Getting to the Other Side of That Bridge over Troubled Water

As I reflect on this year, I am reminded of one of my favorite songs by Simon & Garfunkel, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” A timeless song that crosses the spectrum of musical genres and has been covered by a multitude of diverse artists, including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Jon Bon Jovi/Richie Sambora, Bella River, and John Legend.

The Value of Community and CY21 MPFS Proposals

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the United States late last winter, I was optimistic that our planned 124th Annual Meeting & OTO Experience in Boston, MA, would serve as a gathering place for otolaryngologists from around the world to share their experiences in a collaborative, communal way that would facilitate a healing process for those encountering the devastation of the crisis.

At the Forefront

What is the utility of various repositioning maneuvers in the treatment of BPPV? Can you differentiate between vestibular migraine and Ménière’s disease? What are the steps in the management of acute vertigo? Answers to these questions and a wealth of additional information may be found at: www.otosource.org.

Section Spotlight: Young Physicians Section – Reconnection

I once heard someone compare otolaryngology surgical training to fighting in a war—the sleep deprivation, the tragedies, the necessary mental toughness, and the camaraderie. Getting through that experience would have been nearly impossible without your second family, your tribe, your people—your co-residents and fellows.

Humanitarian Travel Grant: Medical Mission to the Philippines

Upon arrival in Manila, I was greeted by the embrace of a balmy breeze and kisses of sunshine, cast-ing aside all jetlag, and melting memories of a harsh New England winter I had just narrowly escaped. I enjoyed a heavily roasted coffee with Benz Cueto, a man whose bright eyes and hearty laugh conveyed genuine kindness and a handshake and directness that alluded to prior military experience.

Navigating Uncharted Waters: American Neurotology Society

COVID-19, a virally-induced economic coma, race relations—“these,” as Thomas Paine wrote in 1776, “are the times that try our souls.” We face unprecedented challenges—how do we practice in a safe, secure environment that protects both patient and provider from the novel SARS-CoV-2 while continuing to provide the best care we can?

International Guest of Honor: Taiwan Head and Neck Society – Combatting Head and Neck Cancer in Taiwan

Taiwan, with a population of 23.5 million, is in Far Eastern Asia. Despite the similar spoken language and proximity to China, Taiwan has been a separate and independent political entity for more than 50 years. The Taiwanese are liberal-minded, hospitable, and have their own distinct disease pattern.

Planning your #OTOMTG20 Experience: Ask the Experts

The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting Program Committee, led by Mark K. Wax, MD, Coordinator, and Daniel C. Chelius, Jr., MD, Coordinator-Elect, has taken the reins of the AAO-HNSF 2020 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience to transition it to one of a virtual experience for attendees from around the globe.

Your Entrance to the AAO-HNSF 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting & OTO Experience

Your Entrance to the AAO-HNSF 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting & OTO Experience

Foundation Education: The Future is Now

As I reflect on my first year as the AAO-HNSF Coordinator for Education, I am humbled by the steadfast commitment and accomplishments by the members of the Education Committee, Steering Committee, and our education committees across the specialty. While this year presented many unforeseen challenges given the complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic, our plans to implement an ambitious program set forth by the Future of Education Task Force have not been hindered.

FLEX: Flipping the Curve

This month marks the official launch of AAO-HNSF’s new flagship education program, FLEX (Focused Lifelong Education Xperience). We welcome learners for what promises to be educational, interactive, engaging, challenging, and—most important of all—directly applicable to practice.

FLEX: Leading Otolaryngology Education in New Directions

Jeffrey P. Simons, MD, AAO-HNSF Coordinator for Education, spoke with several FLEX Workgroup Chairs to get their insight on this new education product, what it’s been like developing the component tools, and how this will support lifelong learning and continuing certification.

Mentorship Matters: The Resident Reviewer Development Program

Some may think reviewing for medical journals is reserved only for physicians in clinical practice, researchers in academic medicine, or other seasoned healthcare professionals. “As a resident I thought peer review was restricted to faculty. The whole peer review process seemed like a mysterious black box,” says John D. Cramer, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Complex Dizziness for the General Otolaryngologist

Dizziness is a complex symptom that often frustrates patients and physicians alike. It can affect adults of all ages and contributes to a significant decrease in patient quality of life. There are numerous possible etiologies of dizziness and various organ systems that could potentially be involved. The peripheral vestibular system is one possible source of dizziness and, as such, otolaryngologists are often involved in the care of these patients.

From the Education Committees – Treatment Modalities for Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease (MD) is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 years old but can impact anyone at any age. Symptoms include vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. While MD usually starts confined to one ear, in 10-50% of patients it extends to involve both ears over time (Stahle, Silverstein).

Vestibular Migraines and Vestibular Therapy

Vestibular migraine (VM) has become an increasingly recognized etiology of episodic vertigo. However, due to its overlapping symptomatology with peripheral vestibular disorders and a lack of awareness in the medical community, VM is frequently underdiagnosed or mismanaged. The diagnostic criteria for VM are based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders and the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders (ICVD) of The Bárány Society.

For your Patients from ENTHealth.org – Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)

Vestibular schwannoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows on the eighth cranial nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance. The tumors are rare, accounting for only 5-7% of all brain tumors. However, for the part of the brain where they are located, called the cerebellopontine angle, it is the most common tumor type.

Authenticity and Wellness

“Talk less. Smile more.” These are Aaron Burr’s first words of advice to Alexander Hamilton in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical Hamilton. Debuted in 2015, a filmed version was recently released online at a time when national awareness of identity has been honed laser sharp. Burr’s implication is that success, advantage, or survival may rest upon concealment of one’s real interests, or motives, or identity.