Ergonomics in Plastic Surgery: Protecting Your Most Valuable Surgical Instrument | S3 Ep12

Your most important surgical instrument isn't in your hand—it's your body. Explore the ergonomic strategies that can help prevent injury, extend your career, and support your long-term well-being in the operating room. Join Dr. Ash Patel as he speaks with Dr. Scott Hollenbeck and Dr. Douglas Steinbrech about the often-overlooked role of ergonomics in building a long and healthy career in plastic surgery. Drawing from their own experiences with musculoskeletal injuries, they discuss practical strategies for improving posture, optimizing operating room setup, preventing repetitive strain, and developing daily habits that support long-term physical wellness. Their conversation highlights that protecting your body is essential to delivering exceptional patient care throughout an entire surgical career. Topics Discussed Understanding ergonomics in plastic surgery Common musculoskeletal injuries among surgeons Optimizing operating room positioning and posture Preventing neck, back, shoulder, and hand injuries Stretching and mobility before, during, and after surgery Exercise, strength training, and physical conditioning for surgeons Nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies Developing sustainable habits for career longevity Key Takeaway Technical skill alone is not enough for a long surgical career. By practicing good ergonomics, maintaining physical fitness, and developing intentional daily habits, surgeons can reduce injury, improve performance, and preserve their ability to care for patients over decades of practice. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.