Here’s an interesting research paper from the US. The authors looked at work-related musculo-skeletal injuries in at-risk doctors.

Here is a summary of the findings:

• Long hours spent performing repetitive movements and less-than-ideal instrument design add to the wear and tear on surgeons’ bodies. Such problems can cause some surgeons to cut back on procedures, take time off from work for rehabilitation or surgery, and even shorten careers.
• The problem is so significant that some experts have referred to it as “an impending epidemic,” and fear that it may contribute to the projected shortage of surgeons in coming years. Some studies suggest a higher prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons and interventionalists than among coal miners, manufacturing laborers, and physical therapists. Others have reported that up to 80% of at-risk physicians may experience significant work-related pain.

After a full day of operating, all surgeons feel the strain. I don’t operate every day and keep my opersating lists well-balanced so that I don’t put myself at risk of an injury.

We are all going to have to work for longer, so it makes one wonder how we will cope with the demands placed on our ailing surgeons!