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Mindfulness & Surgery: Prof. Kroese's Journey
Vascular surgeon Andries J. Kroese shares how mindfulness meditation transformed his life from WWII survival to medical practice. Learn the benefits of mindfulness.
LINE GOGUEN-HUGHES
Jul 21, 2025
1 min read(196 words)
How Mindfulness Practice Benefits Healthcare Professionals
Professor Andries J. Kroese, a vascular surgeon turned mindfulness teacher, reveals how meditation:
- Reduces stress in high-pressure medical environments
- Improves surgical focus and decision-making
- Enhances patient care through present-moment awareness
- Complements traditional medical training
From WWII Survival to Mindfulness Teacher
Kroese's remarkable life journey includes:
- Early trauma: Survived Japanese concentration camps as a toddler
- Medical career: Became a respected vascular surgeon
- Spiritual quest: Traveled extensively seeking inner peace
- Transformation: Trained under mindfulness pioneer Jon Kabat-Zinn
The Science Behind Mindfulness Meditation
Research shows mindfulness practice offers:
✔️ Reduced burnout rates among physicians
✔️ Improved emotional regulation
✔️ Enhanced cognitive function
✔️ Better work-life balance
Watch the Inspiring Documentary
The 21-minute film "This Will Also Pass" features:
- Kroese's personal story of resilience
- Practical mindfulness techniques for healthcare workers
- Insights from his training with Jon Kabat-Zinn
Mindfulness Resources for Medical Professionals
Interested in starting a practice? Consider:
- MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) programs
- Hospital-based mindfulness initiatives
- Short daily meditation sessions
"Mindfulness isn't about changing who you are—it's about changing your relationship to who you are." - Jon Kabat-Zinn