Voices of Otolaryngology
In this compelling episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul Shah, MD, MBA, talks with G. Lee Bryant, Jr., MD, a veteran private practice otolaryngologist based in Nashville and an innovator in in-office procedures. Dr. Bryant recounts his extraordinary personal journey as a melanoma survivor, including the self-biopsy that saved his life, and how that experience reshaped his approach to patient care. Beyond his survival story, Dr. Bryant shares how he and his colleagues pioneered in-office rhinology and sinus surgery techniques. He explains the clinical, economic, and patient-centered...
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In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Dr. Rahul Shah sits down with Nora W. Perkins, MD, a private practice otolaryngologist with Albany ENT & Allergy Services, in New York, and liaison for advanced practice providers (APPs) in her group. Dr. Perkins shares how her practice grew from a single APP in the early 2000s to more than 20 today, creating a thriving model for expanding patient access, reducing physician burden, and maintaining high-quality care. Dr. Perkins walks listeners through her group’s 24-week onboarding and training program, including eight to ten weeks of...
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Voices of Otolaryngology host, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO, talks with David M. Yen, MD, about his practice, Specialty Physician Associates in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has established a fully accredited residency program. The two discuss how the hybrid private-academic model represents the future of the specialty and how their program uniquely prepares residents to provide exceptional ENT care in community settings across the U.S. The conversation also explores the benefits and challenges of balancing education, workforce needs, patient care, and innovation. Whether you’re a...
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In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Dr. Rahul Shah sits down with Douglas D. Backous, MD, neurotologist, Immediate Past President of the AAO-HNS/F, and longtime leader in advancing specialty care. Dr. Backous reflects on his diverse career—from academic medicine and private practice to advocacy and international engagement—and how those experiences shape his vision for the future of otolaryngology. He shares lessons learned from leadership roles, including building bridges between clinicians, policymakers, and industry, and his efforts to improve patient access, workforce...
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Join host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, as he chats with Maria V. Suurna, MD, AAO-HNSF Coordinator for International Affairs, about her journey from Estonia to leading global ENT initiatives. From quarterly Global Grand Rounds to joint meetings spanning continents, Dr. Suurna reveals how the Academy is strengthening international partnerships and expanding access to otolaryngology education worldwide. Resources: Global Grand Rounds: AAO-HNSF Volunteer Faculty Application Form: More Ways to Listen: Spotify: Apple...
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In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, talks with Amanda Dilger, MD, and Neelima Tummala, MD, about practical sustainability strategies that otolaryngologists can implement to reduce environmental impact while maintaining excellent patient care and achieving significant cost savings. Resources: Reducing Glove Overuse in Outpatient Specialty Clinics: Cost Reduction and Environmental Benefit: More Ways to Listen: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: Connect the AAO-HNS: ...
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Join Kayla Hicks, MD, and Harry DeCabo, AAO-HNS Director for Advocacy, for an essential discussion on advocacy in otolaryngology, exploring why physician and resident engagement in healthcare policy has never been more critical. This episode breaks down the key legislative priorities affecting otolaryngologists and their patients, with a special emphasis on why residents must be active participants in shaping their professional future. Whether you're a resident feeling unsure about advocacy or an established physician wanting to make a difference, this episode demonstrates how...
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In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO, talks with AJ "Workforce" Tompkins, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Board member from Ohio ENT & Allergy about critical insights from the latest otolaryngology workforce survey. They discuss the dramatic rise in Advanced Practice Provider utilization, growing urban concentration of specialists, and compensation realities across different practice settings. Dr. Tompkins shares how workforce data helps with benchmarking, salary negotiations, and strategic decision-making, while highlighting the disconnect between...
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In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Jeffrey S. Weingarten, MD, shares insights on creating a thriving otolaryngology practice that serves as a true "one-stop shop" for ENT care. Learn how his Detroit-area practice successfully integrates 11 physicians, 17 audiologists, and specially trained staff across six locations. Dr. Weingarten discusses the innovative Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel (CPOP), which trains "OTO Techs" to perform hearing tests, maximizing efficiency while allowing audiologists to work at the top of their license. Discover the benefits of...
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In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Maie St. John, MD, PhD, the Thomas A. Calcaterra, MD Endowed Chair at UCLA's Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, shares her extraordinary journey from a pivotal childhood moment in Egypt to becoming a world-renowned surgeon-scientist. Learn how she developed innovative intraoperative cancer detection systems and polymer delivery technologies that are transforming precision surgery. Discover her strategies for successful grant writing, building multidisciplinary cancer care teams, and leading UCLA's otolaryngology department to its...
info_outlineDuane J. Taylor, MD, AAO-HNS/F President, and Medical Director of Le Visage ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery, in Bethesda, Maryland, United States, is joined by Gayle E. Woodson, MD, AAO-HNS/F Past President, Professor Emeritus and Former Chair of Otolaryngology at Southern Illinois University, and visiting Professor at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Tanzania; Titus S. Ibekwe, MBBS, FWACS, Professor and Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Abuja and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Nigeria, and former Vice Chair to the AAO-HNSF International Advisory Board; Johannes J. Fagan, MBChB, FCS(SA), Leon Goldman Professor and Chair of the Division of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa and former Chair of the AAO-HNSF International Advisory Board; Mohammad A. Gomaa, MD, Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at Minia University in Egypt to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Africa.