Treating the Whole Child: Understanding System Barriers in Pediatric Otolaryngology

Sunday, October 18, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM PT

Location: 406A

Moderator(s)

Romaine F. Johnson, MD, MPH

Dr.
UT Southwestern
Dallas, TX, United States

Panelist(s)

EH

Earl H. Harley, MD

Dr.
Georgetown School of Medicine, District of Columbia, United States
Elton M. Lambert, MD

Associate Professor
Texas Children's Hospital-Baylor College of Medicine
Housotn, TX, United States
Dana M. Thompson, MD MS MBA FACS

Professor and Division Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Children's Hospital
Chicago, IL, United States

Disclosure(s):

Romaine F. Johnson, MD, MPH:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Dana M. Thompson, MD MS MBA FACS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

This case-based panel examines system-level barriers affecting pediatric otolaryngology outcomes. Three cases explore distinct challenges: developmental timing conflicts with insurance processes, technology-resource mismatches at discharge, and care fragmentation across subspecialties. Panelists facilitate interactive discussion on practical strategies to identify and address these barriers. Attendees will gain actionable approaches to optimize outcomes for complex pediatric patients and their families.

Learning Objectives:

Identify system-level barriers—including developmental timing conflicts, resource mismatches, and care fragmentation—that compromise outcomes in pediatric otolaryngology despite successful intervention.
Analyze how social determinants of health influence surgical decision-making, discharge planning, and follow-up adherence in pediatric patients and their families.
Apply practical strategies to mitigate care-delivery barriers, including care-coordination techniques and family-centered approaches to system navigation.