Society of University Otolaryngologists—Helping the Specialty Connect and Grow

Uttam K. Sinha, MD, MS, President, Society of University Otolaryngologists–Head and Neck Surgeons

Uttam K. Sinha, MD, MS
President, Society of University Otolaryngologists–Head and Neck SurgeonsThe mission of the Society of University Otolaryngologists–Head and Neck Surgeons (SUO) is to provide for the exchange of ideas and relevant information germane to the practice of medicine in an academic setting. The leadership and members of the SUO are committed to promoting education through faculty development and furnishing multiple platforms for creating opportunities for learners, including medical students, residents, and faculty. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the many inequities it exposed, the SUO has spent much of the last year working to ensure our membership has a space to feel welcome and to discuss these issues. 

The SUO, Association of Academic Departments of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AADO), and Otolaryngology Program Directors Organization (OPDO) webinar series, which ran October 2020–March 2021, focused on a wide range of issues. Two sessions in early 2021 focused on racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion—Pathologizing Racism: Unlearning to Achieve Equity in Medicine, led by David Lindo, JD, and Authentic Resilience: Cultivating A Climate of Inclusion and Equity, led by Tanya O. Williams, EdD. These sessions also bolstered several statements we put out on discrimination in the Black, Indigenous, people of color, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders communities. All webinars were recorded and are currently available on the SUO website (https://suo-aado.org/mpage/WebinarSeries2020).

Prior the Covid-19 pandemic, the SUO coordinated with local otolaryngology departments to participate in many Student National Medical Association and Latino Medical Student Association meetings. We secured booths and let the medical students know about our specialty. The hands-on simulators we brought allowed the students to get a feel for the work we do. 

We are now focusing on our upcoming SUO/AADO/OPDO Combined Meeting, currently scheduled to be held in person November 12–13 at the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix, Arizona. We are hoping to take with us many of the lessons learned over the past year, not only to ensure that we are a safe and welcoming group for our members and council but also to ensure that these lessons are passed on to all academic otolaryngologists. In doing so, this will help all programs across the country, where everyone can thrive regardless of background. Registration for the 2021 SUO/AADO/OPDO Combined Meeting opened in late August. Please visit the SUO website at https://suo-aado.org/ for more information.