PERSPECTIVE: Experience the Extraordinary at #OTOMTG24
Members of the Annual Meeting Program Committee share their viewpoints for the annual reunion of the global otolaryngology community in Miami Beach this fall.
Michele Carr, DDS, MD, PhD (front center) with medical students from the University at Buffalo at the AAO-HNSF 2023 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience in Nashville, Tennessee. From left to right: Jeremy Walsh, Alison Ma, Emily Christie, Lauren DiNardo, Beatrice Bacon, Alexandra Corbin, and David Riccio.
What makes the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting extraordinary? It’s the breadth and depth.
- I can learn about the newest thing in ENT and then go across the hall to hear an icon of otolaryngology present this year’s update on a lecture I’ve been attending for many years.
- I can see what researchers are doing, from the NIH-funded basic science lab to the medical student’s case report. I can watch our trainees do their first national oral presentation.
- I can spend time with our residents and students outside of the hospital and, later on, see people I helped train years ago who work in different parts of the world and in different kinds of practices. Or meet people in person that I’ve seen on Zoom in our summer course.
- I can walk into a room where there are hundreds of women otolaryngologists. I can see that people like me are contributing to the community, both as surgeons and medical experts.
Where else will you find that?
Esther X. Vivas, MD
Experience the Extraordinary: Looking forward to connecting with colleagues from across the country and the world! This will be a particularly strategic meeting point for our Latin American colleagues, which makes me even more excited for Miami. Una experiencia extraordinaria.
Ahmad R. Sedaghat, MD, PhD
Ahmad R. Sedaghat, MD, PhD, Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and Director of the Division of Rhinology, Allergy and Anterior Skull Base Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
I think the “Experience the Extraordinary” theme for the 2024 Annual Meeting perfectly captures the spirit of this meeting. With an unmatched breadth of content presented by leading experts, attendees of the Annual Meeting will gain new knowledge, learn new skills, and get updated on the latest treatments and otolaryngology trends from the preeminent topic experts in our field. Is there something you want to learn or brush up on as an otolaryngology provider or trainee? You will find it at the Annual Meeting.
Without a doubt, the Annual Meeting is the meeting to attend. With exciting and engaging formats, whether the attendee is in private practice, in a hospital-based practice or in a university-based setting, they will be sure to find something that will interest and inform them. For these reasons, I love attending the Annual Meeting every year, and this year is no different—having already seen some of the content that will be presented, I think our attendees will really enjoy what the meeting has to offer and will ultimately come away with new insights that will directly impact their work.
Nausheen Jamal, MD, MBA
Nausheen Jamal, MD, MBA, Professor & Harry Carothers Wiess Chair, Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, John Sealy School of Medicine
As an academic otolaryngologist and proud WIO member, the Annual Meeting represents a pivotal event in my professional calendar. It's a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the latest advancements, research findings, and best practices in the field of otolaryngology, particularly in laryngology.
The theme "Experience the Extraordinary" resonates deeply with me, as it encapsulates the essence of what this meeting represents. It's about pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and striving for excellence in patient care, education, and research. It's a call to explore new horizons, challenge conventional wisdom, and dare to dream of a future where we can achieve extraordinary outcomes for our patients.
This meeting is not to be missed for several reasons. First, it offers unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with colleagues, mentors, mentees, and thought leaders from around the world. These connections not only facilitate collaborations but also inspire and motivate me to elevate my own practice and leadership within the field.
Second, the education content presented at the meeting is top-notch, covering a wide range of topics relevant to my specialty as a laryngologist. From cutting-edge research presentations to hands-on workshops and panel discussions, there's always something new to learn and explore.
Last, attending this meeting allows me to stay at the forefront of advancements in otolaryngology, ensuring that I can provide the highest standard of care to my patients and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of my field. It's a chance to reenergize my passion for the field, gain fresh insights, and return to my department equipped with new knowledge and ideas to share with my colleagues.
In summary, the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting is an invaluable experience for any otolaryngologist. It's a celebration of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, and a cornerstone event that enriches both professional and personal growth within the field of otolaryngology.
Rod Rezaee, MD
Rod Rezaee, MD, Director, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, UH Cleveland Medical Center; Co-Disease Team Leader, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Seidman Cancer Center, Professor, Otolaryngology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
The Annual Meeting is a time not to miss when we have so many talented people converge in one location for the sole purpose of collaboration and discussion to advance patient care. Individuals and teams from the clinical, research, and industry sides from all over (local, national, international) and from the full spectrum of care providers (students, residents, fellows, attendings, scientists, nurses, advanced practice providers) join to present the latest research, technology, and surgical techniques in a forum that fosters discussion, debate, and advancing the frontiers of our field to the next level. We discuss where we have been, where we are, where we are going, and where we need to be as well as explore the ideas of where we do not even know we need to be yet. This is done in a welcoming atmosphere that allows us to connect and reconnect socially with friends, acquaintances, and collaborators and make new friends as well.
Vaninder K. Dhillon, MD
Experience the Extraordinary: I cannot agree more with the program that is being brought forward for the meeting this year. In the otolaryngology landscape there are so many extraordinary innovations and advances in clinical medicine that will be relevant for our patients in the years to come. This is an opportunity to be present at a meeting whereby new ideas, innovative technologies, and paradigm changes in clinical care will be discussed. This is a meeting not to miss. As a new member of the AMPC, I am proud of the program of abstracts, talks, and presentations many of you will be able to experience.
Eileen M. Raynor, MD
Eileen M. Raynor, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Duke Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
The Annual Meeting is the primary time to reconnect with colleagues, mentors, friends, and otolaryngologists from around the world. It is a great way to exchange ideas and find out about new technology, procedures, and cutting-edge research. There is nothing else that brings all of us together like the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting.
Larissa Sweeny, MD
Larissa Sweeny, MD, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Head & Neck Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
I have been attending this meeting since I was a medical student. It has been an extraordinary experience to go from not knowing anyone at the meeting to now not being able to walk 10 feet without running into a familiar face. Our ENT community is truly special, and we are all fortunate to be a part of it. The Annual Meeting is unique in its ability to bring us together in a unified way and connect us across subspecialities and career stages.
As a member of the faculty at the University of Miami, I can share that we are all thrilled to be the host city this year and cannot wait to welcome our friends and colleagues. We look forward to seeing everyone in the Magic City and hope you enjoy our city as much as we do!
Megan L. Durr, MD
I am looking forward to attending the 2024 Annual Meeting in Miami and I believe the meeting’s theme “Experience the Extraordinary” really encapsulates the essence of the event. Each year it is an easy decision to attend the Annual Meeting as I know I will experience many extraordinary opportunities from cutting-edge research to new advances in surgical techniques to insightful advice from expert panels. The meeting offers a unique opportunity to forge new connections, hear from keynote speakers and thought leaders and participate in hands-on workshops that can broaden my skill set. I always leave the meeting feeling inspired by the amazing passion, innovation, and camaraderie that is present in our field.
Mark K. Wax, MD
Mark K. Wax, MD, Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University
The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting has always been an integral part of my academic and social calendar. It is the highlight of my year for an educational and networking event. The opportunity to learn is immense. The ability to network with colleagues from across the years and across the specialties is unsurpassed. As an academic otolaryngologist, it has provided me an opportunity to meet the giants in the field when I was younger, to learn from those that have a wealth of experience, and to network with my colleagues. I tell my partners that in three hours wandering the exhibit halls, the convention halls, and the hotels, I can accomplish what would take me hours of phone calls, emails, and weeks and weeks of work. I have always been able to find someone who knows a lot more than I do about a particular problem that has vexed me all year. I may not get a solution but at least I know I have tried as hard as possible for my patients. Every year I come away with important information that dramatically changes the paradigm of current thought and the manner in which I treat some of my patients. Sometimes it is a small change and sometimes it is a huge change.
The ability to meet and reunite socially with individuals who I have known and worked with over the decades is unbeatable. Being able to share good as well as bad experiences allows me to be reinvigorated by energy, drive, and love of otolaryngology. There is no other venue that allows me to experience education in such a wide variety of presentation styles. From interactive simulation to listening to panelists discuss the most current patient management innovations there is always something that is unique and intriguing. While I have heard that sometimes there is too much going on, I have never heard of or experienced a time when there is nothing going on.
The OTO EXPO has the largest demonstration of individuals and technology that are currently available for otolaryngologists. While many of the exhibits may not be exactly pertinent to who and what I am, I can always come away knowing that I have seen what is currently available and even more what is on the horizon. Attending the meeting keeps me up to date in all of these areas.
Simulation is a relatively new experience in an academic and meeting venue. The Academy's approach is innovative, unique, and comprehensive. It brings a completely new perspective to learning that is very enjoyable. Every day at the meeting I experience something that is extraordinary in the diverse field of otolaryngology. My career, my patients, and my family have all benefited tremendously from the extraordinarily comprehensive opportunities offered by the Academy at our annual extravaganza!
Hassan H. Ramadan, MD, MSc
Hassan H. Ramadan, MD, MSc, Stephen & Patricia Wetmore Professor and Chairman, Director Sinus & Allergy Center, Department of Otolaryngology H&N Surgery, West Virginia University School of Medicine
I have been attending the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting for over 30 years now. The quality of the presentations for residents, new faculty, and senior faculty, like me now, are outstanding. I learn something every time. I tell residents and faculty that this meeting is a must, whether you are in academics or private practice. Having the privilege of being part of the team that oversees the education program over the last two years has given me an even greater appreciation of its content. I can confidently say the new changes that have been made to its format and content are something that no otolaryngologist should miss. See you in Miami!
Erika A. Woodson, MD
It took a global pandemic for me to realize how extraordinary the Annual Meeting truly is. What a gift it is to have such an immersive, interactive opportunity to learn from each other! I live for those four days a year when I can pause the clinical hamster wheel and explore innovations brought by colleagues around the world.
Neal D. Futran, MD, DMD
Neal D. Futran, MD, DMD, Allison T. Wanamaker Professor and Endowed Chair, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Director of Head and Neck Surgery and adjunct professor in the Departments of Plastic Surgery and Neurological Surgery, UM Medicine
Experience the Extraordinary: This meeting is an unparalleled opportunity to:
- See and learn the cutting-edge knowledge, transformative ideas, and groundbreaking studies in our field
- Inspire and motivate me to bring new perspectives and approaches to my own department institution and practice, leading to improved patient care
- Stay informed of current trends and emerging technologies in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery
- Connect and collaborate with the amazing friends and colleagues that populate our field
- Plus, Miami is just a bit sunnier than Seattle this time of the year
Anil Lalwani, MD
Going to Miami to attend the Academy
To learn what’s new in precision medicine and surgery
From the very best in ENT
Enjoying simulation and intellectual stimulation
Bots, robots, and ChatGPT
Come one, come all
Experience the extraordinary!
David H. Jung, MD, PhD
The Annual Meeting is your chance to network with colleagues from around the world in sunny Miami. Don't miss it!
