There are few names as recognizable as Dr. Edward Benzel in the field of spine surgery. He quite literally wrote the book on it. On this episode, I have the distinct privilege of sitting down with Dr. Benzel to discuss a myriad of topics including his experiences in spine surgery and the lessons he’s learned, his evolution as a spine surgeon, safety in spine surgery, and his thoughts on where the field is headed next.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- Getting to know Dr. Benzel and his current clinical practice [0:37]
- How to evolve as a spine surgeon [5:59]
- Improving your decision-making skills [11:38]
- How Dr. Benzel stays productive and relevant [14:48]
- Cognitive versus psychomotor development and advice for surgeons training the next generation [17:12]
- How to best minimize complications and the most common errors made by surgeons [20:18]
- Dr. Benzel’s seven cardinal sins for a spine surgeon [23:19]
- Addressing burnout in spine surgeons [25:44]
- Improvements in biomechanical knowledge from surgeons in training [28:14]
- What surprises Dr. Benzel the most about the evolution of spine surgery and the new technologies he is most excited about [31:19]
- Dr. Benzel’s take on current trends in spine surgery [34:55]
- Exploring the prevention and treatment of chronic back pain [37:56]
- The role mental health plays in the treatment of severe stenosis and spondylolisthesis [40:32]
- How Dr. Benzel treats cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) [41:37]
- Getting specific about laminoplasty [48:04]
- Dr. Benzel answers rapid-fire spine surgery questions and three things hospitals with spine programs can do to optimize their outcomes [50:06]
- Comparing global spine surgery rates and eliminating unnecessary operations [54:59]
- The magic wand question [56:41]
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