Advocacy's Powerful Path Forward: Amplifying Our Collective Voice Beyond the OTO Forum
The Academy’s advocacy infrastructure exists to support otolaryngologists, but its strength depends on member engagement.
The spotlight on advocacy continued during the “Advocacy Hour,” a day two session where Academy leaders and guest speakers underscored the vital role otolaryngologists play in influencing health policy and protecting the future of their specialty. Below are some of the crucial takeaways from that presentation:
The Power of Storytelling and the Role of the Physician Advocate
The keynote presentation was delivered by Geoffrey L. Rosenthal, MD, pediatric cardiologist and chair of the Committee on Federal Government Affairs at the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Rosenthal shared his personal journey in advocacy, emphasizing the power of storytelling in driving policy change.
“Physicians are uniquely trusted messengers,” he said. “We can translate complex science into human-centered stories that legislators—and the public—can understand. That’s our superpower.”
He encouraged attendees to use their real-world experiences to illustrate how policy decisions directly impact patients. Whether in conversations with elected officials or through public testimony, stories can be a transformative advocacy tool.
Federal Advocacy in Action
“Advocacy is not an option—it’s an obligation,” said Annette M. Pham, MD, Chair of the Otolaryngology Private Practice Section. “Whether you’re engaging in conversations with your state medical society or joining a call to action on Capitol Hill, your voice matters.”
Dr. Pham and Harry DeCabo, the Academy’s Director of Advocacy, provided a detailed briefing on the Academy’s top federal legislative priorities for 2025. These include:
Prior Authorization Reform (H.R. 2433): The “Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act” would ensure that peer-to-peer reviews in the prior authorization process are conducted by board-certified physicians in the same specialty as the requesting provider. This change aims to curb administrative delays that negatively impact patient care and clinician workload.
Medicare Payment Reform (H.R. 879): Medicare physician payments have declined by nearly 29% since 2001 when adjusted for inflation. The most recent 2.8% cut to the Medicare conversion factor—effective January 1, 2025—marks the fifth consecutive year of reductions. The proposed legislation would not only eliminate this cut but also provide a partial inflationary update to stabilize practice revenue.
Patient Safety in Hearing Healthcare: The Academy continues to strongly oppose legislation that would grant audiologists direct access to Medicare patients without physician referral. Such changes would allow audiologists to independently order bloodwork, imaging, and conduct medical screenings—measures that could compromise patient safety and bypass necessary clinical oversight.
The Stop CMV Act: With one in 200 infants born with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) and one in five developing long-term complications, the Academy supports legislation that incentivizes states to implement universal screening for cCMV in newborns. The Academy is working with the bill’s sponsors to get it reintroduced in the 119th Congress.
Medical Resident Debt Relief (S. 942/H.R. 2028): Aimed at removing a major financial barrier faced by many future physicians, the Academy supports the “Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act.” This legislation would allow borrowers to defer both payments and interest on their student loans during the course of their residency program, which would encourage specialization in fields such as otolaryngology.
State Advocacy and Member Engagement
Across the country, there are concerning trends in audiology scope expansion that could significantly impact patient care. States like Maryland, Arkansas, and Oregon are at the forefront of ongoing legislative efforts that could significantly impact patient safety and the quality of care. The Academy is fighting against inappropriate scope expansion, burdensome surgical regulations, and insurance denials that affect members and patients.
For the latest information on the state advocacy efforts and resources, be sure to visit the Academy’s State Legislative Advocacy webpage.
ENT PAC: One Voice, Real Results
The session also spotlighted the Academy’s federal political action committee, ENT PAC, which continues to be a cornerstone of the Academy’s advocacy strategy. In the first quarter of 2025, ENT PAC raised $115,000 from 135 contributors and disbursed $48,000 to 23 candidates.
At OTO Forum, 22 new AAO-HNS members contributed more than $6,000, a powerful reflection of the energy and motivation sparked by attendees’ connections and conversations.
These fundraising results show the momentum of member participation in ENT PAC is going in the right direction. These funds are essential to the Academy getting an audience with federal lawmakers to amplify our voice and be a part of critical legislative discussions early in the process.
Moving Forward
The Academy’s advocacy infrastructure exists to support otolaryngologists, but its strength depends on member engagement. As Dr. Rosenthal put it: “The only barrier is walking through the door. Make yourself available—because no one understands the needs of patients and the practice of medicine better than you do.”
Stay Up to Date with The ENT Advocate!
The ENT Advocate is a monthly e-newsletter sent to members of the ENT Advocacy network. Each edition summarizes developments in federal, state, and health policy advocacy, and often includes updates on grassroots initiatives and ENT PAC activities. Sign up to receive these monthly updates and remain informed on important advocacy issues requiring member participation. Sign up today! (Member login required.)
To learn more or become an advocate, visit www.entnet.org/advocacy or email govtaffairs@entnet.org.
Meet the AAO-HNS Advocacy Team:
Harry DeCabo, Director, Advocacy
Jacob Manthey, Director, Health Policy & Practice Advocacy
Aaron Castelo, Senior Advisor, State Advocacy
Ana Maria Grady, Senior Manager, Economic Health Policy & Advocacy
Brad Gruehn, Senior Manager, Congressional & Political Affairs
Anna Hall, Manager, Health Policy & Regulatory Affairs
Further Reading:
2025 Federal Legislative Priorities
2025 State Legislative Priorities
Your Academy’s Health Policy Advocacy Team at Work for You
*Contributions to ENT PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ENT PAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ENT PAC may use your contribution only to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ENT PAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ENT PAC, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ENT PAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
