Published: November 30, 2020

Section Spotlight: Women in Otolaryngology (WIO)

Nalini Nadkarni, PhD, a forest ecologist and tree canopy specialist and guest speaker at the WIO General Assembly, held during the AAO-HNSF 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting & OTO Experience, described the process of “disturbance and recovery,” which to me is a good summary of 2020—unexpected disturbances, feelings of loss and isolation, maybe a crisis of identity. However, these disturbances, while uncomfortable in the present, can lead to new consequences and a new state.

Disturbance and Recovery: Inspiration for 2021

Jamie R. Litvack, MD, MS, WIO Chair

Nalini Nadkarni, PhD, a forest ecologist and tree canopy specialist and guest speaker at the WIO General Assembly, held during the AAO-HNSF 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting & OTO Experience, described the process of “disturbance and recovery,” which to me is a good summary of 2020—unexpected disturbances, feelings of loss and isolation, maybe a crisis of identity. However, these disturbances, while uncomfortable in the present, can lead to new consequences and a new state. I like to think that is where we are today, experiencing disturbances that will help inspire and motivate us to evolve to a new and better state.

Jamie R. Litvack, MD, MS WIO Chair

So how are we going to get there? What skills, tools, and resources will we need to succeed in this new state? What can we, as the women of otolaryngology, do to lead this new and better state? In my year as WIO Chair, I see three major themes: relationships, knowledge, and achievement.

First and foremost is our relationship with each other. Our connectivity is a powerful source of strength, inspiration, and synergism. Isolation this past year has inspired innovation and virtual connectivity in a way we never experienced before. Our first-ever virtual WIO networking event was met with enormous enthusiasm, and it triggered second- and third-level connectivity. Keep an eye out for recurrent virtual networking events over the coming months.

Second is knowledge. As Dr. Nadkarni pointed out, “Knowledge enhances recovery.” In addition to Expert Lectures and Annual Meeting programming, we will have leadership and negotiation workshops in person and virtually this year that will enhance our knowledge and growth.

Third is achievement. In 2020 we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of WIO. We reflect on and celebrate the tremendous achievements women otolaryngologists have made at the Academy and in healthcare leadership across the country. As we go forth in this coming year and the second decade of WIO, let us celebrate what we have accomplished with grace and gratitude and what we will accomplish in this new and better state.

More from December 2020/January 2021 – Vol. 39, No. 11

Pediatric

From the Education Committees

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition in children and one that most otolaryngologists are familiar with. Pediatric OSA has an estimated prevalence of 1%-4% in the United States.1 In most cases adenotonsillectomy (T&A) is the first-line therapy. About 500,000 of these procedures are performed annually in the U.S.

Tolerance2

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

We had just finished the composite resection, and it was late in the evening as the case had gotten off to a later start. We were done with the case, the drapes were off, and I had just removed the anode tube to insert the cuffed tracheostomy tube. I pulled on the upper stay suture to pull the trachea into view and it immediately came loose—obviously the tracheal ring had been broken during its placement.

2020 Annual Report 01

AAO-HNS/F 2020 Annual Report

View the AAO-HNS/F 2020 Annual Report

Audiology

Advocacy Issue Brief: Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

Several years ago the Council of State Governments (CSG) was asked to develop a model compact for allied health professionals, in this case, audiologists and speech-language pathologists. CSG is an organization committed to working with state officials to shape public policy and includes a program dedicated to developing interstate compacts.

CPT

New Category I CPT Codes for Sleep Surgery in 2022

At the October 2020 American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel meeting, the AMA accepted new Category I CPT codes for both hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGN) and drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). These new codes will become part of the CPT code set in 2022. For CPT, ‘Category’ refers to the division of the code set. CPT codes are divided into three categories.

Jamal

Section Spotlight: Young Physicians Section (YPS)

The YPS kicked off an exciting new year of activities with an engaged and well-attended General Assembly at the AAO-HNSF 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting & OTO Experience, hosted by David S. Cohen, MD, our Immediate Past Chair. Dr. Cohen highlighted some of the YPS accomplishments from the last year, including extending the Academy’s reduced membership rate for early career otolaryngologists from one to two years and the introduction of travel grants for YPS members, which has been provided for the Section for Residents and Fellows-In-Training in years past.

Ghanem

Spotlight: Humanitarian Efforts – Tamer A. Ghanem, MD, PhD

The Spotlight on Humanitarian Efforts recognizes AAO-HNS members who are contributing their time and expertise to otolaryngologic patient needs around the globe. These individuals demonstrate integrity and devotion to humanity through a self-giving spirit. They are outstanding models to emulate in fostering a global otolaryngology community.

TravelGrant

Humanitarian Travel Grant: Cleft Care in Kijabe, Kenya

For the past 20 years, teams of otolaryngologists have provided continuous cleft care for patients in Kijabe, Kenya, through Samaritan’s Purse World Medical Mission and partnering with IAC-CURE Children’s Hospital and Smile Train.

Denneny

Your AAO-HNS Community of Support: You Will Never Walk Alone

This year’s Annual Report provides us the opportunity to ruminate in amazement one of the most unpredictable and impactful years most of us will encounter. While experiences varied regionally, nationally, and internationally, we were all tied together by the disruptive healthcare issues, economic hardships, underlying social issues, and lack of consensus on how to deal with the pandemic itself.

Bradford

Put Your Oxygen Mask on before Helping Others: The Importance of Wellness

Before taking off in an airplane, we have all heard this all-too-familiar safety message: a reminder to put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. As caregivers, we give much of ourselves to ensure the well-being of our patients. Our profession can bring stress. We bear witness to human suffering. The hours are long.

Committee 02 01

Out of Committee: Endocrine Surgery Committee

Thyroid nodules are quite common and typically benign. Nonetheless they can be troubling in many ways to patients who then seek treatment, which often results in thyroid surgery. Thyroid surgery comes with some generally accepted risks, and quality of life may become significantly altered in several ways. The possible need for thyroid hormone supplementation or replacement is one of the major concerns for these patients undergoing surgery.