Daniel Eads, M.D.

Catching up

‌We are doing well. Starr and I moved to Arizona after we finished residency.  We have our dog Barkley, and we were fortunate to have our son Theo who is now 2 years old.  I initially started in private practice in an east suburb of Phoenix, AZ, but I recently relocated to a hospital employed position closer to our family home in Scottsdale, AZ.  I have been enjoying my new job, especially the additional time/involvement it has afforded me with my family.  Starr and I love to ski, but we added our PADI scuba certification to our repertoire this past year as well.

‌Currently

After graduation, I was in a CT surgery private practice for 6 years, where I was made a partner after a few years. Last summer, I shifted gears to join a hospital-employed group. Since the start of my career, I have been dedicated to providing high quality outcomes in cardiac surgery. However, if you want to know my greatest accomplishment, it has been the life that Starr and I have created in Arizona while simultaneously building successful practices in our respective fields. Finding balance between work and family has required sacrifice on both our parts but has been the most rewarding experience of my life.

‌Training at MUSC

‌I met my wife at MUSC!!! Other than having our son together, meeting Starr has been the most impactful event in my life.  She and Theo have been a driving force behind my career and life decisions.  Besides the fact that I probably never would have considered living in AZ if it weren't for Starr, I also consider myself grounded by their presence on a daily basis. 

Beyond my family, I am indebted to all of my CT surgery mentors at MUSC.  There is not a single day in the operating room that I don't reference the Ikon method, the Kratz stitch, or the Katz technique. I can truly say that I learned something from each attending that I worked with. My mentors at MUSC taught me what it means to be a well-rounded physician. Focusing on patient care and quality outcomes, in addition to technical excellence, is something that I strive for in my own practice.

I loved living in Charleston and miss the ocean and green landscape. Arizona is pretty dry and beige; however, I (and definitely Starr) don't really miss the flooding and hurricanes.  Most importantly, I miss the community at MUSC. Some of the attendings were not just mentors but also great friends, and many of the residents we trained with have become like family; we text frequently and visit each other when we can.

‌Advice to Current Residents

On a professional level, don't take this time for granted. Every surgeon has something to teach you. I certainly learned an incredible amount from my primary mentors but every attending was able to teach me something along the way, both inside and outside of the OR.  Assimilate what is most appropriate for your future practice. 

On a personal level, don't take this time for granted.  I met my wife in residency.  We made a joint decision to focus on our training at the time and focus on personal/family development at a later date, and there were consequences to this.  There is never a "convenient" time to have a child in this career.  If you want to grow your family during residency, do it.  If you want to wait until you are established in your career like we did, consider fertility preservation.  This is not discussed or considered enough.  You will receive plenty of advice on your surgical technique during training, but please do not forget yourself and your personal/family aspirations as well.‌