Heart to (Open) Heart: What the Department of Surgery Thinks About Love
February 26, 2025 | By Samantha Phan
With the month of February at a close, love is on everyone’s mind. Whether it’s romantic, platonic or familial, the feeling of love is notoriously difficult to describe. Its elusive nature constantly perplexes us. How can one emotion bring a mixture wonder, anger, frustration and joy? What is love, and what makes us feel it?
This is precisely the question we asked surgeons, staff and trainees in the UC San Diego Department of Surgery. With cutting-edge care and hearts filled with compassion, these medical professionals see love every day. After all, a successful transplant surgery, cancer removal or limb reconstruction can give a patient countless more opportunities to experience this unique feeling.
Hear what these experts in the Department of Surgery have to say about what love is. Surgeons open hearts for a living — by listening to them, we might find a way to open ours as well.
What is love to you?
Image: Sohini Khan and fellow general surgery residents
“It’s funny being asked these questions after I’ve become a grumpy and tired chief resident. Nonetheless, I’m appreciative of all the ‘love’ I’ve experienced from my mentors through my years as a resident in this program — from their cheering me on through research projects to their constructive feedback in the operating room.” - Sohini Khan, M.D., general surgery resident
“To me, love is founded in understanding. Love is a source of emotional protection and unwavering support. After starting a family of my own, I also found that love evolves, deepens and extends beyond itself, fostering connection and growth.” - Clara Yohannan, manager of the Center for the Future of Surgery
“Love is commitment, staying power, always worrying about your child and wanting to give more than you ever expect or want back.” - Anne Wallace, M.D., chief of the Division of Breast Surgery
What makes you feel loved?
Image: Clara Yohannan and family
“I'm such a sap! So many things make me feel loved — everything from my teenager still wanting to watch cartoons with me to friends just wanting to hang out.” - Jessica Johnston, executive assistant
“My wonderful husband cooking creative amazing dinners for me every weekend, my best friend John picking me up from work every day, my French bulldog snuggling under the covers with me and, of course, that sweet Valentine’s Day card from my two grown sons, all make me feel loved.” - Anne Wallace, M.D., chief of the Division of Breast Surgery
“I feel most loved through thoughtful gestures, no matter how small — even a simple message can show someone is thinking of me. Quality time with my family, such as enjoying an outing or simply being together at home, also reinforces that sense of love and connection.” - Clara Yohannan, manager of the Center for the Future of Surgery
How do you make others feel loved?
Image: Jessica Johnston and son
“I express my love in many ways. One way is by gift giving. Some in the office have been recipients of my holiday treats and almost weekly pastries I bring to the office. For my son, I love giving him experiences, whether that be going fishing or taking a trip.” - Jessica Johnston, Executive Faculty Assistant
“I try to take extra time when caring for patients who are having a hard time coping with their diagnoses or prolonged post-operative courses. I know that I don’t know the extent of their suffering firsthand, but I will do the best I can to make sure we are helping them through it to the best of our clinical ability.” - Sohini Khan, M.D., general surgery resident
“I nurture, shower with generosity and jump in to help with any adversary.” - Anne Wallace, M.D., chief of the Division of Breast Surgery
For those who work in surgery, love is everywhere. From the hospital to the home, these wise words remind us of what love is all about. Appreciating your co-workers, giving gifts to your friends or simply being with your family are all forms of love. Cherish these moments, big and small, and open your heart to love.
The Department of Surgery sends its love.