Dr. Michael Guo, M.D., M.HSc., is a third-year General Surgery resident at the University of British Columbia and has recently finished the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Clinician Investigator Program. He presented the key insights from his research project on on the association between HIV status and post-operative complications in his recent talk at the UBC Department of Surgery’s annual Chung Research Day. He was also featured in the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Back-to-School issue, highlighting his achievements and commitment to advancing surgical care. In this interview, Dr. Michael Guo shares his journey through residency, research, and his dedication to teamwork and teaching in the field of General Surgery.
In addition to your medical and surgical training, what experiences and skills do you have that you believe are transferable and make you a better surgeon?
So much of what surgeons do revolves around teamwork, whether it’s in the OR, patient care, or sharing workloads. Playing team sports taught me to see myself as just one part of a larger system. If one person falls behind, others step in to support them, and this mindset has shaped how I interact with my co-residents and hospital staff. No surgeon exists outside of a system—so the healthier the system, the better the surgeon. It also makes tough times, like a bad call or a string of journal rejections, easier to handle when I know I’m doing it not just for myself but for people I respect and care about.
If I hadn’t gone into surgery, I likely would have become a teacher. Fostering future generations is a transferable skill and an underrated part of being a surgeon. The best surgeons I’ve met are also great teachers. Not only does it add meaning to our daily work, but it keeps us mindful of our actions and motivates us to improve. I believe the best surgeon never stops learning, and I hope to keep teaching throughout my career.
How has the supportive culture within your residency program encouraged you to pursue your interests in General Surgery?
We’re fortunate to have a close-knit group with diverse personalities, which creates a culture of genuine support and inspiration. Many of my project ideas have come from casual conversations with co-residents or mentors during lunch or call breaks. One idea sparks another, and the program’s encouragement of initiatives like Innovation Week and our new Research Training Curriculum fosters creativity and exploration. It’s an exciting time to be part of this program.
Can you discuss your experience working with mentors and co-residents in the General Surgery community throughout your residency?
Simply put, I wouldn’t be who I am without my mentors and co-residents. Surgery can’t be fully learned through books, videos, or lectures alone. The guidance I’ve received has been instrumental, whether steering me toward major decisions like taking time away from clinical work to pursue a master’s and a research fellowship or helping me through challenging moments. Their support and advice have shaped my career and life.
Can you share more about any recent projects or research in the field of General Surgery that you have been involved in during your residency?
I’m passionate about health economics and healthcare systems. During my Master’s, I gained skills in these areas and have been involved in projects that analyze the cost-effectiveness of surgeries and examine our wait-list triaging system. A project close to my heart explores healthcare access and outcomes for immigrants undergoing surgery, focusing on surgical equity, wait times for elective surgeries, emergency department use, and post-operative outcomes. I’m eager to see what we uncover and to share our findings.
How do you stay current with new advancements and techniques in the field of General Surgery, and what resources do you use to do so?
Conferences have been invaluable in my short time in General Surgery. New ideas often debut at conferences, allowing you to be among the first to learn about them. Even if they’re not fully developed, the discussions they inspire are insightful and can sometimes reveal breakthroughs that transform the field down the road.
How do you balance the demands of your residency program with maintaining a healthy work-life balance and engaging in personal interests or hobbies?
This is something I’m continuously working on, as the balance shifts from year to year. A mentor once told me, “Dedicating yourself in a lane outside surgery doesn’t take away from surgery; it enriches it.”
Dr. Michael Guo’s journey through residency and research reveals a commitment not only to mastering surgical skills but also to building a collaborative and supportive medical community. His insights remind us that great surgeons are more than skilled technicians—they’re team players, lifelong learners, and dedicated teachers. As he continues to develop his career, Dr. Guo’s vision for surgical practice, equity in healthcare and mentorship, highlights a future in which surgeons continually grow with—and contribute to—their communities. With his focus on innovation and compassion, Dr. Guo is set to make a lasting impact in General Surgery and beyond.