The State of Research on Women Otolaryngologists: Workplace Policies and Occupational Health

Monday, October 19, 2026

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PT

Location: 404B

Moderator(s)

Janice L. Farlow, MD, PhD FACS

Dr.
Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, IU School of Medicine
Indianapolis, IN, United States

Panelist(s)

Michael J. Brenner, MD

Associate Professor
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI, United States
ab

anca M. barbu, MD FACS

Associate Professor
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, United States
Anaïs Rameau, MD MSc MPhil MS FACS

Associate Professor
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, NY, United States
EB

Elaine Bigelow, MD

Assistant Professor
University of Wisconsin, United States

Disclosure(s):

Anaïs Rameau, MD MSc MPhil MS FACS:

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

Building on prior years, this annual panel highlights emerging research important to women in otolaryngology, examining how workplace policies and occupational factors influence health, wellness, and career sustainability. Panelists will present focused research on pregnancy, peripartum experiences, parental leave, and occupational health risks unique to women surgeons, including ergonomics and musculoskeletal strain. Through moderated discussion, the session emphasizes actionable, evidence-based solutions. Attendees will gain practical strategies to support physician well-being, productivity, and career longevity across training and practice settings.

Learning Objectives:

Summarize recent otolaryngology- and surgery-specific research on pregnancy, peripartum, and parental-leave policies and their impact on trainee and physician wellness
Identify occupational health risks disproportionately affecting women otolaryngologists
Describe actionable, research-informed recommendations to improve institutional policies and workplace design that support career sustainability of women otolaryngologists