We recently connected with Erin King-mullins and have shared our conversation below.

ERIN, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I’m sure this is a common theme, but it was COVID!!! Hard lessons learned on the business of medicine, being a partner in a surgical practice, and the expectations of sacrifice. Having my baby in February 2020 and witnessing the sheer and utter chaos of the world and the house of medicine rocked my world. As a surgeon we are trained to act with precision and care even in the midst of chaos. What I wasn’t prepared for was the care and precision I had taken to become a great surgeon, friend, and partner to not matter at all. I ultimately decided to totally switch gears and start my own practice thereby regaining my own agency and autonomy, taking full advantage of all the lessons my extensive training taught me.

ERIN, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a solo private practice colorectal surgeon in Metro Atlanta, GA. I’ve been in practice over 10 years total. I’m a wife, mom, published children’s book author and I’d like to say respected leader in my field. I’m most proud of being able to take care of the minor to the complex and everything in between. Privileged to be able to heal someone with just a few kind words, but also surgically if needed. People ask how I chose this specialty, and I say it chose me. In colorectal surgery you have to be the friend, caregiver, surgeon, cheerleader, therapist and advocate.

My practice website is colowellness.com
My books can be found on Amazon
Mommy! I Made a BooBoo
Mommy Gets a Colonoscopy

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Learning that you do indeed need to sell yourself. This is an invasive specialty, and people entrust you with their lives AND quality of life.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Get into the trenches with them sometimes. Be a team player, but also demonstrate that there are skillsets needed for every job, and they are vital members of the team for success. Empower them with the skills and responsibility they need to feel vested in their job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://colowellness.com
• Facebook: Colorectal Wellness Center
• Linkedin: Erin King-Mullins
• Twitter: @eking719