Episode 25: The Evolution and Optimization of Spine Surgery. A Conversation with Dr. Edward Benzel

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]

Connect with Dr. Edward Benzel

• Edward Benzel, MD | Cleveland Clinic 

Connect With Maxwell Boakye

• https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast 
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