Dr. Rob McLafferty, MD, MBA ‘17, started playing guitar and writing songs in high school. After college, he put away his guitar as he went off to medical school, began his career, and raised a family. Mid-career found Rob considering what he wanted in the second half of his career. In 2013, he started a new job, The Healthcare MBA program, and a yoga practice. The yoga practice helped him not only stay grounded during professional transitions and challenges, but also opened up new doors, or – rather – helped him find doors he thought were in his past.  

Through yoga, he found a community of musicians. He picked up his guitar and started writing songs again. He is approaching his creative work with more life experience (better fodder for song lyrics), perspective, and dedication, including formal guitar lessons. He noted that when you’re self-taught, you create your own silos without knowing it. A good teacher helps grow your world. He can now find chords and techniques that he knew were missing but lacked knowledge of exactly what he was looking for. He described his songwriting as more nuanced now, with an expanded ability to express himself. He likened this to when he completed the MBA, which helped him hone existing skills, address blind spots, and succeed in navigating his career.  

The combination of emergent opportunities and intentional experiences has changed how Rob approaches his career. The creative outlet requires so much focus that it helps buffer the strain of being a physician and physician-leader. This translates to being more present at work and approaching work differently. He connects more with his colleagues about their interests outside of work and helps foster the importance of work-life balance. As a leader, he is more relaxed (softens the surgeon’s drive for precision and efficiency), fostering creativity in approaching the work and appreciating differences in perspective. Developing his talents in creating and producing music has provided an additional avenue for growth and fulfillment, leaving him feeling more balanced. 

Rob encourages students to move beyond their comfort zone, beyond what is known. Whether this is learning new topics in school, connecting with classmates, or making the most of opportunities to meet others, it starts with putting oneself out there. Using the structure and discipline of a practice — whether education, yoga, or music – there are opportunities to meet new people and try new things. It is by working through the discomfort and integrating our experiences that we can create a better life for ourselves and others.  

Dr. Robert McLafferty is a Professor of Surgery at OHSU, where he is the Medical Director for the Wound and Hyperbaric Center. Outside of his practice of medicine, he not only writes songs but produces music and recently launched an LLC. With his third album that will release later in 2024, he is creating a rich and full life.