This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Q-optics: https://q-optics.com/pages/surgicalergonomics-drlal

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Amanda Amin MD MS FACS FSSO is breast surgical oncologist and the Section chief of breast surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and co-director of the breast program in the Seidman Cancer Center. She is also the Nancy and Donald Maltby Master Clinician in Breast Health and holds the academic rank of Associate professor through Case Western Reserve School of Medicine.

In this episode Dr. Amin

- Shares her story of work-related neck pain and cervical disc herniation , which ultimately led to the need for surgical intervention

- Discusses the predisposing factors for work-related MSK injury among breast surgeons including awkward postures with minimally invasive procedures (especially nipple-sparing mastectomy) and use of headlights

- Discusses some of the adjustments that can help improve breast surgery ergonomics including using a light-weight headlamp attached to her glasses, using a cordless light model (with a battery), using lighted retractors and suction devices

- Re-iterates the importance of sharing our experiences and de-stigmatizing MSK injuries among surgeons

- Emphasized the importance of taking breaks and doing stretches during surgery and strengthening our bodies outside of the OR

- Outlines the emerging role of robot-assisted breast surgery with respect to ergonomics

Read about the ergonomic risks of nipple-sparing mastectomy compared to skin-sparing mastectomy here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31342398/

Learn more about robotics in breast surgery here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38220537/

You can reach Dr. Amin at amanda.amin@uhhospitals.org or social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-amin-384689377/

X: https://x.com/amandaaminmd/status/1560201878444572672

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