From the Operating Room to the Ballroom: Q&A with Dr. Thomas Bauer

What does a top surgeon have in common with a champion ballroom dancer? More than you might think. Thomas Bauer, M.D., chairman of Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, is featured in Hackensack Meridian Health’s “Off the Chart” YouTube series for his passion for competitive dance. We asked him how the discipline of the dance floor makes him a better surgeon for his patients.

Q1: Dr. Bauer, your episode of “Off the Chart” shows a very different side of a surgeon. Why is ballroom dancing so important for you?

Dr. Bauer: Surgery is my life's work, but dance is my reset. It’s a demanding physical and mental discipline that requires a different kind of focus. In the operating room, I am methodical and precise, and I find that the structured nature of ballroom dance complements that perfectly. It’s an outlet that is both creative and highly disciplined, which helps me maintain the stamina and concentration my profession requires. As the series highlights, having this balance is key to avoiding burnout and staying at the top of your game. Furthermore, my wife of 38 years has stood beside and supported me through my training and every position that I have held since then. This pursuit is dedicating time to us as a couple to focus on a passion that not only makes us better as individuals, but also more importantly as a couple.

Q2: How do the skills you’ve honed as a champion dancer influence your work as a surgeon?

Dr. Bauer: The parallels are undeniable. Both surgery and competitive dance demand precision, flawless technique, and the ability to lead with confidence. On the dance floor, every step, turn, and hold is deliberate and practiced to perfection. I bring that same meticulous attention to detail to every procedure I perform. Leading a surgical team or my department  is like leading a dance partner—it requires clear communication, trust, and the ability to adapt in the moment, all while making it look effortless.

Q3: What can a patient who needs surgery expect from you and your team?

Dr. Bauer: They can expect a surgeon who applies the same level of discipline, focus, and commitment to their care as I do to my dancing. My passion for excellence extends from the dance floor to the operating room. My team is built on a foundation of precision and trust, ensuring every patient receives the highest quality of care. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you. If you are seeking a surgical team with an unwavering commitment to excellence, I invite you to schedule a consultation.

For information about Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s (JSUMC) surgical services visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/surgical-services. To make an appointment with Dr. Bauer or another surgeon at JSUMC, call 844-HMH-WELL.