When we see a surgeon standing in the operating room, few realize how much physical strength and muscular endurance it truly takes to stand or sit still continuously for 6–8 hours .
The back muscles, core, shoulders, and arms must work in precise coordination—to keep the hands steady, posture upright, shoulders relaxed, and the spine aligned—so that every movement remains accurate and controlled.
Because surgery is not only about having “skilled hands,”but also about being able to stand for long hours without fatigue, so that SMAS dissection, muscle suturing, and every surgical stepretain the same level of precision from start to finish.
Why is weight training important for surgeons? Over the past year, I have taken strength training seriously because my body began sending clear signals that fatigue was setting in faster.Not only due to age—but because the physical demands of our work continue to increase.
Research has also shown that surgeon fatigue is clearly associated with poorer performance and worse patient outcomes(Impact of fatigue in surgeons on performance and patient outcome: systematic review, Iris M. Reijmerink et al., British Journal of Surgery, 2024).
From consistent training of my back, core, and leg muscles, I have noticed that:
- Standing for 6–8 hours in surgery feels significantly lighter
- Fatigue sets in much more slowly
- Concentration during the final stages of surgery remains as sharp as at the beginning
“A strong surgeon’s body” = “better patient outcomes.” Because surgery is the art of designing the best possible result for each patient—and that can only be achieved when the surgeon is not exhausted at the most critical moments of the procedure. Sometimes, a difference of just 1 millimeter can create a clearly visible difference in the outcome.
For my patients… I choose to stay strong. Every morning I get up to lift weights, not for aesthetics or bigger muscles, but to ensure that I can continue
standing confidently under the operating lights—and fulfill my role to the very best of my ability… in every case entrusted to me.
Because I truly believe that…“Behind every great surgical outcome is a surgeon whose body is fully prepared.”
With care and dedication ❤️ Dr. Jay – Crafting Confidence with Care
