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Not Getting Kicked Out of the Room: Leadership Lessons

Voices of Otolaryngology

Release Date: 08/12/2025

Hat Trick: Global Outreach, Research, and Clinical Care show art Hat Trick: Global Outreach, Research, and Clinical Care

Voices of Otolaryngology

In this on-site conversation from the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Indianapolis, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, sits down with Gregory J. Basura, MD, PhD, Chair of the AAO-HNSF Humanitarian Efforts Committee. They explore the intersection of neuroscience, clinical innovation, and global humanitarian outreach—from Dr. Basura’s NIH-funded research in tinnitus neuroimaging to his transformative fellowship and capacity-building work across Africa and beyond. Listeners will hear how early mentorship inspired his lifelong commitment to global...

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Voices of Otolaryngology

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, sits down with brothers Michael Setzen, MD, and Gavin Setzen, MD, two private practice otolaryngologists who have shaped the specialty through decades of leadership and advocacy. Both Hall of Distinction Living Legends, the Setzen brothers share their journey from South Africa to building world-renowned practices in New York. Dr. Michael Setzen reveals an unconventional approach to work-life balance: never working Fridays and dedicating that time to golf, family, and Academy service. Dr....

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Voices of Otolaryngology

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, continues the conversation with Amanda Dilger, MD, and Neelima Tummala, MD, from the AAO-HNS Sustainability Task Force. Moving beyond general sustainability practices, this episode focuses on how climate change is directly affecting ENT patients—from air pollution's link to head and neck cancer, to extended pollen seasons causing more severe allergic rhinitis and wildfire smoke impacting chronic rhinosinusitis. The physicians discuss practical ways to integrate environmental health screening into...

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Voices of Otolaryngology

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, talks with David Witsell, MD, about the evolution of practice-based research in otolaryngology. Dr. Witsell shares the origins of BEST ENT and the CHEER network, honoring the visionary leadership of Maureen Hannley, MD, which laid the foundation for today's Reg-ent platform. The conversation explores why collaboration and standardized data are critical to advancing research and quality and presents a compelling vision for future partnerships between Reg-ent and the National...

info_outline The Evolution of Sleep Surgery: From Tracheotomy to Precision Medicine show art The Evolution of Sleep Surgery: From Tracheotomy to Precision Medicine

Voices of Otolaryngology

Join host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS EVP and CEO, for a historic conversation with two pioneers of surgical sleep medicine, Kathleen Yaremchuk, MD, MSA and B. Tucker Woodson, MD. Both were at Henry Ford Health in the early 1980s—the epicenter of American surgical sleep medicine—where they witnessed the birth of modern sleep apnea treatment. In this episode, discover how sleep apnea went from an unrecognized condition treated only with tracheotomy to a field with multiple treatment modalities. Dr. Yaremchuk and Dr. Woodson share firsthand accounts of working with Dr. Shiro...

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Voices of Otolaryngology

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS EVP and CEO, talks with Matthew D. Scarlett, MD, a private practice otolaryngologist in Charleston, South Carolina, and current Chair of the Academy’s ENT Political Action Committee (PAC) Board. Dr. Scarlett breaks down how ENT PAC amplifies the voices of otolaryngologists on Capitol Hill, from securing meetings with lawmakers to advancing bills on prior authorization reform, Medicare reimbursement, and newborn CMV screening. Dr. Scarlett shares his personal journey into advocacy—sparked by frustration with...

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Voices of Otolaryngology

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, sits down with Douglas D. Reh, MD, a fellowship-trained rhinologist and former academic leader at Johns Hopkins, who now practices as part of ENT Specialty Partners. Dr. Reh reflects on his journey from academia to private practice, exploring how subspecialists can succeed outside academic institutions while still meeting the broad needs of their communities. The conversation covers Dr. Reh’s experience building a thriving rhinology-focused practice, the challenges and strategies for balancing...

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Voices of Otolaryngology

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, talks with Karen A. Rizzo, MD, a seasoned private practice otolaryngologist and past president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Rizzo, who is also Past Chair of the AAO-HNS Board of Governors, shares her journey from being encouraged by a mentor during residency to representing otolaryngology at the state level and eventually becoming the first otolaryngologist—and only the fifth woman—to lead the nation’s oldest state medical society. Dr. Rizzo offers candid insights into why...

info_outline Building Your ENT Practice Without Breaking the Bank show art Building Your ENT Practice Without Breaking the Bank

Voices of Otolaryngology

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul Shah, MD, MBA, talks with Srinivas R. Kaza, MD, a veteran otolaryngologist from Rochester, New York, who leads by example when it comes to creative, resourceful practice growth through  marketing and reputation management. Dr. Kaza explains how his group leverages word-of-mouth, Google reviews, patient feedback, and targeted outreach to referring doctors. Dr. Kaza breaks down lessons from his panel presentation at the 2025 AAO-HNS/F OTO Forum on how practices can tailor their marketing strategies based on budget, market size, and...

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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 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 development, and innovation adoption. The conversation spans everything from Medicare reimbursement challenges to the importance of social trust, the rise of women in the field, and how the Academy can act as a neutral platform for technological advancement and global collaboration.

Listeners will gain valuable perspective on the evolving opportunities and challenges facing otolaryngology, and how the Academy is working to ensure the specialty continues to thrive for both practitioners and patients.

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Note: Contributions to ENT PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery have the right to refuse to contribution without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ENT PAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ENT PAC may use your contribution only to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ENT PAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ENT PAC, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ENT PAC use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. ENT PAC is a program of the AAO-HNS which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code.