leader. Her guidance navigated me to direct a research group, acquire NIH-funding, and a surgical fellowship while maintaining a busy surgical practice. She consistently pushes you to look beyond the current understanding of a problem and think about resolving the unsolved problems. Her coaching style is authentic, spirited, invested, and whole-hearted. She asks the hard questions, pushes you when in doubt, supports you in challenging times, celebrates the wins, finds the malleable part of your brain to re-imagine an issue to force growth, and relishes the opportunity to provide guidance. Highly recommend.”

  • Dr Emad Kandil

    “Dr. Zeiger has been. Her list of mentees is beyond seventy surgeons and scientists, however, she has been always available to mentor me and I continued to benefit from her warmth and positive energy. She always listen carefully and helped me with important decisions in my career. Dr. Zeiger is an inspiring physician scientist and exceptional gifted mentor I’m always honored to be Dr. Zeiger’s mentee.”

  • Dr Areeba Saif

    “Dr. Martha Zeiger is an exceptionally perceptive mentor who tailors her guidance to the unique needs of each individual. Her ability to draw on a prolific career mentoring people from diverse backgrounds and at various career stages makes her insights invaluable. Having achieved remarkable renown in a traditionally male-dominated field, she combines her vast experience with a deeply empathetic and empowering coaching style. Dr. Zeiger doesn’t just offer advice—she equips you with the tools to solve challenges independently, fostering confidence and self-awareness. Her mentorship is transformative, blending wisdom and support in a way that inspires lasting growth.”

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Coaching is an investment in yourself, your career, and your well-being. You’ve dedicated so much to others—now it’s time to focus on you. Let’s explore how coaching can help you achieve your goals and create a balanced, fulfilling life.

Here’s how it works:

  • Start with a free 30-minute intake session to discuss your needs and determine if coaching is the right fit.

  • Book sessions tailored to your schedule and goals.