Session Design Submission Review

Yes

• Citizenship and Global Responsibility
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

The operating room and healthcare at large are significant contributors to the global climate crisis—and are simultaneously burdened by its effects. Efforts to improve health cannot succeed without addressing the social, economic, and ecological forces that underlie the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. As surgeons, we are uniquely positioned to drive change. This 90-minute interactive workshop will highlight the environmental impact of OR energy consumption, showcase successful sustainability initiatives from across the country, and provide attendees with tools to design and implement similar quality improvement projects at their own institutions. Participants will learn who the key stakeholders are, how to measure progress, and strategies to successfully “pitch” their projects to leadership. To make the session engaging and memorable, we will emulate the format of Shark Tank—but in this case, the “Sharks” will be Dolphins. Working in small groups, attendees will develop and present their sustainability proposals, receiving feedback and resources from faculty mentors. By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable ideas, practical strategies, and the confidence to lead sustainability efforts in their home institutions.

90-minute workshop

Yes

Yes

Describe the contribution of operating rooms and healthcare systems to the global climate crisis and its impact on patient and community health.

Identify key stakeholders, metrics, and strategies necessary to design and implement sustainability-focused quality improvement projects in the OR.

Analyze examples of successful sustainability initiatives across healthcare systems to determine best practices and potential applications at their home institutions.

Develop and pitch a fundable sustainability project idea in a small-group, Shark Tank-style exercise, incorporating feasibility, impact, and leadership buy-in.

Commit to at least one actionable sustainability initiative or resource they can take back to their institution for implementation.