Surgeon, Heal Thyself: Mastering Ergonomics & Navigating Injury

Nov 17, 2025

Guest

Danielle Tanner, MD

Guest

Anathea Powell, MD

Guest

Kathryn Coan, MD

Dr. Kathryn Coan, an endocrine surgeon and educator, Dr. Anathea Powell, a colorectal surgeon and personal trainer, and Dr. Danielle Tanner, a general surgery resident, explore the critical importance of surgical ergonomics. They discuss how poor posture and inadequate support lead to chronic pain and injuries in surgeons. Listeners will learn about practical OR adjustments, the significance of micro-breaks, and the value of fitness in preventing injuries. Candid stories highlight the necessity of addressing pain and investing in long-term health for surgical longevity.

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INSIGHT

Ergonomics Is Multifaceted

Ergonomics in surgery includes visualization, manipulation, posture, workload, and environment.
Addressing all components together optimizes performance and reduces injury risk.

ANECDOTE

Surgeon With Disc Herniation

Kathryn Coan described a disc herniation that became debilitating and altered her operating comfort.
Her experience illustrates how OR posture can cause long-term spinal problems.

INSIGHT

Physical Strain Is Overlooked

Physical demands of surgery are under-addressed compared with cognitive and emotional demands.
Underfueling and static postures create a recipe for musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain.

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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:

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

Guests:

Kathryn Coan, MD (Dignity Health, Phoenix)
Anathea Powell, MD (Renown Health, Reno)
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:

Black Belt Academic Surgical Skills: https://bbass.org/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/