Little Patients, Big Impact: Climate Health and Sustainability in Pediatric Otolaryngology

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Location: 231-232

Disclosure(s):

Kara D. Meister, MD:

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

Duncan A. Meiklejohn, MD:

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

M Lauren Lalakea, MD:

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

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Climate change has been identified by the World Health Organization as the greatest existing threat to human health and can exacerbate other health inequities. Children are especially susceptible to the adverse health outcomes of climate change, brought on by events such as wildfires, air pollution, severe weather and extreme heat which are increasing in frequency worldwide. These may result in heat illness, worsening asthma and allergic rhinitis, and lead to missed school, learning loss, mental health concerns, displacement and poorer access to healthcare. With smaller airways, developing ears, and evolving immune/allergic responses, pediatric patients have a concentration of vulnerabilities within the head and neck. However, the impact of climate change on pediatric head and neck disease remains largely understudied and poorly understood by providers and patients. Additionally, the healthcare sector is responsible for nearly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US annually, and surgical care has a particularly high environmental impact, especially notable given the high volume of cases performed by many pediatric otolaryngologists. As tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and myringotomy are the most commonly performed ambulatory surgeries among U.S. children, otolaryngologists caring for children have a duty to promote sustainable medicine to mitigate healthcare-related climate harms. Here, we describe the known impact of climate change on pediatric head and neck disease, including how otolaryngology providers can counsel patients and families on these effects to promote adaptation and resilience. Additionally, we detail how pediatric otolaryngology providers specifically can incorporate a variety of sustainability initiatives into their practice to reduce emissions and waste in the operating room and office settings.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Understand the health impacts of climate change relevant to pediatric otolaryngology, including existing gaps in the literature.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Implement a framework for otolaryngology providers on how to talk to patients and their families about climate change, and deliver education to optimize pediatric otolaryngologic health.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Identify strategies for promoting sustainability within the practice of pediatric otolaryngology, including reducing emissions and waste in the operating room.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Children’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change requires awareness and action. Education of pediatric otolaryngologists regarding health effects of climate change, counseling strategies to mitigate these effects, and sustainability initiatives is critical in this context.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

Moderator(s)

PK

Patrick T. Kiessling, MD

Resident Physician
Stanford University
Stanford, CA, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Panelist(s)

KM

Kara D. Meister, MD

Assistant Professor
Stanford University
Stanford, CA, United States

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

Duncan A. Meiklejohn, MD

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
University of New Mexic HSC
Albuquerque, NM, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
M Lauren Lalakea, MD

Clinical Professor (Affiliated), Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
Stanford University
Los Altos, CA, United States

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