LA Locals Welcome the 125th Anniversary Gathering of the Annual Meeting
Leaders of otolaryngology in the greater Los Angeles area share recommendations of what to see and do while in LA.
Every year, the Annual Meeting & OTO Experience is the best opportunity to learn from experts, network, and view the latest products and services. This year, it will be better than ever. After more than a year of limited travel, this year’s meeting offers a chance to reconnect in person, honor the 125th anniversary of our Academy, and explore Los Angeles, one of the world’s most exciting cities.
Iconic Los Angeles boasts world-class museums, multicultural neighborhoods, miles and miles of famous beaches, unique architecture, and of course, celebrity sightings. With so much to offer, we talked with leaders of otolaryngology in the greater Los Angeles area.
Watch this new video for insider tips from your colleagues.
Gene C. Liu, MD
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles is a very diverse and vibrant city with a lot of distinct ethnic neighborhoods. When it comes to cuisine, it can’t be beat. Koreatown has some of the best food outside of Asia. For high-end dining, we have Michelin-rated restaurants and flagships from notable chefs like Nobu Matsuhisa and Wolfgang Puck.
For those traveling with families, Disneyland has opened the new Star Wars Park, Galaxy’s Edge, which is something you can’t miss. For cultural experience and sightseeing, there’s the Getty Museum, the Getty Villa, the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Petersen Automotive Museum – there’s so much to see in Los Angeles!
William B. Armstrong, MD, University of California Irvine Medical Center
If you’re an art fan, Laguna Beach can’t be beat. The Getty Museum is a world-class art museum.
If you’re here with your family, Disneyland is an amazing getaway, and Universal Studios is great for kids.
And, we have amazing beaches and mountains. There are great hiking opportunities.
There are a number of exciting getaways. Take a boat to Catalina Island for a day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Laguna Beach and Malibu are also great getaways.
Alfred A. Simental, MD
Loma Linda University
The attractions start within walking distance from the convention center. Grand Central Market has many different food vendors and would be great for a lunchtime trip.
For art lovers, there’s The Performing Arts Center, which houses the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Ahmanson Theatre; the Broad Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
For a multicultural experience, Little Tokyo is famous for its ramen and Japanese shops.
For shopping, check out the Grove, the Beverly Center, Americana, Century City Mall, and Rodeo Drive.
There are plenty of sporting events in town during the Annual Meeting! The LA Rams play the Arizona Cardinals; the LA Dodgers play the Milwaukee Brewers; the LA Chargers play the Las Vegas Raiders; and the LA Galaxy play the Los Angeles FC.
For a bit of adventure, there’s Griffith Park, which has many miles of hiking trails and brings you up to the world-class views of the city and landmarks such as the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Reservoir.
For those who feel the call of the mountains, they’re only about two hours away: The Palm Springs and San Jacinto Mountains with the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, as well as Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Mountain.
John S. Oghalai, MD
University of Southern California
You’re going to love Los Angeles! It’s a great place to visit.
My top recommendations:
- Visit Hollywood
- Check out the beaches
- Go sailing in Marina del Ray
- Take the boat to Catalina Island
- Visit Ventura and wine country
- Hike in the San Gabriel Valley
If you go a little further north, you’re in national park territory. Check out Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon, or Joshua Tree. Our parks are beautiful!
Maie A. St. John, MD, PhD
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Los Angeles is an oyster—there are so many pearls! You could do what’s called the California Double and go to the beach in the morning and skiing in the afternoon. There are mountains and trails—the Santa Monica Mountains are especially beautiful, overlying the Malibu area where you can climb down onto beaches, go surfing, and look in wave pools and tidal pools and find little creatures.