26117: Surgical Ergonomics MasterClass

Friday, November 13, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Room: RM310

Chairs: Jacqueline M. Wong, Sangeeta Senapati

Faculty: Jacqueline M. Wong, Sangeeta Senapati, Kimberly Kho, Geeta Lal

Description: MIGS is physically demanding. Thus, it is imperative that we take care of our bodies to ensure good health over the course of our careers. Ergonomics is the science of helping to create better work environments, simultaneously improving efficiency and productivity while preventing injuries and reducing discomfort. For this master class, join Dr. Geeta Lal, an Endocrine Surgical Oncologist, Founder of the Society for Surgical Ergonomics and Surgical Ergonomics Coach; Occupational Therapist and Ergonomist; and other course faculty as we discuss the importance of ergonomics in the OR, the office and in clinic. Learn practical ways to improve your movements posture, the importance of breaks as well as exercises to use while on the go. This course will cover topics including the ergonomic challenges of being pregnant in the OR, using instruments made for larger hands or those who are right-hand dominant, and how to return to work after an injury. We will explore new technologies such as artificial intelligence-based evaluations and exoskeletons to support good ergonomics. Lastly, this session will discuss how to be an advocate for ergonomics within your hospital system and how to ensure that training ensures that the next generation of gynecologic surgeons learn best movement practices. This course will teach pragmatic practices and movements that you can bring directly to the OR with you immediately after you leave Boston.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify risk factors for work-related muskuloskeletal pain and describe both clinical and nonclinical implications of work-related pain
2. Synthesize best practices to mitigate injury and disability
3. Understand each surgeon's role in preserving their own professional longevity as well as tools to advocate for system wide improvements in ergonomics for the whole health care team

COURSE OUTLINE

2:00 PM Welcome, Introduction and Course Overview

J. Wong

2:05 PM Surgical Ergonomics for Ob-Gyns: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

J. Wong

2:30 PM Educating Our Peers, Trainees and Colleagues In Ergonomics: Tools to Make Change

S. Senapati

2:55 PM Raising the Bar (and the OR Table): The Impact of Surgical Ergonomics on Our Careers As Ob/Gyns

K. Kho

3:20 PM Ergonomics Assessments and Ergonomics Coaching for Surgeons

G. Lal

3:45 PM Discussion Questions & Answers

4:00 PM Adjourn