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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