Welcome and Introduction

AAGL MED Talk II
Strong Work: How a Work-Related Injury Made Me Whole
Kimberly A. Kho, MD, MPH, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX and Dobie L. Giles, MD, MS, MBA, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

Course Description:
This MEDTalk will present the personal narratives of two high volume surgeons who experienced work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). To build awareness of the problem and its risk factors, we seek to present peer-to-peer stories of surgeons whose careers, livelihoods, and perspectives were transformed by these injuries.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to: 1) Assess the prevalence of WMSD in gynecologic surgeons; 2) Recognize the far-reaching personal and career impacts of such injuries; and 3) Mitigate risk of injury and to enhance career longevity.

Introduction of Special Lecture
Surgical Ergonomics: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
Geeta Lal, MD, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Course Description:
Physician well-being has been gaining increased focus in medicine, specifically with respect to burnout and mental health issues. Surgeons’ physical well-being has not received much attention, largely due to the surgical culture which teaches us to “push through”, forego breaks, and ignore our pain. With a looming surgeon shortage and an aging population, maintaining surgeon physical health and career longevity is of paramount importance. This lecture will shed light on the epidemic of work-related musculoskeletal diseases among surgeons, including obstetricians and gynecologists. In addition, it will explore the reasons for these injuries and their far-reaching effects on both the individual surgeon and the profession as a whole. This talk will not only help surgeons, but also surgical trainees and surgical assistants use of existing best practices and recommendations (from the Society of Surgical Ergonomics and the American College of Surgeons Ergonomics Taskforce) to take charge of their physical health and simultaneously preserve their bodies and careers.

Discussion - Questions & Answers - All Faculty

Adjourn