Optimal neuro | spine: The Evolution and Optimization of Spine Surgery: A Conversation with Dr. Edward Benzel

Episode 25

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.

This episode’s points of interest cover:

• Getting to know Dr. Benzel and his current clinical practice
• How to evolve as a spine surgeon
• Improving your decision-making skills
• How Dr. Benzel stays productive and relevant
• Cognitive versus psychomotor development and advice for surgeons training the next generation
• How to best minimize complications and the most common errors made by surgeons
• Dr. Benzel’s seven cardinal sins for a spine surgeon
• Addressing burnout in spine surgeons
• Improvements in biomechanical knowledge from surgeons in training
• What surprises Dr. Benzel the most about the evolution of spine surgery and the new technologies he is most excited about
• Dr. Benzel’s take on current trends in spine surgery
• Exploring the prevention and treatment of chronic back pain
• The role mental health plays in the treatment of severe stenosis and spondylolisthesis
• How Dr. Benzel treats cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)
• Getting specific about laminoplasty
• Dr. Benzel answers rapid-fire spine surgery questions and three things hospitals with spine programs can do to optimize their outcomes
• Comparing global spine surgery rates and eliminating unnecessary operations
• The magic wand question

Listen to this and other in-depth conversations on your favorite Podcast:

Dr. Max Boakye, Neurosurgeon, and Neuroscientist, currently Professor of Neurosurgery, Chief of Spinal Neurosurgery, Director of Quality Improvement, and Clinical Director of the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, interviews leading neuroscientists, health administrators, neurosurgeons, educators, neuro and spine health care experts, and patients in his Podcast show: Optimal neuro|spine. His in-depth conversations brings to light topics on: How do we optimize our brain and spine health, prevent aging brain and memory deterioration What to do when something goes wrong, how best to heal and recover injured brain and back How do we optimize our inpatient neuro|spine care in hospitals and provide more value-based care- prevent errors, improve quality, and improve patient satisfaction How do we teach better and better train doctors Which hospitals offer the best neuro and spine care: why and how Dr. Boakye present the most innovative emerging research that will impact neuro|spine care. Join us as we delve one-on-one and have insightful conversations with exciting researchers and experts – voices who have something to teach, enlighten, and inspire us about Optimal neuro|spine.

Maxwell Boakye, MD, MPH Acting Director, KSCIRC