Christopher Hicks: performing under pressure as an emergency physician and trauma team leader 

Chris is an emergency physician and trauma team leader at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, deeply curious about what makes teams tick—or fail—during crisis situations. His explorations range from mental practice and stress inoculation training to resuscitation ergonomics, all aimed at making teams safer and more effective. A passionate speaker and educator.

The podcast with Dr. Christopher Hicks explores a range of themes centered on performance under pressure and team dynamics in high-stress environments. Dr. Hicks delves into his dual roles in emergency and trauma medicine and his application of design thinking in healthcare through his co-founded initiative, Advanced Performance. He emphasizes a systems approach, integrating individual, team, and environmental optimization to improve outcomes.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on stress management and training. Dr. Hicks reflects on the evolution of stress inoculation training, stressing the importance of addressing both individual and team challenges. He highlights the role of realistic stressors, particularly socio-evaluative and cognitive stressors, in simulation training and emphasizes balancing intensity to ensure participants are challenged without being overwhelmed.

The conversation also touches on simulation design, where techniques like Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice are recommended for skill-building. Attention to both psychological and practical aspects of simulation ensures that scenarios remain relevant and impactful.

Dr. Hicks underscores the value of meta-awareness, explaining how recognizing and managing where attention and emotions are directed is vital for focus and stress management. Strategies such as mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and physical grounding are offered as practical tools for staying composed during high-pressure moments.

Team and system optimization are key themes, with Dr. Hicks discussing innovative solutions like CPR coach models and ergonomic tools that streamline emergency care. Through design thinking, his team addresses workflow challenges and reduces cognitive load, enabling safer and more effective operations.

On a personal level, Dr. Hicks shares insights on maintaining wellness and longevity in demanding professions. He advocates for balancing professional and personal life, pursuing fulfilling activities, and reframing work as a part of one’s identity rather than its entirety.

The discussion concludes with actionable takeaways for improving stress resilience, team performance, and system design, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, integrated approaches to overcoming challenges in high-stress professions.

Podcast video

Podcast audio

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/erikhein1970/episodes/Christopher-Hicks-performing-under-pressure-as-an-emergency-physician-and-trauma-team-leader-e2rfr92

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