Career Longevity Research Articles

Colorectal surgeon physical pain and conditioning: a national survey.

Workplace injuries are increasingly recognized as a substantial detriment to surgeon longevity and productivity. Limited data exist on pain and injury prevalence among rectal surgeons. In this epidemiologic study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of physical discomfort among rectal surgeons in Canada and identify potential causative factors. We distributed a web-based survey to rectal surgeons in Canada between January and October 2022. We included colorectal surgeons, surgical oncologists, and colorectal surgery fellows associated with Canadian university hospitals. Of the 72 surgeons we contacted, 48 participated (67%). More than 98% reported experiencing physical discomfort or pain during rectal surgery, with more than half experiencing these symptoms weekly. Neck, shoulders, and back were common pain or discomfort locations, whether surgeons were performing open surgery or using a minimally invasive platform. Laparoscopic equipment, headlight, and pelvic retractor use were the most common causes. Many surgeons (54%) sought professional treatment and employed risk-reducing strategies such as intraoperative stretching (48%) or after-work strength training exercises (52%). Satisfaction with pain levels during surgery was uncommon (40%). Multivariable analysis showed advancing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.23) and larger percentage of minimally invasive surgeries (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.28-5.33) as significant predictors of increased discomfort. After-work exercise participation was protective in both open (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02-0.95) and minimally invasive surgeries (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.98). Rectal surgeons in Canada commonly experience pain and injury during surgery, underscoring the need for improved safety measures to preserve their physical health and career longevity.

Mindfulness predicts impostorism in trainee psychologists in professional programs

ABSTRACT Objective The impostor phenomenon theoretically emerges early in psychology training, with implications for personal and professional well-being, including development of reflective-practitioner and other competencies, professional identity formation and career longevity. The present study is one of few studies directly examining the impostorism construct among trainee psychologists, and the first to examine the relationship between impostorism and mindfulness. Method The Leary Impostorism Scale and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire – Short Form were used to assess impostorism and mindfulness among 231 trainee psychologists enrolled in a Master of School, Professional or Clinical Psychology at an Australian university. Results Results indicated trainee psychologists experience impostorism. Increased mindfulness was associated with decreased impostorism, but only three of five mindfulness facets uniquely predicted impostorism. Conclusion Understanding the relationship between key mindfulness mechanisms and impostorism is necessary for training institutions, clinical supervisors and trainee psychologists themselves to inform early intervention within and beyond pedagogical approaches in clinical training.

Psychometric properties of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire in a coaching population

Recognized as the process of psychophysiological unwinding from the demands of work and other stressors, occupational recovery has been a popular topic of study over the past decade. Building on the recovery research in occupational workers and more recently athletes, sport and performance psychology scholars have begun to consider the occupational recovery of the team around the team (i.e., athletic trainers and sport psychology professionals). Like the aforementioned professionals, coaches may be able to use recovery to buffer work-related stressors which can impact their health, work performance, and career longevity. That said, there is a dearth of research on coach recovery, perhaps due to a lack of appropriate measures to study occupational recovery in this specific population. The purpose of the current study, therefore, was to validate the Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ) in a coaching population. A sample of 237 collegiate and professional coaches (148 males, 89 females) were recruited from various sports, competitive levels, and roles. In addition to assessing two forms of reliability, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate the four latent variable measurement model of the REQ. Furthermore, correlational analyses were used to demonstrate discriminant validity between the REQ and a measure of perceived stress. Collectively, the results suggest that the REQ possesses strong psychometric properties and is a measure worthy of further exploration and use in an elite coaching population.

The newly credentialed veterinary technician: perceptions, realities, and career challenges.

Previous research has shown that when comparing psychological wellbeing between credentialed veterinary technicians and human registered nurses, high levels of burnout and distress were noted within the veterinary technician population. This qualitative focus group study sought to gain a better understanding of the early-career veterinary technician experience to understand what factors might contribute to stress and burnout. Four ninety-minute qualitative focus groups were conducted with a range of two to five participants. Semi-structured interviewing was used, and focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed. Two major categories were identified: (1) The Credentialing Journey, and (2) Challenges with the Career. Seven themes were identified in these two categories, including Credentialing: Perceptions and Reality, the Newly Credentialed Veterinary Technician, Us vs. Us, Ethical Dilemmas, Work Environment, Utilization, and Career Longevity. The findings of this study can inform future intervention research to improve the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary technicians. A focus on teaching team-based medicine, leadership skills, and conflict management in both veterinary and veterinary technician schools may help reduce team conflict. In addition, effectively utilizing veterinary technicians and increasing awareness of their value may help improve veterinary technician career satisfaction.

Factors associated with time to return to horse racing following a clavicle fracture in jockeys competing in Great Britain: A review and analysis of medical records.

Competitive horse racing is the second largest sport in Great Britain by spectator attendance, employability, and revenue. It is a lucrative yet hazardous sport, with high injury rates, particularly from falls. Clavicular fractures are one of the most common injuries reported, yet their management, especially regarding return to racing, is under-researched. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors associated with the time to return to competition following a clavicular fracture in jockeys competing in Great Britain. This review of medical records utilised data from the British Horseracing Authority spanning 2011-2018, inclusive. Data included the jockey's age, sex, type of licence, race discipline, location of incident, and fracture management. Descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable generalised linear models were constructed to analyse the impact of these factors on the time to return to racing. Out of 212 records of clavicular fractures, 169 were analysed. The majority (82.8%) of fractures were managed conservatively, with the remainder requiring surgery. The median time to return to racing was 40 days, with an interquartile range of 34 days. Following a clavicular fracture, the results from the univariable and multivariable models indicated that the management approach, whether the fracture is displaced, and the type of race in which the injury occurred have the greatest influence on extending the time to return to racing. In contrast, professional, conditional and amateur licence types, as well as experiencing the injury at a racecourse, were associated with reduced time to return to racing, which may indicate greater risk-taking behaviour. This study offers unique insights into key medical and contextual factors that influence the time to return to racing among jockeys in Great Britain, contributing to tailoring medical management and return to racing protocols to support jockeys' health and career longevity. Clinicians working within horse racing can use the findings of this study to provide return to racing guidance to trainers, riders and other medical professionals based on the key contextual information reported in this study.

Gender-Based Analysis of Injury Types and Risk Factors in Professional Tennis Players - Insights for Prevention: A Concise Review.

Tennis is a globally popular sport offering physical benefits but poses a high risk of injury due to its demands and prolonged gameplay. While injuries are common among professional players, detailed injury data for this group is limited. This review aims to analyze trends in the incidence, type, region, and onset of injuries in professional tennis players, with particular attention to gender distribution, to improve guidelines and reduce injury impacts on performance and career longevity. PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Embase were reviewed for relevant literature. Included studies evaluated various features of injuries in professional tennis players. Studies were selected and included by agreement among the authors. The extracted data included incidence, type, affected body regions, and timing of onset of injuries in professional tennis players. Tennis is widely popular and physically beneficial but carries a high injury risk, with limited detailed data on professional players. The findings indicate a high incidence of acute lower limb, muscle, and tendon injuries among professional tennis players, with significant gender differences in injury patterns. These insights highlight the need for improved injury prevention strategies and further research into gender-specific injury mechanisms.

Importance of Exercise for Career Longevity: Maintaining Fitness, Strength, and Flexibility as a Plastic Surgeon.

The benefits of exercise for the general population are well established, although there is limited information focusing on its importance for plastic surgeons. Plastic surgery is arguably one of the most physically taxing fields within medicine due to lengthy operations that often require putting oneself in uncomfortable positions for the majority of the case, all while maintaining mental focus and discipline. It is essential to incorporate regular routines that can optimize a plastic surgeon's mental and physical capacity both short- and long-term. Exercise provides multiple physical benefits and simultaneously contributes to better mental and emotional health. Unfortunately, it is rather uncommon for those within our profession to exercise on a regular basis, with lack of available time being a major contributor. Considering the physical nature of our specialty, plastic surgeons are susceptible to and frequently have debilitating musculoskeletal pain and injuries. In this article, we discuss the benefits of exercise on mental health and physician burnout, its potential for injury prevention, and strategies for implementing physical activity on a regular basis to sustain long and fulfilling careers as plastic surgeons.

Overtraining and Burnout: The Hidden Toll of Professional Sports on Athlete Health

Introduction: Professional sports demand exceptional physical and mental dedication, yet the intensive training and competitive pressures can often lead to overtraining and burnout among athletes. These phenomena not only compromise athletic performance but also pose significant risks to long-term physical and mental health, raising concerns within the sports and medical communities. Purpose of Work: This study explores the hidden toll of overtraining and burnout on professional athletes, examining their effects on physical health, psychological well-being, and career longevity. It aims to highlight underlying causes, consequences, and strategies for prevention and intervention. State of Knowledge: Existing research identifies overtraining syndrome as a key contributor to chronic fatigue, decreased performance, and vulnerability to injury. Burnout, often stemming from emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, is linked to anxiety, depression, and withdrawal from sports. Despite growing awareness, gaps remain in comprehensive strategies to mitigate these challenges, particularly in integrating mental health support within training programs. Material and methods: The study utilized a systematic review approach, searching across well-known academic databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, and then carefully screening the results to select pertinent studies for detailed examination. Summary: This paper synthesizes the current research on overtraining and burnout, outlining the challenges faced by athletes and the common physical and mental health issues they confront. The findings underscore the need for proactive interventions, such as customized training schedules, psychological support, and comprehensive education programs for both athletes and coaches.

The efficacy of physical therapy in managing early meniscus lesions in hip-hop dancers

Hip-hop dance has emerged as a popular and increasingly competitive form of artistic expression. As practitioners strive for professionalism, the demands of intensive training and competition have led to a rise in injury rates, with knee injuries, particularly meniscus lesions, being prevalent. This review critically examines the efficacy of physical therapy in treating early meniscus lesions among hip-hop dancers, comparing it with various surgical approaches from both clinical and socioeconomic perspectives. By synthesizing data from recent clinical studies, this review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the management of early meniscus injuries. The analysis reveals that physical therapy demonstrates comparable clinical outcomes to surgical interventions, often with more favorable cost-effectiveness. This finding has significant implications for dancers' quality of life and career longevity. The review also highlights current research gaps, emphasizing the need for targeted studies on hip-hop dancers across different age groups and proficiency levels. It calls for the development of tailored exercise protocols and underscores the importance of patient education in injury prevention. By addressing these aspects, this review seeks to contribute to the advancement of injury management strategies in the hip-hop dance community, potentially extending dancers' active participation and enhancing their overall well-being.

Physiologic readiness and subjective workload of performing operations: A prospective observational study of attending and trainee surgeons.

Physical health and perceived workload are determinants of career satisfaction and longevity for surgeons. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine if biometric indicators of physical recovery among surgeons are associated with perceived workload during operations. The primary outcome was whether there was an association between surgeon self-assessment and a physiologic recovery score based on heart rate variability measured with a wearable biometric sensor. These associations were evaluated through mixed-effects regression models. Of the 66 participants, 29 were attending surgeons and 37 were surgical trainees across multiple surgical subspecialities. There was no association between recovery score and perceived workload for either trainees or attendings. Differences in self-assessment scores were identified between trainees based on gender and years in training, as well as for attendings based on years in practice. Additionally, recovery scores were higher for both junior trainees and attendings compared to their senior counterparts. These findings underscore the importance of awareness of differences in experience among surgeons and may reveal targets for improvement in performance and career satisfaction.

Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Tears and FAI is Associated with a High Rate of Return to Play for Professional American Football Athletes, A Literature Review.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with labral tear is an increasingly recognized source of hip pain and lost playing time in elite athletes, yet data pertaining to professional American football athletes remains scarce. Prognostic recommendations are largely limited to single-institution cohort studies. To date, no large-scale literature review of surgical treatment of FAI in elite American football athletes has been performed. This review article reports the prevalence, return to play, performance outcomes, and career longevity following hip arthroscopy in professional American football athletes across all orthopedic literature between 2004-2024. We hypothesize high rates of return to sport (> 85%) to the same competition level and no differences in career longevity or postoperative performance. In the last 20years, 8 studies have reported outcomes following hip arthroscopy in NFL athletes; no outcomes have been reported since the 2017 season. Return to play ranged from 79-93% and time to return ranged between 6.0-7.4months. Offensive lineman returned at the lowest rate among all position groups. There were no differences in postoperative performance or career length compared to age-matched controls. There is high rate of return to professional American football after hip arthroscopy for labral tear and/or FAI with no differences in performance or career longevity compared to control groups. Offensive lineman undergoing hip arthroscopy return to same-level competition at a lower rate compared to other football positions.

Knee injuries in football – types, circumstances, impact and prevention

ABSTRACT Football is a globally popular sport with millions of participants, including professional and amateur players, who face a high risk of injuries, particularly to the knee joint. This study explores the impact of football on knee injuries, detailing knee anatomy, common injuries, their circumstances, treatment methods, and preventive measures. Key findings reveal that knee injuries are prevalent in football, with a significant portion being severe, leading to substantial downtime for players. Effective prevention strategies, such as pre-season preparations and injury prevention programs like FIFA 11+, are critical in reducing injury rates and ensuring players' long-term performance and career longevity. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is to summarize the available knowledge on the most common knee injuries in soccer and highlight their circumstances, impact on the health and careers of soccer players, and injury prevention options. SUMMARY: Football's global appeal sees over 270 million participants, with a significant number engaged at professional levels, heightening their risk of injuries due to the sport's physically demanding nature. The knee joint, a modified hinge joint comprising bones, ligaments, menisci, and other structures, plays a crucial role in football-related movements, making it susceptible to injuries.Data from various studies highlight the prevalence and severity of knee injuries in football. UEFA reports knee injuries accounting for 12-17% of all injuries, with severe cases leading to over four weeks of absence. The injury rate is notably higher during matches than training, emphasizing the need for robust preventive measures. KEYWORDS: Knee injury, Football, Prevention, Treatment, Knee joint, Injury

COMPREHENSIVE INJURY PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Injury prevention in football is a critical issue for athletes, coaches, and health professionals, given the sport's dynamic movements that elevate the risk of muscle and joint injuries. Effective strategies should incorporate specialized physical training and physiotherapeutic interventions to optimize player protection and performance. Preventive training programs, emphasizing muscle strengthening and proprioception, are essential for reducing injury risks. Specific exercises targeting the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and core enhance joint stability and mitigate overload injuries. Neuromuscular training, which includes balance exercises and plyometrics, improves proprioception and helps prevent falls and twists. Flexibility through regular stretching and dynamic warm-ups, such as the FIFA 11+, is crucial for preparing players physically and lowering injury incidence. Additionally, physiotherapists play a vital role in injury prevention through functional assessments to identify muscle imbalances and develop corrective exercise programs. Manual therapy techniques, joint stabilization exercises, and preventive rehabilitation further contribute to maintaining soft tissue quality and preventing muscle strains. Monitoring training load is another fundamental aspect of injury prevention, as abrupt changes in training intensity can lead to injuries. Using tracking technologies allows for better control of players' physical efforts. Studies indicate that implementing structured injury prevention programs significantly reduces injury rates and enhances athletic performance. Research highlights the importance of a multicomponent approach, individualized training, and load management to lower hamstring injuries. Collaboration among athletes, coaches, and health professionals is crucial to create a safe training environment. As football evolves, prioritizing injury prevention is essential for players' health, success, and career longevity.

EFFECTIVE REHABILITATION STRATEGIES FOR MUSCLE INJURIES IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The rehabilitation of muscle injuries in football players is a pivotal area of sports physiotherapy, addressing the intense physical demands and high injury rates associated with the sport. Muscle injuries often arise from factors such as overload, muscle imbalances, and improper techniques, impacting athletes' performance and career longevity. To optimize recovery, evidence-based methodologies are crucial, allowing physiotherapists to create personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to the specifics of each injury. Central to effective rehabilitation is a thorough functional assessment, which identifies specific deficits in players. Techniques such as electrotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound are effective in accelerating healing and reducing pain, while functional taping provides support without restricting movement. Neuromuscular rehabilitation is equally vital, incorporating proprioceptive exercises to enhance stability and prevent future injuries. The multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between physiotherapists, medical professionals, nutritionists, and coaches, ensures comprehensive care for athletes. Psychological support also plays a key role in addressing anxiety and fostering a positive mindset during recovery. Recent studies underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plans, utilizing frameworks like the PRICE principle and specific rehabilitation protocols that facilitate faster and safer returns to play. The literature indicates a gap in understanding among team managers regarding the role of sports physiotherapy, highlighting the pressure players face to return prematurely, which increases the risk of re-injury. In summary, successful rehabilitation of muscle injuries in football necessitates a comprehensive, personalized approach that integrates physical, nutritional, and psychological elements. As research continues to evolve, these strategies will enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, ensuring football players can recover fully and maintain optimal performance levels.

Ergonomics in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Clinical Evaluation.

Surgeons experience a risk for physical strain and injury secondary to physical demands in the workplace. To minimize injury and maximize career longevity, physicians should be aware of ergonomics pitfalls and postural correction methods. This study investigates ergonomic trends in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FPRS) clinic by quantifying surgeons' and trainees' cervicothoracic spine posture. Participants completed a 22-item questionnaire to evaluate current ergonomic practices. A lightweight device was calibrated and attached to the mid-scapular region of participants, providing real-time posture feedback. The percentage of time in upright posture was recorded during clinical and operative workdays. Upright posture was defined as neutral spine positioning with acceptable mild to moderate deviations. Two FPRS attending surgeons, 1 FPRS fellow, and 11 otolaryngology residents participated over 12 months. Discomfort was most commonly reported in the neck, shoulders, and upper back during clinic. Symptoms were self-treated by changing body position, wearing specialized footwear, adjusting height of the chair or examination table, or ignoring discomfort. Eighty-two percent were unaware of ergonomic guidelines or appropriate considerations. Time spent in upright posture was significantly higher in clinic (84.9%) than in the OR (53.5%) (p < 0.001). Upright posture declined after reaching 6 work hours (p = 0.029); no such patterns were observed in the OR (p = 0.946). Although time spent in upright posture was objectively poorer in the OR, these data suggest ergonomics are an important consideration in the outpatient setting, with surgeons experiencing discomfort during and after clinic. Further investigation is warranted to identify actionable changes and promote healthy ergonomics. N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

Return to Sports after Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is one of the most common shoulder disorders in orthopaedic surgery. When conservative treatment fails, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) has become the most common procedure to achieve a functional shoulder. Success of rotator cuff repair on athletes is measured by their capability to return to sports (RTS) and return to play (RTP). Most athletes were able to return to the state of preinjury level of play after arthroscopic RCR. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has rate of RTS in 75% of patients within an average of 6.4 months. Recreational sports participants was associated with higher rate of RTS, up to more than 90%, even on the patients aged &gt;40 years old. On the contrary, competitive sports and overhead sports athletes were associated with lower rate of RTS. Of all athletes who RTS, only around half of them returned to the equivalent or a higher level of competition. Professional overhead athletes are at higher risk of not returning to their prior level of play. The trends can be observed on performance decline among professional baseball players who underwent RTS. Study on professional football players found no significance difference in RTP rates, performance score, or career longevity between operative and nonoperative group. There are some criteria for RTP after RTS following RCR, namely: time from surgery, pain, range of motion, functional recovery, proprioception, strength and muscular balance, patient perception, psychological readiness, sport-specific training program. Customized rehab protocols for large to massive rotator cuff repairs and patients at increased risk of stiffness should be considered.

Reeducating for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Century

The age of AI is characterized by significant changes in the realms of work and technology. Rapid technological advances and automation are reshaping industries, highlighting the need for individuals to learn new skills. In the age of AI, upskilling has become an essential strategy to navigate the ever-changing career landscape. Upskilling involves continuous learning and gaining expertise in areas that complement or leverage AI technology. Upskilling has become a necessity, referring to the process of improving one’s skills and knowledge to remain relevant and effective in an environment increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. This post discusses the importance of upskilling in the context of the AI era, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and potential options. It enables workers to adapt to AI-driven changes, allowing them to remain relevant and competitive. This change promotes career longevity and nurtures a workforce capable of harnessing the potential of AI. In this study, the authors have attempted to articulate the goal and importance of AI in upskilling employees who can collaborate effectively with AI systems, leading to increased productivity and improved innovation. In addition, recommendations have been made for HR managers on upskilling employees through AI intervention.

A review of ergonomic positions to improve musculoskeletal distress in hepatobiliary pancreatic surgeons according to open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries.

Advances in surgical ergonomics are essential for the performance, health, and career longevity of surgeons. Many surgeons experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) resulting from various surgical modalities, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries. To prevent WMSDs, individual differences may exist depending on the surgical method; however, the key is to maintain a neutral posture, and avoid static postures. This review aims to summarize the concepts of ergonomics and WMSDs; identify the ergonomic challenges of open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries; and discuss ergonomic recommendations to improve them.

The Ergonomic Evaluation of Attendings and Trainees Across the Vitreoretinal Service as Measured by a Wearable Device

Background and Objective: A cross-sectional prospective study to examine ergonomic differences in vitreoretinal settings: surgery, clinic, and dedicated procedure clinic. Patients and Methods: Three vitreoretinal surgeons, three fellows, and one resident at a tertiary eye care facility. Participants wore an Upright Go 2 posture device and posture was recorded in each setting between July 1 to August 31, 2023. Results: Time in upright and poor postures was tracked. Significant differences were found in postural score for attendings between work settings ( P &lt; 0.01). Trainees showed no significant difference between settings. Poor posture in surgery was linked to microscope use and scleral buckle placement; in the clinic, it was associated with pan-retinal photocoagulation and injection minutes; in procedure clinic, it was ophthalmologist-dependent and those performing injections. Conclusions: Ergonomic considerations are crucial in vitreoretinal practice. Attendings and trainees should focus on posture in surgery and clinic settings to enhance career longevity. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX–XX.]

Ergonomic Considerations for Practicing Massage Therapists.

The physical demands and repetitive movements performed by massage therapists during a treatment increase the risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. While massage therapy meets the level of heavy physical demand, the ergonomic risk of performing a massage was previously unknown. The Massage Therapy Foundation undertook a job task analysis to be used by educators, employers, and clinicians to create an optimal work environment. Data collected via survey were used to create the protocol for an onsite data collection where massage therapists were evaluated on the ergonomic risk factors by trained ergonomists. The results of the job task analysis found the highest variability in movement when the massage therapist was treating the neck prone, neck supine, and leg prone. When the massage therapists did not change positions during a stroke, there was increased forward flexion of the trunk which increased postural stress on the extensors of the back and neck. Strokes such as effleurage which can span the entire length of the body part had the highest cumulative load, requiring postures that put mild biomechanical stress on the shoulders (90% of the time), neck (70% of the time), and trunk (60% of the time). The forward-bending posture of the massage therapist increases the eccentric demands of the therapist's neck and back musculature, thereby increasing fatigue and leading to an increase in the chance of overuse injury. The job task analysis recommends the massage therapist monitor the duration of application in an unsupported position, take more time between sessions, work in an optimum environment, including correct table height, and have a healthy, active lifestyle to maintain career longevity.