In the operating theatre, precision and skill are essential—but so is compassion. Dr. Oliver Brown, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with over 20 years of experience in complex obstetric care and urogynaecology, believes that empathy is not separate from clinical excellence—it is a vital part of it.
Surgery is often perceived as a technical discipline, focused on incisions, procedures, and outcomes. But for Dr. Oliver Brown, every surgical interaction begins with a human connection.
“Before any operation, I meet a person, not a patient ID,” Dr. Brown explains. “They come with fears, hopes, families, and stories. Understanding that changes how you operate—not just clinically, but emotionally.”
In his view, compassion isn’t just about being kind—it’s about truly listening, setting expectations, and honouring the patient’s experience before, during, and after surgery.
Dr. Brown begins every surgical journey with a thorough preoperative conversation. This includes not just medical history and consent forms, but time to address emotions.
“Many of my patients are anxious about surgery, especially when it involves reproductive organs or complications in pregnancy. They may be afraid of the unknown, of losing control, or of the impact on their fertility or identity,” he says.
Taking the time to acknowledge those fears builds trust. It also helps guide informed consent, aligning surgical plans with the patient’s goals, values, and comfort.
Even in the sterile, high-pressure environment of the OR, compassion plays a role.
Dr. Brown reflects, “There are moments of silence before the first incision. In those moments, I remind myself: this person trusted me. They’re asleep now, but they’ve entrusted their body and future to my hands. That is sacred.”
He ensures that every team member in the theatre—from the anaesthetist to the scrub nurse—shares that mindset. A calm, respectful environment contributes to patient safety, reduces stress, and improves overall outcomes.
For Dr. Brown, the surgery doesn’t end when the sutures are closed. Compassion continues through postoperative care, where communication and emotional support are just as important as pain management and physical recovery.
“A patient waking up from surgery is vulnerable. They want reassurance. They want to know what happened and what comes next,” he says.
He makes it a priority to check in personally, answer questions with clarity, and offer encouragement. Whether a procedure went as planned or required an unexpected decision, honesty delivered with empathy builds confidence and reduces anxiety.
As an Honorary Medical Officer at John Hunter Hospital and a lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Dr. Brown is also committed to passing on this philosophy to medical trainees.
“I tell young doctors—never let your technical training dull your emotional instincts. You can be a brilliant surgeon and still be deeply compassionate,” he says.
Through mentoring and supervision, he models calm, human-centred care in high-pressure situations. He believes that when students see compassion in action, it becomes part of how they practise medicine for life.
Some may see compassion as optional in a surgical setting, but Dr. Brown believes it enhances outcomes.
“When patients feel heard, their stress hormones drop. Their bodies heal better. Their trust in the system increases. And as a surgeon, you operate not just with your hands, but with purpose,” he explains.
In the hands of Dr. Oliver Brown, compassion is not a side note—it is integral to surgery. His approach blends technical mastery with emotional intelligence, ensuring that every procedure respects both the science of medicine and the dignity of the human experience.
For Dr. Brown, compassion is not just a reflection—it’s a commitment. And it starts with seeing every patient as a person first.
