From Surgeon to Advocate: Dr. Hardin’s Mission to Transform Medical Culture and Empower the Next Generation Through The Promising Young Surgeon Podcast
Dr. Frances Mei Hardin is a trailblazing head and neck surgeon, entrepreneur, author, and podcast host, redefining resilience and innovation in the medical field. Named in honor of her grandmothers, Frances Ann Maher and Yun Yu Mei, Dr. Hardin’s journey began in Chicago, where she was raised with the guidance of her family, especially her two grandmothers, who instilled in her a love for learning and compassion. Standing six feet tall and of half-Asian descent, Dr. Hardin is recognized not only for her medical expertise but also for her remarkable presence and dedication to serving her community.
Her academic path was rigorous and ambitious, with a start at the Illinois Math and Science Academy, where she published her first astrophysics paper at 16, leading her to pursue biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame. Though science was her first love, personal experiences with family illnesses inspired her shift to medicine, where she sought to blend technical expertise with empathetic patient care. Dr. Hardin trained in ENT at the Case Western Cleveland Clinic, where she faced—and overcame—many barriers in a male-dominated field, ultimately founding her own ENT practice to bring top-tier care to a rural community.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Hardin is the founder of Rethinking Residency, a platform providing resources for medical trainees, and the host of The Promising Young Surgeon Podcast. Through her podcast, Dr. Hardin candidly addresses the hidden challenges of residency and medical practice, inviting conversations that aim to reshape the culture of medicine. Her memoir, Becoming a Surgeon and Losing Myself, reflects her journey through medicine’s demands and offers insight into her dedication to mentorship, personal growth, and the future of healthcare.
Tune into The Promising Young Surgeon Podcast, where Dr. Hardin explores the nuanced struggles and triumphs of medical professionals, advocating for a supportive and inclusive medical community.
What ultimately brought you into the field of medicine?
I always thought I’d be a scientist. From a young age, I loved STEM and research. By the time I was 19 or 20, I had already spent about eight years in intensive research. However, after losing multiple immediate family members to illness at a young age, I developed a deep compassion for patients and their families.
At Notre Dame, surrounded by pre-med students and taking anatomy and medicine classes, I realized I was drawn to the interpersonal nature of being a physician. I didn’t want to spend my career alone in a lab. So, I took the MCAT my senior year, did a gap year in ENT outcomes research at WashU in St. Louis, and then went straight into medical school at Case Western Cleveland Clinic.
What challenges have you faced as a woman and an Asian woman in medicine?
A major challenge is that patients often expect their doctor to look or act a certain way. Even as a chief resident, patients would sometimes defer to a white male junior resident behind me. It’s wild how often I had to assert my role. This is even more challenging for petite women in medicine.
Another challenge is the expectation for surgeons to be one-dimensional. I love being a surgeon, but I also enjoy traveling, fashion, and spending time with friends. Being a multifaceted person can invite pushback, especially with incidents like the “medkini” scandal, where female doctors were criticized for wearing swimsuits on social media.
What changes would you like to see in the field of medicine?
I hope to see increased candor and kindness in medical training, more mentorship for young female physicians, and more open conversations about the culture of medicine. We need to address the traumatic, degrading, and toxic aspects of medical training honestly.
What advice would you give to a young resident facing challenges in their training?
I endured four years of verbal and physical abuse in a malignant surgical training program. I often Googled “resident physician depression” and “resident physician suicide,” finding almost no resources. This experience motivated me to create Rethinking Residency, a brand that provides resources and support for current trainees. It includes practical tips, articles, and personal stories to help residents navigate their training.
For those pursuing medicine or any high-achieving field, I recommend studying stoicism. One of my favorite quotes is, “We cannot ensure success, but we can deserve it.” We can only control our actions and do our best, deserving of greatness and success.
Tell us about your current work and any projects you’re passionate about.
I built my own ENT clinic from the ground up over the past few years in a rural community. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. Outside of the clinic, I’ve written a memoir, “Becoming a Surgeon and Losing Myself,” and continue to mentor and coach young physicians and medical students.
Since we last connected, you’ve launched five seasons of your podcast, Promising Young Surgeon. What has this experience been like for you?
It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve had the opportunity to connect more deeply with an audience that truly craves this kind of honest conversation, and in the process, it’s helped me heal from many of my own experiences throughout my surgical career. Plus, I’ve been lucky to chat with some remarkable guests this year. Alongside my role as an ENT surgeon, I now proudly call myself a ‘professional yapper.'”
You’ve also completed your memoir. Can you share what readers can expect from it and what inspired you to write it?
Yes, I’m deeply passionate about my work as a writer. My book is a work of literary nonfiction that explores the journey to becoming a surgeon and the sacrifices made in pursuit of such a high-stakes career. It also delves into the timeless, challenging question: how far will someone go to achieve what she truly desires?
What do you hope to see change in the medical industry through the Promising Young Surgeon podcast?
At the very least, I aim to offer practical strategies for individuals navigating challenging situations across the healthcare industry. While I actively advocate for systemic changes at an institutional level—changes I hope to see realized someday—I recognize that many of these shifts may take time. In the meantime, I hope to provide reassurance and guidance for those who may not see these larger changes anytime soon. There’s a genuine need for tools and support ‘in the trenches,’ as they say.
How do you select the guests for your podcast, and what qualities do you look for in a conversation partner?
I seek out guests who bring unique perspectives to their field or are doing transformative work that resonates with my audience. I’m not a fan of the typical Q&A, back-and-forth podcast format, so I look for guests who are open to having authentic, honest conversations—people who go beyond the usual talking points.
What have been some of the most surprising or impactful moments from the podcast so far?
One particularly exciting guest for me was Pilot Pete from The Bachelor. We ended up having an incredible conversation about the intersections and similarities between the aviation and healthcare industries. I discovered aspects of captain training that could certainly benefit surgical training—especially around systemic protocols, leadership standards, and communication culture.
In what ways do you think your experiences as a surgeon shape the topics you cover on your podcast?
I know firsthand how demanding this career path can be. The journey to becoming an attending physician is long and grueling, and most people are rarely fully prepared for it. Even those who complete the process often overlook the ways it may have changed them. While I’m not providing therapy, I believe that bringing these conversations out of the shadows and into the public eye can make a significant impact on the next generation.
How do you balance your responsibilities as a surgeon with your podcasting and writing endeavors?
It’s definitely been a bit of a challenge! I like to say I’m juggling three or four full-time jobs right now. I’m fortunate to work with an incredible producer, Grace, who’s very flexible with her schedule, allowing me to record mostly at night and on weekends. Often, the writing and podcast prep overlap, sparking new ideas or unearthing stories I might have forgotten. But I genuinely love both podcasting and writing, so it doesn’t feel like ‘work’—it’s life-affirming work that I’m grateful to pursue in my free time.
What advice would you give to young surgeons or medical professionals who aspire to share their stories and insights?
Be honest. Audiences don’t need more stories from medical professionals about how amazing everything is or how they, too, can be the hero. These jobs are incredibly challenging, and the journey to get there is filled with countless obstacles. Sharing the mistakes and lessons learned along the way is what truly resonates and makes people want to connect with you.
Looking ahead, what themes or topics are you excited to explore in future seasons of the podcast?
I’m genuinely excited to broaden these conversations beyond the walls of the healthcare industry. While this podcast is by doctors for doctors, the focus on professional development, wellness, and life skills offers value for everyone—especially young women!
How do you maintain balance and joy amidst the chaos?
I thrive with a structured routine: waking up early, using a bullet journal, practicing gratitude, daily meditation, and exercise. Sobriety post-residency has also been key to maintaining a healthy, centered lifestyle.
In conclusion, Dr. Frances Mei Hardin’s journey from a young science enthusiast to a distinguished head and neck surgeon is a testament to her unyielding passion, resilience, and compassion. Despite the challenges inherent in forging her path as a woman in a male-dominated specialty, she went on to establish her own ENT practice, grounded in patient-centered care, and created Rethinking Residency to support the well-being of medical trainees navigating their careers.
Adding to her repertoire, Dr. Hardin hosts The Promising Young Surgeon Podcast, a platform dedicated to sparking change in the medical field by openly addressing the unique struggles faced by healthcare professionals. This podcast provides a space for candid conversations on the often-overlooked realities of residency, from coping mechanisms to practical strategies for maintaining balance, while promoting a healthier, more supportive medical culture.
The Promising Young Surgeon Podcast, crafted by a surgeon for healthcare professionals, dives into the challenging aspects of medical practice, particularly the high levels of dissatisfaction and burnout among physicians. Dr. Hardin engages fellow surgeons, physicians, and experts in discussions that illuminate the harsh realities of residency and explore potential solutions, fostering a community that supports both the personal and professional growth of current and future medical practitioners.
Tune in to The Promising Young Surgeon Podcast to join Dr. Hardin on her mission to reshape the culture of medicine and empower healthcare professionals to thrive within it.
