Surgical Ergonomics Committee

Many surgeons have reported experiencing physical and cognitive symptoms and complications attributed to the practice in surgery. To overcome this widely impacting issue, the ACS Division of Education established the Surgical Ergonomics Committee to systematically address the ergonomic challenges experienced by surgeons and improve their ergonomics well-being under the aegis of the ACS. This committee invited various subject matter experts, including experienced surgeons, physical and cognitive ergonomics and human factors researchers, an industrial and systems engineer, an occupational safety scientist, a health design architect, and a physical therapist, to address the full spectrum of ergonomic issues in the operation room. The goal of an effective ergonomics program in any field is to reduce injuries and increase productivity. In the field of surgery, such a program can improve outcomes, increase the longevity of surgeons, and help to combat burnout.

Surgical Ergonomics Committee Roster

Activities

• ACS Surgical Ergonomics On-Site Training: The ACS Surgical Ergonomics On-Site Training program aims to provide participants with surgical ergonomics-related lectures and a hands-on ergonomic training experience for participants. This program is offered to healthcare institutions who wish to bring surgical ergonomics training to their institution.

Resources

• ACS Surgical Ergonomics Recommendations: The Surgical Ergonomics Committee has published and regularly revises the ACS Surgical Ergonomics Recommendations. The recommendations guide surgeons in optimizing their OR and surgical practice to promote musculoskeletal well-being. Stretching and exercise routines are also provided, which can be implemented in the operating room, between cases, or at home.
• Committee’s research publication on the surgeon hand size and grip strength data collected at the first ACS Surgical Ergonomics Clinic: Miller C, Cavuoto L, Berguer R, Lee G. Surgeon Hand Size and Grip Strength for the Design of Surgical Instruments. Human Factors in Healthcare. Volume 7, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.hfh.2025.100106.

Contact

If you have any questions or comments, contact the Committee Staff Liaison, Josh Vognsen, MSHS, CHSOS, at jvognsen@facs.org.