Advocating for Surgeon Well-Being :
Addressing Ergonomic Challenges of Surgeons in the Operating Room and Musculoskeletal Health through Biodesign
by WHITNEY J . RICHARDSON , BS , BAYLEE POLZIN , BA , KEENYA FRAZIER , MPH & ONAJIA STUBBLEFIELD , MS
Introduction
In academic medicine , we often discuss the numerous causes of stress and anxiety that come with medical training : the rigorous hours , heavy concepts , competitive applications , detailed exams . The unspoken yet class-wide fear that many medical students hold is the fear of their surgery rotation . “ How will I be able to stand for that long ?” or “ If I leave the OR feeling fatigued as a medical student , how will I sustain a lifelong surgical career ?” For those interested in surgical specialties , we find ourselves questioning how our career decisions may impact our future mental , emotional and physical health .
The Issue and Its Importance
A crucial issue among surgeons and surgical trainees that frequently goes unnoticed is the physical strain and discomfort that surgeons endure . Research has suggested that as many as 7 in 10 surgeons in all specialties experience musculoskeletal issues or pain . 1 There are several factors that contribute to work-related musculoskeletal discomfort ( WRMD ), including the difficulty of positioning oneself and surgical equipment , the increasing complexity and duration of surgical operations and the cumulative effects of repetitive , positional trauma on the human body . A lack of awareness of these factors has allowed ergonomic challenges to largely go unsolved . Ergonomic injuries are an inherent risk to performing modern surgery , but avoiding them is a necessity for a surgeon ’ s bodily health , job satisfaction and career longevity .
As women who aspire to attend surgical residencies , we also recognized a subset of challenges faced by female surgeons in the operating room . Historically , trainees are expected to adapt to the equipment that is given to them . Albeit , mis-fitting equipment can be a safety issue — for the physician and the patient . Surgeons commonly mention the wide variety in heights among surgical team members as a recurring issue in the OR . 2 This leaves shorter , often female , surgeons having to adjust their body mechanics to the table setting of the tallest surgeon in the room . When the surgical bed does not go low enough , surgeons and trainees must stand on steps that limit balance and compromise ergonomics .
Addressing the ergonomic challenges of surgeons and their musculoskeletal health extends beyond individual bodily health . When surgeons are physically strained , it can affect everything from how well they operate to patient care . It is a problem that touches everyone involved : the surgeons , the hospitals and most importantly , the patients , who entrust surgeons with their lives .
Our Solution
As students selected to the most recent cohort of Bluegrass Biode-
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