Episode 147: From cervical spine injury to surgeon advocate with Dr. Talar Tejirian

The latest BOSS podcast features Dr. Talar Tejirian, a general surgeon who suffered a cervical spinal injury that led to a permanent nerve injury in her dominant arm. She shares her experience of undergoing surgery for a disc herniation, initially having a positive outcome, but then experiencing worsening symptoms due to improper rehabilitation and being dismissed by medical professionals. After a long struggle, she finally received an accurate diagnosis of a nerve injury. This episode highlights her journey of trying various physical therapies and treatments to manage her condition, and her realization that surgeons often face similar physical challenges due to the demanding nature of their work. Dr. Tajirian emphasizes the importance of surgeons adopting an athlete-like approach, incorporating physical training and recovery into their routines to maintain their health and longevity in the profession. She has become an advocate for surgeon wellness and is working to raise awareness and provide resources through initiatives like the Surgeon Wellness Center at the International Hernia Collaboration meeting. Register for the meeting here: https://www.herniagroup.com/ihc-2024-mexico-mailing-list/ Read her article here: https://www.generalsurgerynews.com/Opinion/Article/09-21/Surgery-Is-a-Contact-Sport/64653