Inclusion in Surgery: Case Study of a Deaf Surgical Resident in Otolaryngology

Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) trainees may be underrepresented in graduate medical education (GME) programs, including surgical specialties, and there is a paucity of data on the transition to GME after medical school for such learners. This case study describes the collaboration between the trainee, program leadership, and disability services to optimize the training environment for a deaf surgical trainee with bilateral cochlear implants at a major academic medical center. The authors review the implementation of communication strategies and adaptive technologies for a period spanning from July 2024 to December 2024 during the first half of the trainee's intern year in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Interventions included trainee-initiated proactive education of clinical team members, trainee-specific communication strategies, and personalized accommodations. Key operating room accommodations included the use of wireless Phonak Roger Microphones, which stream audio directly to hearing devices, and background noise reduction in the operating room environment.Interventions demonstrated improved communication and team dynamics as well as increased trainee confidence. Self-advocacy, individualized accommodations, and collaboration between DDH surgical trainees and colleagues foster an inclusive culture in surgery. The study highlights the potential for accommodations and adaptive technologies to support DHH learners in surgical training, contributing to increased diversity in the field. The authors plan to conduct a longitudinal study of accommodation efficacy and investigation of further adaptive technologies.