Experts from across the Asia-Pacific region shared knowledge and strengthened collaboration at the inaugural Women in CI (Cochlear Implant) Summit on February 6-7 at Sydney Adventist Hospital.
Held in the hospital’s Clinical Education Centre, the summit involved more than 50 attendees, including ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons, audiologists and cochlear implant professionals from across the region, along with government and industry partners.
The summit focused on newly released national adult cochlear implant guidelines, which are aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in access and care for adults with hearing loss. It also shone a light on the barriers faced by female surgeons and audiologists.
While the number of women entering surgical specialties continues to grow, medical technology has not always kept pace.
“Historically, surgical equipment and operating environments were not designed with women in mind,” said
San ENT surgeon Professor Payal Mukherjee, who is co-chair of the Australian and New Zealand Hearing Health Collaborative.
“This summit is about female surgeons leading change—from advocating for better-designed technology to improving access to hearing care for patients across our region.”
Attendees also took part in hands-on sessions which explored how AI and robotics are transforming outcomes for patients and surgeons. The ergonomics clinic saw attendees operate on 3D printed bones using exoscopes and microscopes designed specifically for female surgeons to prevent and reduce the risk of back injury.
