Scalpel & Service

An Inside Look at General Surgery with Dr. Janie Myers

One of the best things about being a student at the Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-WCOM) is the opportunity to connect with physicians who have walked the path we’re on now. Through their stories, we gain invaluable insight into the realities of different specialties. Whether program directors, attendings, or residents, the MU-WCOM family is wide in its reach. I have had the privilege of connecting with Dr. Janie Myers through the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS), a national organization in which our college is proud to maintain a chapter. Dr. Myers is a fellowship-trained general surgeon and founder of Myers Surgical Associates in Terre Haute, Indiana. She is a fountain of knowledge and an accomplished surgeon who has generously shared her time to answer the many questions medical students have regarding surgery.

Dr. Myers’ Path

Janie Myers, DO, began her academic career at Spelman College, graduating with a degree in chemistry in 1993. After working in research and reapplying to medical school, she entered the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 1995, graduating in 1999. During her time at PCOM, she became deeply involved in leadership, serving as a SOMA regional trustee and as president of SNOMA, even helping organize the first research poster presentation at OMED in 1995.

Her training path was equally unique. She started with a preliminary residency at Loyola, spent two years conducting pharmacology research at the University of Illinois at Chicago, then finished her general surgery residency at Midwestern University. To further refine her skills, she pursued an advanced laparoscopic fellowship in Tacoma, Washington, under Dr. Eugene Cho at the Franciscan Health System.

Although she initially considered urology for its procedural focus, her passion shifted toward general surgery, where she could apply advanced laparoscopic techniques. These procedures reflected the same interests that initially drew her to urology and ultimately enabled her to build a successful career. Ironically, the biggest motivator for pursuing surgery came not from encouragement, but from doubt. “The people that pushed me were actually the ones who discouraged me,” she shared. “They told me it would be too difficult to be a surgeon. That was my defining moment, because they couldn’t give me a reason why I shouldn’t.”

Balancing Life as a Surgeon

For Dr. Myers, no two days are the same. Between office procedures, wound care clinics, and time in the operating room, her schedule remains full. On top of clinical responsibilities, she provides Emergency Department call coverage for multiple hospitals and is always available by phone for her private practice patients.

General surgery is notorious for its intensity, and Dr. Myers doesn’t sugarcoat it. “This work is very demanding. If you let it, it will be all work,” she said. However, she emphasizes that balance comes from intentionally protecting time for what matters most. Outside of medicine, she enjoys reading with her book club, trying new foods, solving puzzles, and meeting new people. “You make time for things that are important to you, what you love,” she reflected. A healthy appreciation for time management continues to be as prudent in her career as it was during training. That perspective allows her to sustain both her practice and her personal life.

Despite the demanding workload, family remains a priority. “I get my son ready for school in the morning, and I make sure he’s picked up from after-school events with something to eat,” she explained. Weekly meetings and practice management tasks round out her responsibilities.

One of the biggest misconceptions she encounters is the idea that surgeons are only in it for the money. Her career is driven by a passion for patient care and the technical artistry of surgery, not financial motives. This has been emphasized by every physician I have encountered. Pick the specialty you find most fulfilling, not the specialty that seems the most glamorous on the outside.

Her core advice is simple: “Find work that you love. What you do should never be just a job.”

Advice for Aspiring Surgeons

Dr. Myers offers candid advice for students interested in general surgery. “Residency is hard, and surgical residency is even harder. If you don’t want to quit your first year, then you’re not in a surgical residency program,” she joked. For those pursuing competitive programs, she emphasizes the importance of networking. “If you’re interested in a certain program, it’s best to make connections with people there. Great letters from trusted colleagues often make the difference.” Research and volunteer work can strengthen an application, but personal connections carry weight. Her recommendations reinforce what many students already know: there is no secret on how to get into your dream program. What is unique about Dr. Myers’ advice is the emphasis on truly loving the craft of medicine, in whatever way you’re drawn to practice. By pursuing a career and not simply a job, a world of rewarding opportunities becomes open to you.

The most rewarding part of her surgical career is seeing the tangible impacts of her work. Helping patients with her own hands is immensely rewarding. Additionally, Dr. Myers takes great pride and satisfaction in mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. While the job is deeply rewarding, there are certain challenges that come with being a surgeon. “Unfortunately, I still must deal with inequalities in the workforce. There are not many that look like me in my field, so there are biases I must face at times,” she shared. Beyond professional hurdles, the emotional weight of breaking bad news to families is among the hardest parts of being a surgeon.

Leadership and Independence

Leadership has been a consistent thread in Dr. Myers’ career, from her positions while in medical school to her current roles. She has served as a county coroner, American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS) regional representative, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) Board member, and divisional chair for surgical subspecialties.

Her professional independence also reflects her resilience. In 2021, after her hospital contract was terminated without cause, she chose to remain in her community and founded Myers Surgical Associates. “Private practice gives you a certain autonomy that can be difficult to find in employed positions,” she explained. Her advice for aspiring private practitioners is straightforward: passion first, then a banker, lawyer, and CPA to build the foundation.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Myers believes that surgery is both physically and emotionally demanding but profoundly rewarding. “It can be hard emotionally as well as physically. It’s difficult to tell someone’s loved one there is nothing more you can do,” she said. Yet those moments are balanced by the deep fulfillment of saving lives and making a direct difference.

She encourages students to keep financial realities in perspective. While surgical practice can be lucrative, debt is a near-universal reality, and repayment strategies often involve working in underserved or nonprofit settings. “If you are only in medical school to make money, you are in the wrong profession,” she noted.

If she could advise her younger self, Dr. Myers would say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. You don’t have to fight every battle. Think before you act and look at the big picture.” General surgery is not for the faint of heart, but for those who thrive on challenge, independence, and direct patient impact, it offers a career of meaning, growth, and service.

About the Author

Samuel Baule is a third-year medical student at the Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. With a background in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa, his academic interests span STEM education, trauma care, and the integration of osteopathic principles in clinical training. Sam is passionate about mentorship, research, and empowering future physicians through service, innovation, and reflection.

About Franc Notes

Discover the voices of Marian University's health professions students through "Franc Notes", a vibrant, student-led blog that embodies our Franciscan commitment to community, reflection, and compassionate service. Inspired by the rhythm of "SOAP notes," it features weekly insights—from "DO Diaries" interviews with physicians to summer reflections and program spotlights—fostering collaboration across disciplines."