Voices of Otolaryngology

The 1-in-10 Mindset: Grit, Reinvention, and Seeing Cancer in Real Time 23.06.2026 46λ

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Eben L. Rosenthal, MD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the Barry and Amy Baker Chair in Laryngeal, Head and Neck Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, for a candid conversation on reinvention, resilience, and discovery. Dr. Rosenthal reflects on building a career across five leading institutions, his "one in ten" philosophy on research and failure, and his pioneering work in fluorescence-guided surgery that lets surgeons see cancer in real time.

Solo, Strategic, and Satisfied: 25 Years of Independent ENT Practice 09.06.2026 32λ

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rajesh S. Kakani, MD, shares his journey from international training to building a solo private practice in the U.S., offering candid insights for early-career physicians navigating today's consolidating landscape. He covers strategic practice location, calculated risk-taking, hybrid employment models, and the operational discipline needed to thrive independently. Dr. Kakani also reflects on workforce challenges, team culture, and his commitment to funding scholarships for future otolaryngologists.

Choosing Your First Job, Finding Success and Building a Career 26.05.2026 34λ

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Soham Roy, MD, MBA, draws on his experience as a mentor to guide early-career surgeons through one of medicine's most pivotal transitions: moving from training into independent practice. Dr. Roy shares the framework he uses when advising residents, fellows, and early-career physicians: define success on your own terms, understand what truly brings fulfillment, and avoid the pressure to find a "perfect" first job. He also offers pragmatic guidance on evaluating today's evolving practice landscape and stresses the importance of building an expert advisory team to protect your future. Ultimately, Dr. Roy reminds young physicians that their legacy won't be defined by any single surgery, but by the lasting, positive impact they leave on their patients, colleagues, and loved ones.

Social Media and Building Your Voice in Otolaryngology 12.05.2026 29λ

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Inna A. Husain, MD, Medical Director of Laryngology at Community Hospital Munster, joins host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, for a practical and energizing conversation about how physicians can use social media to educate patients, grow their practice, and elevate the specialty. Dr. Husain shares how her platform evolved from a pandemic-era hobby into a referral engine that draws patients from across the country for subspecialty laryngology and LPR care, and why physicians who don't help shape the online medical narrative risk ceding that ground to someone less qualified. The discussion covers the do's and don'ts to platform strategy, privacy pitfalls, and the unexpected opportunities that follow when you simply show up and share what you know.

Innovation by Design: Turning Clinical Problems into Real Solutions 28.04.2026 40λ

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Peter Santa Maria, MBBS, PhD, discusses his approach to innovation in patient care and how physicians can source ideas and inspiration to chart their own ideation course. Dr. Santa Maria shares his global journey with host Rahul K Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO. Starting with his childhood in Australia, then to Stanford University, and now in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he balances a busy otology/neurotology practice while managing an innovation lab to continue creating medical devices to improve the lives of his patients. Dr. Santa Maria outlines how his approach to innovation is needs-driven and structured and focuses on projects that deliver near-term relief for patients.

Financial Foundations for Physicians 14.04.2026 40λ

In this wide-ranging episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Craig Dell, CPFA, Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (a Bank of America company), joins host and AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, for an in-depth and candid discussion about financial planning for physicians at every career stage. Drawing on decades of experience advising doctors, Craig explains why physicians face unique financial challenges, from delayed earning years and significant education debt to lifestyle inflation and tax complexity. The conversation covers the power of compounding, goal-based bucket planning, maximizing tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and managing debt strategically. Whether you are in residency or well into your career or anywhere in between, this episode sponsored by the Young Physicians Section offers actionable steps to start building financial security today.

A Spice, a Patent, and a Purpose: One Surgeon's Path to Cancer Prevention 31.03.2026 38λ

Cherie-Ann O. Nathan, MD, the Jack Pou Endowed Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport and a founding member of the AAO-HNS Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section, discusses her journey in translational research, leading with purpose, and building a career at the intersection of clinical medicine and scientific discovery. Dr. Nathan reflects on the perseverance required to sustain NIH funding, the power of collaboration and team science, and how a curiosity rooted in traditional medicine led to a patented curcumin chewing gum with promising applications in oral cancer prevention. The conversation also covers the unique challenges facing HPV-negative head and neck cancer patients, the cultural health risks of betel nut use, and advice for early-career scientists navigating rejection and resilience. This episode is featured as part of celebrating WIO Day every March 8. Helpful Resources: CORE Grants: https://www.entnet.org/quality-practice/research/core-grants-program/ Get Involved: https://www.entnet.org/get-involved/sections/women-in-otolaryngology/

Smell Loss, Science, and the Road to a Cure 17.03.2026 46λ

Zara M. Patel, MD, Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Stanford Medicine and Director of the Stanford Initiative to Cure Smell and Taste Loss, discusses her pursuit of a cure for olfactory dysfunction, the science behind smell recovery, and the research milestones that have redefined what is possible for patients with smell and taste loss. Dr. Patel reflects on her cross-country training journey, the curiosity-driven path that led her into an underexplored corner of the specialty, and how olfactory training and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections went from novel ideas to evidence-based treatments. The conversation also covers the biology of olfactory nerve regeneration, the importance of mentorship in building an academic career, and the expanding frontier of neuro-rhinology. This episode is featured as part of celebrating WIO Day every March 8. Helpful Resources: Links for physicians and patients watching this: Stanford Initiative to Cure Smell and Taste Loss: https://med.stanford.edu/content/sm/smell.html/ Patient education page for Olfactory Training: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2782042 PRP studies:Pilot study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32337347/ Randomized Controlled Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36507615/ Long term follow-up cohort study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39740091/ Systematic Evidence Based Review of PRP use in all fields of ENT: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38914822/ Case Report for use in Post-Traumatic Anosmia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39913151/

Intentional Career Building 10.03.2026 43λ

Kelly M. Malloy, MD, MBA, Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School and the AAO-HNS Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section Financial Officer, discusses leadership, intentional career development, and the many hats and evolutions of her career. Dr. Malloy reflects on the non-linear nature of leadership growth, the value of strategic network building, and why otolaryngologists are uniquely positioned as healthcare executives. The conversation also covers physician resilience, the strategic value of earning an MBA later in one's career, and the important influence of WIO's 15+ year history within AAO-HNS and the specialty. This episode is featured as part of celebrating WIO Day every March 8.

Mentorship Matters: Paying it Forward for the Next Generation of Otolaryngologists 03.03.2026 35λ

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, AAO-HNS/F Past President and the Interim Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Interim Dean of the Medical School at the University of Minnesota University, joins for an inspiring conversation with host and AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, about leadership, resilience, and building a career rooted in purpose. Dr. Bradford shares her journey as a head and neck cancer surgeon, researcher, and leader — spanning roles as department chair, dean, and Academy leader. She reflects on balancing career and parenthood, building a research career, and navigating leadership setbacks. Key themes include mentorship, patient-centered care, and staying grounded in your "why."

Evolution of The Otolaryngology Workforce Survey 24.02.2026 39λ

In this in-depth episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Andrew J. Tompkins, MD, and Chair of the AAO-HNS Workforce and Socioeconomic Task Force, unpacks one of the most consequential topics facing the specialty today: workforce data and what it means for patient care, compensation, and access. Dr. Tompkins walks listeners through the origins of the Academy's workforce reports and explains how rigorous methodology, transparency, and member participation have shaped a series of publicly available reports used by otolaryngologists across the country. The discussion highlights trends in practice settings, compensation, gender disparities and call coverage, while emphasizing how these data can be used responsibly to inform decision-making and improve care delivery.

Navigating Your First Job: Career Guidance for ENT Residents 17.02.2026 41λ

In this in-depth and candid episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, sponsored by the Academy's Young Physicians Section, Miguel Rivera, MD, partner at ENT and Allergy Associates of Florida, unpacks one of the most consequential decisions early-career otolaryngologists will make: choosing a practice environment. Drawing on more than two decades of experience across military medicine, academics, VA practice, and private practice leadership, Dr. Rivera offers practical, unfiltered guidance for residents and fellows navigating today's complex employment landscape. The conversation explores how to evaluate practice settings, understand compensation models, interpret contracts, and weigh long-term tradeoffs between autonomy and stability.

From Wildfire Smoke to Microplastics: Otolaryngology Has a Place 03.02.2026 51λ

Kara D. Meister, MD, Chair of the AAO-HNSF Pediatric Otolaryngology Education Committee and pediatric ENT at Stanford Children's Health, shares how environmental exposures are shaping the future of pediatric otolaryngology. Learn about emerging evidence linking wildfire smoke to croup presentations, air quality's role in sleep-disordered breathing, and groundbreaking microplastics research in pediatric tonsils. Dr. Meister, whose personal journey includes losing both parents to cancer after growing up near industrial plants, explains why environmental health is firmly "in our lane" as otolaryngologists. Discover practical ways to integrate simple environmental health questions into your clinical workflow, counsel families on exposure reduction, and leverage AI and large datasets to understand population-level impacts. Get actionable strategies for staying current with this rapidly evolving field while meeting modern patients' questions about climate, air quality, and environmental toxins affecting their children's health.

Why History Matters: Archives, Identity, and Innovation in Otolaryngology 27.01.2026 33λ

James J. Kearney, MD, Chair of the AAO-HNS History and Archives Committee and the Chair of Otorhinolaryngology at Pennsylvania Hospital, explores how preserving the past shapes the future of otolaryngology. Learn about the Academy's rich historical collections—from Chevalier Jackson's desk and early endoscopic equipment to archival diaries—and discover how the John Q. Adams Center Traveling Museum brings artifacts directly to members at the Annual Meeting. Dr. Kearney shares stories from Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation's oldest hospital founded in 1751, and explains why making history accessible and experiential strengthens professional identity, guides innovation, and preserves the values of the specialty. He also discusses the resident history paper competition, future traveling exhibits focused on otology, and encourages members to document and share their local otolaryngology history with the AAO-HNS Bulletin.

From Paper to Practice: Digitizing and Living Clinical Guidelines 20.01.2026 37λ

Margo M. McKenna Benoit, MD, Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Chair of the AAO-HNSF Guidelines Task Force, joins Maria Michaels, MBA, PMP, Immediate Past Chair of the Guidelines International Network (GIN) North America, to explore the transformation of clinical practice guidelines from static PDFs into dynamic, real-time clinical tools. Together, they tackle a sobering reality: it takes an average of 17 years for scientific evidence to reach clinical practice. Learn how the Guidelines Task Force evaluates and prioritizes new guideline topics, what makes a guideline truly "digitized" versus a traditional document, and how embedding guideline logic directly into EMR workflows can support clinicians without disrupting practice autonomy. Dr. McKenna Benoit and Michaels discuss strategies for reducing development cycle times, the concept of "living guidelines" that evolve with emerging evidence, and the role of health IT standards and AI in scaling evidence-based recommendations across healthcare systems while maintaining the scientific rigor that makes AAO-HNSF guidelines among the most cited publications in the specialty.

Launch, Learn, and Continue: Transforming Medical Education 13.01.2026 32λ

Vince Loffredo, EdD, Chief Learning Officer at the American Society of Anesthesiologists and future president of the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions, returns to discuss the rapid evolution of medical education. Learn about his innovative "launch and learn" methodology that's replacing traditional lectures, the shift to bite-sized video content, and practical strategies for engaging diverse learner audiences. Dr. Loffredo shares actionable insights on reducing PowerPoint dependency, structuring effective presentations, leveraging pre-reading materials, and creating experiential learning environments at annual meetings. Discover how to meet modern learners where they are while maintaining educational rigor and improving knowledge retention across all career stages.

Scaling Private Practice and Shaping State Policy 06.01.2026 41λ

Neil Hockstein, MD, Chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission and co-founder of Parallel ENT, discusses his journey from private practice otolaryngologist to healthcare policy leader. Learn about his COVID-19 response efforts, the formation of Parallel ENT, and his ambitious vision for Delaware's healthcare future, including establishing the state's first four-year medical school. Dr. Hockstein shares valuable insights on practice aggregation, private equity partnerships, and maintaining work-life balance while driving systemic healthcare change. Helpful Resources: OTO Logic Annual Meeting Webcasts: https://www.entnet.org/education/otologic/

The AAO-HNSF Journal: Breaking New Ground with Dr. Schmalbach 16.12.2025 28λ

In this special Voices of Otolaryngology episode, recorded live in Indianapolis at the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, sits down with Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, Editor in Chief of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and OTO Open. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of academic publishing, from peer review innovation and global collaboration to the integration of artificial intelligence in research and publishing. Dr. Schmalbach shares insights into bringing the journals' editorial operations back in-house, maintaining rigorous review standards, fostering merit-based advancement for reviewers, and her vision for global and technological expansion. The discussion offers valuable guidance for current and aspiring contributors, reviewers, and clinician-scientists seeking to publish their work in the AAO-HNSF flagship journals.

Inside the RUC: Why 30 Survey Responses Aren't Enough 09.12.2025 23λ

In this engaging floor-recorded conversation from the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, sits down with R. Peter Manes, MD, associate professor of surgery (otolaryngology) at Yale School of Medicine as well as AAO-HNS/F Board member and Chair of the Academy's Physician Payment Policy (3P) Workgroup. Together they demystify the alphabet soup of CPT, RUC, and RVUs, explaining how every otolaryngologist—academic or private—can influence reimbursement simply by completing the necessary surveys. Dr. Manes offers a candid look at how procedure codes are valued, why honest data matters, and how these processes directly shape the financial sustainability of ENT practices nationwide. He also discusses his new role as the Academy's Industry Consultant, fostering ethical collaboration between surgeons and device partners to advance innovation and patient care.

Precision Head and Neck Surgery: 3D Models and Real-time Imaging 02.12.2025 39λ

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, talks with Michael C. Topf, MD, MSCI, a head and neck surgical oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Topf shares his groundbreaking work in precision head and neck surgery, including 3D scanning of resected cancer specimens to improve communication among multidisciplinary cancer care teams. The conversation explores his innovative research on specimen-based margin assessment, the development of custom software for annotating 3D models, and his team's pioneering work with intraoperative PET-CT scanning. Dr. Topf also discusses his recent $2.5 million ARPA-H grant for optical lightsheet microscopy, the importance of deep margin assessment in head and neck cancer, and offers invaluable advice to early-career researchers about navigating the competitive funding landscape. A son of an otolaryngologist himself, Dr. Topf reflects on his journey from Rochester to Stanford and Vanderbilt, and the clinical unmet needs that drive his research vision. Helpful Resources: Submit your CORE Letter of Intent by December 15, 2025, at 11:59 pm (ET): www.entnet.org/quality-practice/research/core-grants-program/2026-core-funding-opportunity-announcements/