Michael Maddaus

Dr. Michael Maddaus is a former academic thoracic surgeon with a unique life journey that has shaped his career path and interests.

After a tumultuous upbringing, he found his calling in the medical field, starting as a Navy veteran and eventually excelling as a thoracic surgeon at the University of Minnesota in 1992.

Throughout his 20-year career, Dr. Maddaus developed a passion for surgical resident and medical student education, eventually becoming the Program Director of the University of Minnesota general surgery training program.

His resilience and expertise in the field led to him being featured on the PBS Nova series This Emotional Life, showcasing his journey from adversity to success.

Struggling with burnout and addiction post-surgery, Dr. Maddaus underwent rehabilitation and transitioned his focus to self-care practices like gratitude, meditation, and self-compassion.

He delved into mindfulness and self-compassion retreats, further honing his skills and knowledge in this area.

Dr. Maddaus introduced the concept of a 'Resilience Bank Account,' emphasizing the importance of habits that lead to a positive life trajectory.

His research on these habits was published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, solidifying his expertise in the field.

Passionate about public speaking, he enhanced his skills by completing programs at Heroic Public Speaking and now aims to share his insights and experiences for the benefit of others.

He also coaches a group of surgeons in Minneapolis, facilitating discussions on personal and professional challenges while imparting his learnings.

With an educational background that includes studies in biology and various surgical programs, Dr. Maddaus's career has been defined by resilience, education, and a commitment to helping others thrive.