Welcome to ”The Rural American Surgeon,” a podcast series dedicated to providing insights, resources, and a community for the surgeons who are the unsung heroes of rural America. Your host, Randy Lehman, is an established authority on the multifaceted aspects of rural surgery—from the unique financial challenges and opportunities to the critical negotiations with hospitals for fair compensation. This podcast is designed for both rural general surgeons and rural surgical specialists who are seeking not just advice and guidance on practicing in rural areas, but also inspiration to foster valuable partnerships across the North West Indiana region and beyond. Each episode is a deep dive into topics such as achieving financial freedom, mastering the art of negotiation for fair wages, navigating the waters of consulting, and accessing a wealth of surgical resources.