Why I Retired from Full-Time Neurosurgery
By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD
August 9, 2026 | #89
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Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice.
Medical Trivia of the Week
Why does your stomach growl when you are hungry? (the correct answer is at the end of this email)
- A) Acid sloshing in an empty stomach
- B) Muscle contractions sweeping the empty digestive tract
- C) Air swallowed during the day collecting in the stomach
- D) The stomach lining contracting against itself
I Needed a Change
I am a board-certified neurosurgeon who just stepped away from neurosurgery this past week. Lots of people have asked why. How can you just quit being a neurosurgeon? The simple answer is that I needed a change in my life. No matter how great a job or career may seem, there is always room to expand your horizons and find new passions in life. Neurosurgery has been a wonderful life for me and I will miss it. But after more than 30 years, I'm looking forward to new adventures and challenges in my life while at the same time continuing to help people, but maybe just in a different way.
The Fear of Burnout Was Real
Another big reason that I stepped away from neurosurgery was the fear of burnout. Physician burnout is real and I was experiencing the early symptoms. The beginnings of emotional and physical exhaustion, especially the kind that comes with trauma call. I physically could not stay up all night anymore and feel good the next day like I did when I was younger. Getting old is tough and I was feeling my age.
There was also a declining sense of personal accomplishment. I guess that I've done neurosurgery for so long that the "reward" was fading a bit. I still wanted to help people, but the satisfaction of doing so was slowly slipping away. But most of all, I just knew it was time to step away and pursue other interests. I have always followed my gut instincts in life and my instinct was telling me to stop. And so I did, and I have no regrets so far.
Trust me, it was a very tough decision and I struggled with it for many years. But I realized that more money is not the answer. More status is not the answer. The answer was more freedom and the ability to do the things that I want to do, because time is the only commodity that you can't get back once it's gone.
Neurosurgery Never Defined Me
I have heard people say that you will lose your identity and purpose in life when you stop being a busy surgeon. One thing that I can say with confidence is that neurosurgery never defined who I am as a person. Being a neurosurgeon was my job and career, but it was never who I was as a person. Sometimes it may be hard to differentiate the two, but for me, I have always known who I am, and it wasn't just a brain and spine surgeon.
Lastly, I have had people say that I'm a rich neurosurgeon and not everyone can afford to stop working or even retire. Obviously everyone's situation is very different and not everyone is a neurosurgeon. I get it. But there does come a break point where you need to decide who is more important, you or your job. Financial issues are always a big part of life decisions, but so is your remaining time and quality of life. Sometimes an increase in personal freedom is worth a decrease in lifestyle, if that is a possibility for you. Only you know your own personal circumstances and must make decisions based upon that. For me, at almost 62, I realize that I only have so many years left to experience new things. So I chose me, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Remember, no one knows when their last breath will be, and each day you spend telling yourself, "I'm going to do it someday," is a day that you can never get back.
Impactful Quote of the Week
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."
- Annie Dillard
Please let me know what you thought of this newsletter by replying to this email. I strive to read and reply to as many as I can.
All my best,
Brian Hoeflinger
P.S. - If you enjoyed this newsletter, you may enjoy my book that details my life as a neurosurgeon and the loss of my oldest son, Brian (see below a synopsis) and/or my podcast where I explain topics in further detail.
Learn More About My Book
Life and Death . . . Two words with such opposite meaning and which inflict such contradictory emotions and yet are so closely intertwined in our lives. As parents, we bring meaning and life into this world through our children. Our lives become defined as a result. We learn the joy, hardship, and responsibility of shaping an innocent life. But a day will come when that life will be taken. For some, death will come too soon. This is the story of my son, Brian Nicholas Hoeflinger, who died unexpectedly at age 18.
https://doctorhoeflinger.com/products/the-night-he-died-the-harsh-reality-of-teenage-drinking
Check Out My Free Podcast
The Dr. Hoeflinger Podcast is about more than medicine, it’s about living a fuller, healthier, and more meaningful life. My son, Kevin, and I discuss medicine, health, fitness, lessons learned from personal tragedy, family, and purpose. Along the way, we invite inspiring guests to bring fresh insights and perspectives. Watch or listen to the podcast below.
YouTube: Click here
Apple Podcasts: Click here
Spotify: Click here
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Medical Trivia Answer:
The correct answer is B) Muscle contractions sweeping the empty digestive tract
*Disclaimer: This newsletter and blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this newsletter and blog or materials linked from this newsletter and blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this newsletter and blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should consult their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
