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Expert Lectures

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

Ergonomics and Beyond: Musculoskeletal Health in ORL

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM EDT
Location: Wabash Ballroom 3
Disclosure(s):
Raewyn G. Campbell, MD:

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

Vijay Ramakrishnan, MD:

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

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) are disproportionately prevalent in otorhinolaryngology (ORL) and have negative outcomes for the surgeon, their colleagues and their patients. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders result in greater surgical errors and shorten careers but they also negatively impact our lives outside our professional work. Many of these WRMD are preventable and/or can be alleviated. There has been an increase in interest in ergonomics in medicine recently and our knowledge in this field has improved and increased as a consequence. However, we need to expand beyond a sole focus on ergonomics to make significant and lasting changes to WRMD. This program will cover the epidemiology of WRMD in ORL, it will outline the impact of ergonomics in ORL, ergonomic interventions that can reduce WRMD and will also extend to areas such as exercise and nutrition which will include factors pertinent to certain populations such as trainees and women.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: The objectives of this session include:
1. Outline the extent of the problem of WRMD in ORL with a focus on the impact WRMD have on our professional and personal lives

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: 2. Present and discuss relevant interventions and modifications that surgeons can make to avoid or reduce their risk of WRMD and also improve our efficiency and productivity.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: 3. Discuss factors and issues beyond ergonomics (such as exercise and nutrition) that also contribute to WRMD with practical recommendations for modifications for the general ORL population but also with specific recommendations to certain populations such as women and trainees.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) are disproportionately prevalent in ORL. There is a significant lack of awareness and education in this area yet, research has shown that the majority of ORL surgeons are interested and would welcome more education and training in ergonomics.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Lead Presenter(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.

    • Co-Presenter(s)

  • VR

    Vijay Ramakrishnan, MD

    Professor, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Indiana University School of Medicine
    Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

    Disclosure(s):

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