In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carlos VR Brown from the Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas to discuss issues relevant to both junior and mid-career trauma & acute care surgeons. Topics covered include: military-civilian trauma, finding one's niche in academic surgery, work-life balance, and learning from our mistakes. As I prepare to enter a new phase in my academic surgical career, the timing of this interview could not have been more perfect. This episode is packed with career pearls and words of wisdom that are not to be missed! Time Stamps 00:12 Introduction 02:37 Welcome Dr. CVR Brown 05:39 When did your interest in trauma surgery begin? 08:26 Military versus civilian trauma surgery 11:16 Carlos Brown is a Hero (No Matter What He Says) 13:18 Military & advances in clinical knowledge 14:29 Research & the importance of mentorship 15:04 The path to academic surgery: LAC-USC 2002-2007 17:45 Mentorship and research 20:31 Coming home & the opportunity to build 23:33 What is really important in a job? People, place, and family 26:32 “If you build it, they will come” BUT you need to surround yourself with REALLY GOOD people. Oh, and time management is also essential! 28:08 If you don’t have to be at work, leave! And go do the things that bring pleasure to you outside of work. 30:25 “We all make mistakes….” 31:36 Ask yourself, “What’s the best fit for both your career and family?” 32:51 Outro and call to action Links: Carlos Brown is a Hero (No Matter What He Says) https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/carlos-brown-is-a-hero-no-matter-what-he-says/ Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/traumaicurounds)