Surgeon, Heal Thyself: Mastering Ergonomics & Navigating Injury

Stop powering through the pain! Surgery is a high-performance sport, yet surgeons often operate with minimal support, leading to chronic pain and potential career-ending injuries. This episode dives into the crucial topic of surgical ergonomics, explaining why your posture, instrument size, and even hydration impact your performance and longevity.

Learn essential OR hacks—from adjusting monitor height and using micro-break stretches to strategic pre-case fueling—to mitigate the physical toll. We also share candid stories from surgeons who faced debilitating injuries, providing critical advice on acknowledging pain, seeking help, and treating recovery like a full-time job. It’s time to invest in your physical health, because your hands and posture are your most vital instruments.

Hosts:

1. Agnes Premkumar, MD (General Surgery Resident at Creighton University) @agnespremkumar
2. Steven Thornton, MD (General Surgery Resident at Duke University) @swthorntonjr

Guests:

1. Kathryn Coan, MD (Dignity Health, Phoenix)
2. Anathea Powell, MD (Renown Health, Reno)
3. Danielle Tanner, MD (Creighton University, Phoenix)

Dr. Kathryn Coan is an endocrine surgeon, and associate professor at the Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix. Outside of the OR, she enjoys being active such as playing golf, hockey, and hiking. Dr. Anathea Powell is a colorectal surgeon working at Renown Health in Reno, Nevada and the University of Nevada, Reno. Outside of the OR, she has certifications in personal training as well as coaching for nutrition, sleep and recovery, mobility, and menopause. She is also a former All American in triathlon and aquabike (swim-bike). Dr. Danielle Tanner is a PGY-5 at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix and aspires to be a rural general surgeon.

Publications and Applications Discussed:

1. Black Belt Academic Surgical Skills: https://bbass.org/
2. Epstein S, Sparer EH, Tran BN, Ruan QZ, Dennerlein JT, Singhal D, Lee BT. Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Surgeons and Interventionalists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Surg. 2018 Feb 21;153(2):e174947. doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2017.4947. Epub 2018 Feb 21. PMID: 29282463; PMCID: PMC5838584. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29282463/
3. Sutton E, Irvin M, Zeigler C, Lee G, Park A. The ergonomics of women in surgery. Surg Endosc. 2014 Apr;28(4):1051-5. doi: 10.1007/s00464-013-3281-0. PMID: 24232047. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24232047/
4. Patel VR, Stearns SA, Liu M, Tsai TC, Jena AB. Mortality Among Surgeons in the United States. JAMA Surg. 2025 Sep 1;160(9):1032-1034. doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2025.2482. PMID: 40737024; PMCID: PMC12311820. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40737024/
5. Lee MR, Lee GI. Does a robotic surgery approach offer optimal ergonomics to gynecologic surgeons?: a comprehensive ergonomics survey study in gynecologic robotic surgery. J Gynecol Oncol. 2017 Sep;28(5):e70. doi: 10.3802/jgo.2017.28.e70. Epub 2017 Jun 23. PMID: 28657231; PMCID: PMC5540729. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28657231/
6. Berguer R. The application of ergonomics in the work environment of general surgeons. Rev Environ Health. 1997 Apr-Jun;12(2):99-106. doi: 10.1515/reveh.1997.12.2.99. PMID: 9273926. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9273926/

Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review
Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Download our App:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US