By Aimee Mesenburg, OD, Senior Medical Science Liaison, Thea
What has surfing taught me about medical affairs? Absolutely nothing.
Just kidding!
In serious reflection, though, after returning from two wonderful yet profoundly different December conferences—the Massachusetts Conference for Women and the West Coast Optometric Glaucoma Symposium—I found myself immersed in a shared current of mindfulness, lifestyle and how deeply they influence health and one’s strategic effectiveness.
Which inevitably brings me back to my greatest, saltiest teacher: the ocean.
So here is my unofficial guide to what surfing can teach us about impact and high stakes execution.
PATIENCE (READING THE SET)
I spend an embarrassingly great deal of time sitting on my board just staring at the horizon, waiting, and waiting, and waiting…for a decent wave. Trying to paddle for every single bump that rolls in is utterly ineffective, it just leads to arm fatigue. The wisdom of the ocean is that patience is active, not passive. It is about conserving your strength, reading the energy, and waiting for the right set. Professionally, this ensures we only engage when we can offer maximum, ethical value, turning fleeting interactions into lasting trust-built partnerships.
PRESENCE (NO DISTRACTIONS!)
The moment I let my mind wander, I miss the wave. Surfing demands non-negotiable mindfulness. It’s the ultimate lesson in situational awareness; knowing where the other riders are (don’t drop in on someone!), assessing the break and insuring safety, all instantly. This deep, uncluttered focus is what allows us to truly hear and understand the complex needs and concerns of physicians and patients. Presence is a profound power, whether in the lineup or in a scientific exchange.
PRESSURE (DYNAMIC AND TURBULENT)
Have you ever had a truly humbling wipeout, one where the wave holds you down and tumbles you so violently that you think you’ll never draw breath again? I have. And in those chaotic moments, my greatest enemy isn’t the water; it’s panic! That’s when my water safety training kicks in. Breathe deep before going under, stay absolutely calm, and trust that physics (and the wave) will eventually release me. This taught me a core professional principle; in moments of highest pressure, one’s training and knowledge are only accessible when we stay perfectly grounded and keep our heads above the turbulence.
This salty lifestyle is a core foundation that replenishes my well, ensuring the energy I pour back into my work is clean and clear, allowing me to show up with gratitude, motivation, and sharp focus for the complex science and community we serve.
What passions outside of your professional life have been your most unexpected and profound teachers when it comes to your work?
