Hear This: Voices of Otolaryngology
Discussions emphasized that the future of our specialty is in capable, engaged hands.
When the Academy launched Voices of Otolaryngology with host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, in December 2024, the mission was clear: provide a forum for the global otolaryngology community to hear the diverse voices that comprise the specialty and amplify them for members, patients, and communities around the world. One year later, this vision has materialized into a robust library of conversations that capture the breadth, depth, and dynamism of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
Now 42 episodes later, from practice management to precision medicine, from Capitol Hill to rural clinics, from succession planning to sustainability, the participants appearing on Voices of Otolaryngology have delivered in connecting the community on contentious issues, hot topics, and the insights needed for the specialty’s collective success. As we reflect on the past year and look toward 2026, the podcast stands as a testament to the innovation, resilience, and commitment that defines otolaryngology.
"When we launched Voices a year ago, the goal was straightforward: spotlight diverse perspectives across our specialty, showcase what our members accomplish daily, and help us connect. What I didn't anticipate was how these conversations would unite us, revealing shared experiences and common challenges. I've learned from each and every guest, and I'm excited for another year of Voices in 2026 as we continue to advance and elevate together," said Dr. Shah.
Themes That Shaped the Year
Over the past year, Voices of Otolaryngology explored the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities facing the specialty. Conversations with Academy leadership emphasized that success requires intentionality, authenticity, and the courage to chart a course for an evolving future—a reminder that leadership is about showing up and doing good things, not just holding titles.
The business realities of modern practice received substantial attention. Episodes examined how to evolve practices to stay relevant, grow teams strategically, and build sustainable models that incorporate succession planning and value-based care. The podcast didn't shy away from difficult truths, confronting workforce challenges, demographic pressures, and the economic realities of physician compensation while offering practical strategies for building and maintaining thriving practices—whether in traditional private practice, academic settings, or hybrid models.
Advocacy emerged as a critical theme throughout the year. From the RUC process to state legislatures to Capitol Hill, conversations made clear that advocacy is not optional—it's essential to preserving the specialty’s ability to care for patients. Episodes explored how organized political action translates clinical frustration into legislative impact, demonstrating that every member, from residents to seasoned practitioners, has the power to influence policy.
Clinical innovation also showcased the expanding breadth of the specialty. Discussions ranged from advances in sleep surgery and allergy immunotherapy to precision head and neck oncology using 3D modeling and real-time imaging. The podcast highlighted how technology is transforming surgical planning, how the surgeon-scientist model advances precision care, and how research progress is incremental but transformative.
Voices of Otolaryngology also examined medical education transformation, global outreach initiatives, and sustainability in healthcare delivery. Conversations about partnership and mentorship explored how collaboration multiplies impact, while episodes on building hearing healthcare teams and integrating advanced practice providers offered roadmaps for practice growth.
Perhaps most importantly, discussions emphasized that the future of our specialty is in capable, engaged hands—hands ready to innovate, advocate, and lead.
The Voices
The 51 voices featured throughout the last year represent the full spectrum of the specialty—academicians and private practitioners, surgeons and scientists, established leaders and rising stars, subspecialists and generalists. Together, they paint a picture of a specialty that is evolving, innovating, and advocating for the future while staying grounded in the core mission of exceptional patient care.
The nearly 19-hour library features 51 guests from 19 states across the country, with almost equal numbers from academic (45%) and private practice (43%) backgrounds.
What Lies Ahead
As we look toward 2026, Voices of Otolaryngology will continue to be a forum where members can access diverse perspectives at their convenience—whether in the car, while exercising, or during those inevitable charting sessions.
Dr. Shah continues to seek voices that will spotlight contentious issues, share practice pearls, or explore new frontiers in patient care and Voices of Otolaryngology remains committed to connecting the specialty and fostering the kinship needed for collective success.
As we continue into 2026, one thing is clear: wherever you are, whatever you're doing, whenever it's convenient for you—there's a conversation waiting that speaks to your practice, your challenges, and your aspirations as an otolaryngologist. The podcast is accessible on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and YouTube, ready to inform, inspire, and connect you with colleagues around the world.
We invite you to join the conversation. Listen to past episodes, share your feedback, and stay tuned for the voices we'll amplify in the year ahead.
Listen to Voices of Otolaryngology wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode as we continue to collaborate, advocate, and innovate together.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
