Liposuction and Plastic Surgery Information - Physicians Prone to Occupational Injuries

Physicians Prone to Occupational Injuries

Wednesday, 06 May 2009

According to the findings of a study on a group of more than 350 cosmetic surgeons, occupational injuries, particularly muscle strains, are not an exception in the medical profession and are considered as routine.

The lead researcher from Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, Dr. Pranay M. Parikh, pointed out that the survey is the first and only attempt to make an evaluation of the risks that are involved with the surgical workforce. Dr. Parikh calls it the "first systematic assessment of injuries occurring in the surgical workforce."

All these years, injuries among surgeons in the workplace were seldom reported, even though they are not new, making us think the other way around. Nonetheless, because of the efforts provided by the medical organizations, these facts are now gaining attention and are coming to the surface. Dr. Parikh said,

As surgeons have historically been a stoic and low-complaining population, the incidence of occupational injuries in this population has been underreported.

Gender, age, the number of years that is spent performing operations, and the use of microscopes and loupes are some of the risk factors that are being considered by the study. Injuries that are related to the back, neck and arms, which are most probably caused by long and exhausting work conditions, are some of the commonly found occupational injuries.

Based on the survey conducted, majority of the surgeons suffer from muscle strain, which was one of the most common injuries (nearly 70% of the doctors noted this type of injury). Other injuries reported by the survey include vision changes (approximately 40% of the doctors in the survey were affected), cervical disc degeneration (30% of the doctors), lumbar disc degeneration (25%), and shoulder arthritis (about 20%).

It has been a known fact that surgery is an extremely complex and a very difficult profession. The occupational injuries suffered by surgeons should immediately be checked and put to an end to ensure the best standards for surgical proficiency. Dr. Parikh said,

Surgery is a physically and mentally demanding field requiring more than 10 years of post-graduate training to prepare for." The doctor added, "Avoiding preventable disability in this highly trained group is imperative to protect the surgical workforce and ensure a high level of surgical care.

Tags: academic study, surgery, surgery safety,