Ergonomics for surgical trainees with Dr. Andrew Gabrielson

Dr. Andrew Gabrielson is currently a chief resident at the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  He has a longstanding interest in surgical ergonomics and the study of work-related injury among physicians and surgeons. He previously served on the board of directors and co-chair of the IT/communications committee of the Society of Surgical Ergonomics.  Dr. Gabrielson is headed to Chicago next year for his fellowship in pediatric urology at Northwestern/Lurie Children’s Hospital 

In this episode Dr. Gabrielson

- Shares his personal journey, including how he became interested in surgical ergonomics

- Sheds light on the culture of surgery, where individuals delay seeking care for injuries 

- Highlights that 70-90% of surgical trainees report having musculoskeletal symptoms within the past year, and that 30-40% of injuries are moderate to severe

- Emphasizes that trainees from all levels are affected, and that both physical and cognitive ergonomics matter in procedural spaces

- Provides resources for trainees to learn about ergonomics i.e. the American College of Surgeons' Ergonomics Taskforce recommendations, the SSE website and various articles

- Introduces the concept of an Ergonomics Timeout and how trainees can take the initiative to set up things in the OR

- Shares tips for urologists to optimize ergonomics for cystoscopy

You can connect with Dr. Gabrielson on X/Twitter: @UroGabe  or Blue Sky: urogabe.bsky.social

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