How An AI Scribe Changed A Surgeon’s Life For Good

How An AI Scribe Changed A Surgeon’s Life For Good

In the fast-paced and high-stakes environment of the operating room, surgeons make life-saving decisions and perform complex procedures. Yet, the challenges don’t end there—endless documentation, long hours, and mounting stress make their workload nearly unbearable. For many, this leaves little time to focus on the critical aspects of their work or maintain a healthy work-life balance. In this blog post we will explore how the use of an AI scribe transformed a surgeon’s daily routine by reducing the burden of time-consuming documentation and creating more time for focused patient care and personal well-being.

A Heavy Workload and Mounting Stress

Dr. Michael Ewing, a 36-year-old surgeon from Dallas, Texas, was no stranger to grueling hours. Working 70-hour weeks, he often felt exhausted and burdened by the constant demands of his profession. While surgery was his passion, much of his time was spent on endless charting, often stretching into after-hours, leaving him drained and distanced from his family. Like many physicians, Dr. Ewing struggled to balance his responsibilities and wished for a solution that would allow him to focus more on patient care and provide a better work-life balance. That’s when he came across an AI scribing tool that promised to lighten his burden.

The Burden of Documentation

Charting, a routine yet time-intensive task, was a significant contributor to Dr. Ewing’s stress. Like many physicians, Dr. Ewing spent hours on clinical documentation, a task that pulled him away from his true calling—helping patients. With a caseload of 50-60 patients a week, the mental strain of remembering every detail was overwhelming. Physicians choose this path with a deep desire to help people, but unfortunately they are forced to spend so much time charting, leaving them mentally drained. This relentless documentation burden not only hinders their ability to connect with patients meaningfully but also takes a toll on their overall well-being.

How An AI Scribe Changed Things For Good

Before using the AI scribing tool, much of Dr. Ewing’s energy was consumed by multitasking during patient visits. But, everything changed when Dr. Ewing discovered an AI scribe, a tool that automates clinical documentation. His experience with the AI scribe brought many positive changes to both his work and personal life. Here's how it made a difference

Saved Time - He saved at least an hour a day in the clinic. This allowed him to focus more on patient care and reduce the stress of documentation.

Reduced Errors - The AI scribing tool helped minimize clinical documentation errors. This ensured accurate records and improved overall quality of care.

Reduced Legal Risks - It helped protect against potential legal issues that may arise from documentation errors or omissions.

Improved Focus - Saving time helped him improve his mental clarity and overall productivity.

Better Patient Engagement - He was able to spend 95% of patient visits truly listening to what patients were saying, instead of making mental notes or being distracted by the demands of charting

Increased Efficiency - He was able to see up to seven additional patients every day, boosting his productivity and improving access to care.

Better Patient Experience - He was able to be more present during visits enhancing care quality and patient experience.

More Family Time - He got home earlier twice a week to spend some quality time with his children. This greatly helped strengthen family bonds.

Extra Day Off - He was able to take an extra day off each month. This gave him more time to recharge and focus on personal well-being.

More Time - The AI scribe gave him back the time in abundance which he values the most. This enabled him to focus on high-priority tasks and enjoy a healthier work-life balance.

Concluding Thoughts

Note writing and documentation tasks have long consumed a significant portion of surgeon’s lives. For Dr. Ewing and others in his practice, this AI tool has proven to be more than just a time-saver—it’s a life-changer. For the first time in years, he shared that he and his team were finally able to truly connect with patients and have meaningful conversations. With more time to focus on family, personal-wellbeing, and mental health, surgeons are rediscovering their purpose in their profession. As burnout is on the rise, solutions like AI scribes offer hope for a better, healthier and more rewarding career for surgeons.

If you’re looking to take control of your time and improve both patient care and your personal well-being, consider hiring Scribe4Me AI, just like Dr. Ewing did. Our advanced AI scribe automates note-taking, giving you the freedom to focus on what truly matters—building stronger relationships with your patients and enjoying a more fulfilling, balanced life. Get in touch with us today to learn how our AI scribe can make your professional and personal life easier and more rewarding.