Articles
Being Human
Earlier this year, I traveled tp Alaska. On my return, I brought back 4 piles of stone created by an indigenous artist. Let me explain.
We Have No Time
Sometimes it's urgent and extreme team building that makes the difference in a patient's care. What happens when an ER patient needed life-saving surgery 10 minutes ago?
All About Brain Bleeds
All About Brain Bleeds - Imaging and Discussion with Mark McLaughlin, MD NeuroRounds Jan 3 2023. 4 and a half minutes of DENSE learning. Learn more about #NeuroRounds.
An Open Letter to Wrestling Coaches
Troubled and saddened by the University of Iowa Athletics' decision to partner with UFC.
My open letter to wrestling coaches across the country and to University President Barbara Wilson
Reflections and Mercy
Reflections on the true story that we've shared with you over the past week. The story continues to influence our family and to bring us to reflect on the nature of what it is to be a good person.
May God Be With You
1944 Ukraine: May God Be With You - The tension is unbearable as Mark and Julie McLaughlin share "the story". Part 2 of a moving drama about regular people swept up in the winds of history.
The Good Samaritan
A Story of 1944 Ukraine: The Introduction
Too often, we seem to skim over what the story of the Good Samaritan is truly about. What is Mercy? What is Faith? How to choose to be the Good Samaritan?
Day In The Life : Daybreak
Join practicing neurosurgeon Dr. Mark McLaughlin on the way to the hospital. It's the dawn of a neurosurgeon's day. Learn the thoughts and the process.
Day In The Life Episode 2
Mental preparation, Med Student Teaching Rounds, Patient preparation. There's to surgical prep than hand hygiene. Join Dr. Mark McLaughlin for this glimpse into a neurosurgeon's day.
Back to School, 30 Years Later
I recently attended the 30th reunion for my medical school class at Virginia Commonwealth University. The trip included great memories and some reflections on the future of medicine.
Cutting For Stone
Just finished Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. Mom is smiling down from Heaven. 12 years ago she gave me an autographed copy that she got when Dr. Verghese was passing through Short Hills, NJ
Day In The Life Episode 1
A Neurosurgeon's Day... from early morning start, through a long day of surgery, teaching, and patient care, to making a contribution to the lives of others on a daily basis.
8 Meditations : Mark McLaughlin Wrapped 2021
Here are eight of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations that I found great meaning in over the course of 2021. He is foundational in Stoic thought and philosophy, and Roman Emperor in his spare time.
Journal : Year 1
2021 was the first year I ever took up journaling. Here are the top ten pearls that I found when I reviewed it. It was well worth the effort and time, and I heartily recommend it to anyone.
2021 Book Challenge
In 2021, I set a goal/challenge of reading 2 #books a month. Happy to say that I achieved the goal. My reading list is here.
Eight Lessons From 2021
Another year of Covid has made many of us reflect and review our approach to life. My Eight Lessons From 2021.
Jacob Brawler And His 22 Sons
A tale of the War of Independence. An article by my father Dr. John J. McLaughlin. The story of Jacob Brawler And His 22 Sons
The Power Broker
What Robert Caro’s The Power Broker Taught Me about Linking History and Current Events. Book Review and More.
All The Light We Cannot See
A short book review of All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Handwritten Notes
Never underestimate what a hand written note can do for someone. I was lucky enough to have parents who consistently encouraged me not only with words but also in writing.
Limitless April 14 2021
LIVE STREAMING at 7:00 pm on April 14th
Living Your Limitless Life: A Brain Surgeon's Approach to Longevity - A virtual presentation. Dr. McLaughlin shares tips for a happy, healthy, and productive life. He uses actual cases to illustrate how you can take control over many of the risks to your well-being.
Mercer-Presentation-May19
Living Your Limitless Life: A Brain Surgeon's Approach to Longevity - May 19th at Noon : Mercer County Surgery Center
Matterhorn Book Review
A review of "Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War" by Karl Marlantes. With a son of my own following a career as a Marine, this was an intriguing and challenging book.
High Performance for Athletes
December 8, 2020: High Performance for Athletes. A motivating presentation for Dakine Warriors. Dr. McLaughlin joins the competitive athletes from the Dakine Warriors..., a top volleyball club in the Pacific Northwest.
William & Mary Tribe Speaker Series
Dr. McLaughlin with the Womens' Soccer Team at William & Mary. An inspirational message about seizing the moment and retaking control. Because it's important to believe something good will happen.
Virtual Event With Dr. McLaughlin
How do we make sense of the senseless? On July 15th, 2020, people from as far afield as Russia and Canada came together to listen to Dr. McLaughlin help us make sense of it all.
Your Best Life - Spine, Brain, and Mind Health
A powerful presentation at the CentraState Healthcare Foundation Workshop in the spring of 2016. Living a full and rich life. Actionable intelligence from Dr. Mark McLaughlin.
COVID-19 Reflections
A strategy for thinking about COVID-19 and coping with these challenging times. Using the IRISE method to guide your thinking. Dr. McLaughlin applies Cognitive Dominance methods to the problem.
The 3 Secrets to Cognitive Dominance
Watch presentation to the Old Guard of Princeton. It's a stage previously occupied by Albee, Dyson, J Seward Johnson, Kahneman, Reinhardt, Tilghman, Anne-Marie Slaughter, and Albert Einstein!
The Power of Platforms Full Presentation
Video of The Power of Platforms - Complete Presentation. this is a powerful message for Executives, Athletes, Entrepreneurs, and anyone facing challenges and decisions. Here are the tools you need.
20 Years a Neurosurgeon
On this twentieth anniversary of my graduation from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurosurgery Residency program. What have I learned? What will I do differently in the years ahead?
3 Essential Skills for Elite Performance in Health Care
Review of Christopher Ahmad’s book SKILL: 40 Principles That Surgeons, Athletes, And Other Elite Performers Use to Achieve Mastery, along with my pick of the top three skills for neurosurgeons to adopt.
Psyched Up by Daniel McGinn - Book Review
Psyched Up: How the Science of Mental Preparation Can Help You Succeed, written by Harvard Business Review journalist Daniel McGinn, covers the entire landscape of mental prep for high achievement. I thought I knew the whole story on this topic, but Psyched Up taught me new techniques that I can use in my daily life.
Health Crisis On a Plane
A while back, my wife and I were on a transatlantic flight when a passenger fell into a coma. As a doctor, I rushed to her side. I soon learned she was diabetic and had overdosed on insulin. I’m a neurosurgeon and her situation was outside my specialty, but it was a pretty basic medical emergency: get glucose into her system STAT.
NWCA 2015 National Convention Keynote Ft Lauderdale
NWCA 2015 Keynote - Your performance in sport, in work and in life is the outcome of decisions and approaches that you take. Neurosurgery has taught me ways to control and shape a fraught environment. Cognitive Dominance is critical.
The Traveler's Gift : Andy Andrews
I became a huge fan of Andy Andrews, a New York Times Best Seller author, seven years ago. If you haven’t read any of his books, I urge you to pick up a copy of The Traveler’s Gift. It won’t disappoint. An Entertaining and Inspiring read.