Yes: The Answer Is Still Yes

Troy D. Woodard, MD
AAO-HNS/F PresidentA few days ago, I was asked a thought-provoking question: If I could go back in time and do it all over again, would I still become a physician? And if so, would I still choose otolaryngology?

I’ll admit, I had to think long and hard about my answer. I reflected on my “why,” the deep-rooted reason I chose this path. I remembered my love for science experiments and dissection labs in high school, my curiosity about how things work, and, most importantly, my drive to help others live fulfilling, healthy lives. That passion and sense of purpose guided me through years of training, late-night studying, and personal sacrifice.

But then, my thoughts shifted to the challenges we face today as physicians. The burdens we carry in order to fulfill our calling to heal our communities have only grown heavier. Residency hours are grueling, medical education costs continue to skyrocket, and physician autonomy is slipping away. The healthcare landscape today is vastly different from when I first started and unfortunately, not for the better.

We are up against:

• Medicare payment cuts that fail to keep pace with inflation, devaluing our work.
• Legislative and regulatory barriers that prevent us from providing the best care possible.
• Insurance-driven roadblocks that delay or deny necessary tests and procedures for our patients.
• Scope creep from other professions that encroach upon our specialty, creating confusion in patient care.

These are not minor inconveniences. These are systemic issues that threaten our ability to practice medicine as we were trained to do. These roadblocks make it more and more challenging to put the patients’ needs first. 

And yet, despite it all, my answer is still Yes!

Yes, I would do it all over again. Yes, I would still choose otolaryngology. Why? Because I love my patients. I love my specialty. Our work matters. Our patients need us. And that’s why this moment calls for action, not despair. This is not a solo battle. It is a fight for the future of our profession, and it will take all of us working together, across multiple fronts to make real change. Advocacy is no longer optional. We must:

• Engage with policymakers to push for fair reimbursement and reduce bureaucratic burdens.
• Strengthen our professional organizations to fight against scope creep and protect our specialty.
• Educate and empower our patients so they understand the importance of physician-led care.
• Support one another because the best way to combat burnout is through unity and shared purpose.

We cannot afford to stand by and let others dictate the future of otolaryngology. If we want to restore autonomy, preserve quality care, and ensure the next generation of otolaryngologists can thrive, we must act now.

Are you ready to stand up for our profession? The time is now. Let’s get to work.