New Surgical Ergonomics Clinic Will Offer Clinical Congress Attendees Personalized Feedback

Surgery is a physically demanding career, and a growing block of research has indicated that many surgeons experience discomfort, pain, and even disability as a result of the ergonomic challenges involved in operating. In response, through the work of its Surgical Ergonomics Committee, the ACS will host the first Surgical Ergonomics Hands-On Clinic for practicing surgeons and surgery residents at Clinical Congress 2022. The clinic will take place October 17−19 in the Exhibit Hall and feature three simulation stations with open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery equipment to offer a hands-on learning experience in surgical ergonomics.

Ergonomic coaches will help participating surgeons learn about the recently established ACS Surgical Ergonomics Recommendations and apply the recommendations in a simulated environment at each station. In addition, a certified physical therapist will share different stretching exercise protocols that can be implemented in the operating room, between cases, or at home. This unique, hands-on learning opportunity, aided by the Surgical Ergonomics Recommendations, is the first step in an overall plan to positively address the ergonomic challenges surgeons experience.

For more information about clinic, contact Gyusung I. Lee, PhD, at glee@facs.org.