From Clinic to Capitol Hill: Essential Advocacy for ENT Physicians and Residents
Release Date: 07/08/2025
From Clinic to Capitol Hill: Essential Advocacy for ENT Physicians and Residents
Voice of Otolaryngology
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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Workforce Reality Check: What Every ENT Needs to Know About Our Specialty’s Future with Andrew J. Tompkins, MD, MBA
Voice of Otolaryngology
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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Building a Hearing Healthcare Team with Jeffrey S. Weingarten, MD
Voice of Otolaryngology
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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The Surgeon-Scientist Model and the Future of Precision Cancer Care with Maie St. John, MD, PhD
Voice of Otolaryngology
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...
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Building a Sustainable Practice: Succession Planning and Value-Based Care with Willard C. Harrill, MD, and David E. Melon, MD
Voice of Otolaryngology
In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, talks with Willard C. Harrill, MD, and David E. Melon, MD, in a conversation exploring succession planning and private practice evolution in otolaryngology. They share insights on leadership transition, building sustainable practice models, and navigating the shift to value-based care. The discussion covers recruitment strategies, practice diversification, and the unique challenges facing medium-sized ENT groups. They offer valuable guidance on dynamic scheduling, community...
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Beyond the Lecture Hall: Revolutionizing Medical Education Through Innovation with Vince Loffredo, EdD
Voice of Otolaryngology
In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO, talks with Vince Loffredo, EdD, Chief Learning Officer at the American Society for Anesthesiology, about the future of medical education, providing advice to lecturers on how to engage audiences. They discuss how technology has accelerated changes in medical learning, moving from traditional lectures toward micro-learning, interactive formats, and personalized education. Dr. Loffredo shares insights on engaging learners through gamification, virtual reality, social media platforms, and continuous...
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Hearing Every Child: Rural Healthcare Innovation with Matthew Bush, MD, PhD
Voice of Otolaryngology
In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Matthew Bush, MD, PhD, MBA, AAO-HNSF Coordinator-Elect, Research and Quality, joins Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, as they explore how interventions are impacting healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations. Dr. Bush shares insights on innovative approaches to hearing healthcare in rural communities from his groundbreaking patient navigation model that dramatically improved follow-up care rates for pediatric hearing patients. Helpful Resources: Reg-ent: AAO-HNSF Clinical Practice...
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Pathways to Excellence with Dana M. Thompson, MD, MS, MBA
Voice of Otolaryngology
In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, join Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO as he interviews Dana M. Thompson, MD, MS, MBA, AAO-HNS 2024 Hall of Distinction inductee and Division Head of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the Lauren D. Holinger Professor and Chair of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, about transforming "pipelines" into "pathways" for diversity in medicine. Discover her five guiding values and learn how...
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Identifying Immunodeficiencies in Otolaryngology Practice
Voice of Otolaryngology
In this special episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, developed on behalf of the AAO-HNS Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Committee, Matthew W. Ryan, MD, talks with Antoine Azar, MD, about how otolaryngologists often see immunodeficiency patients first through recurring infections. Learn about screening techniques, key warning signs, and treatment approaches for conditions affecting up to 23% of chronic sinusitis patients. Discover why collaboration between otolaryngology and immunology specialists is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
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Do Good Things and Other Pearls for Success with Sarah N. Bowe, MD, EdM
Voice of Otolaryngology
In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, talks with Sarah N. Bowe, MD, EdM, current AAO-HNS Nominating Committee member and Otolaryngology Core Curriculum Editorial Board member, in a conversation blending professional wisdom and growth as well as commitment to the Academy and the specialty. Dr. Bowe shares insights on military medicine leadership, her residency director role, and innovations in pediatric otolaryngology. She offers valuable career advice and tips for success on mentorship and opportunities,...
info_outlineJoin 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 otolaryngologists can effectively bridge clinical expertise with legislative decision-making to ensure policies truly serve patients and physicians alike.
Resources:
- ENT Advocacy Network: https://www.entnet.org/the-ent-advocacy-network/
- Project 535: https://www.entnet.org/project535
- State Tracker Program: https://www.entnet.org/state-trackers
- ENT PAC: https://www.entpac.org
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- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-otolaryngology/id1506655333
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- Website: https://www.entnet.org
Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https://www.otostore.org
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