A confidential space
to think out loud.
Sometimes the hardest part is naming what you're feeling. This space is here for that first conversation — the one before you're ready for any other.
Before you begin — please read
- ⬥This is not therapy. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice. It is a private, AI-assisted self-guided reflection tool, designed specifically for late-career surgical transition.
- ⬥This is not a general-purpose chatbot. It runs anonymous queries and no data is used for model training. You cannot log into or save your identity on this site. This tool is instructed to: discuss only late-career surgical transition topics; never claim to be a therapist or provide medical advice; always offer connection to a human mentor; immediately provide crisis resources if distress is detected; decline all topics unrelated to surgical career transition.
- ⬥Conversations are private. They are not shared with the Department, your hospital, or your colleagues. In fact, if you navigate away from a conversation, the conversation is cleared immediately. Nothing is stored or follows you anywhere. To confirm, try some random question first, navigate away, then return.
- ⬥If you are in distress: Please call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or the OMA Physician Health Program at 1-877-626-6767. This tool will not attempt to manage a mental health crisis — it will direct you to human support immediately.
Why this exists
High-achieving professionals — surgeons especially — are among the least likely to seek support from a human peer when they are struggling. The stigma is real. The fear of professional consequences is real. The discomfort of vulnerability with a colleague who was once your trainee is real.
For many surgeons, a private AI-assisted tool is not a lesser option. It may be the only realistic first step — a way to articulate concerns that haven't yet found words, get factual information about licensing and finances, and prepare for a subsequent conversation with a mentor or professional.
The evidence for AI-assisted wellbeing support in high-stigma populations is growing (Li et al., NPJ Digital Medicine, 2023; Zhong et al., Journal of Affective Disorders, 2024). ASSET has incorporated this tool with that evidence in mind, and with appropriate clinical governance.
Ready to begin?
By proceeding you confirm that you have read the disclosures above and understand that this is a reflection tool, not a therapeutic service.