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Panel Presentations

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

Session: The pain of surgery: implementing a surgical ergonomics training and education program at your institution

The Pain of Surgery: Implementing a Surgical Ergonomics Training and Education Program at Your Institution

Sunday, October 12, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
Location: 121-122
Disclosure(s):
Raewyn G. Campbell, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Deepa J. Galaiya, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are extremely prevalent in surgeons, with widely cited rates exceeding 70% across all surgical fields including otolaryngology. Data suggests that otolaryngologists are affected by extremely high rates of neck, shoulder and back pain. Work-related MSD has been shown to portend significant negative consequences for both personal health (including need for medical intervention) and professional/career longevity. Despite this, there is a significant lack of ergonomics training and education. Studies have shown that most otolaryngologists are interested in ergonomics training and would welcome this at their institutions.
This panel is comprised of practicing otolaryngologists with published expertise on ergonomics in otolaryngology. Experts will present current data on the prevalence of MSD disease in ENT, ergonomic risk factors specific to otolaryngology, impact of available technologies (endoscope/exoscope), operative infrastructure and evidence-based techniques to prevent or mitigate work-related MSD with a focus on aiding the audience in establishing and implementing of an ergonomics education and training program.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Recognize the high rates of musculoskeletal disease (MSD) in otolaryngologists and the implication on MSD on surgeon wellness and professional longevity and the economic impacts for the institution

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Appreciate risk factors and implications on the areas of neck, shoulders and back and the potential impact of technology and OR infrastructure

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Develop tools and strategies to implement an ergonomics education and/or training program at their institution

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Musculoskeletal disorders are extremely prevalent in otolaryngologists. Despite this, ergonomics training and education is sparse in otolaryngology despite a demonstrated need and interest. This panel will cover the implementation of an ORL ergonomics education and training program.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • Raewyn G. Campbell, MD

    Associate Professor
    Chatswood ENT
    Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • Ksenia A. Aaron, MD

    Assistant Professor
    Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Maura Cosetti, MD

    Associate Professor, Director, Ear Institute of New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
    New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
    New York, New York, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Deepa J. Galaiya, MD

    Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    Johns Hopkins - Dept of OTO - HNS
    Baltimore, MD, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.