Crucial Conversations

For the third year in a row, Albert L. Merati, MD, will moderate the Crucial Conversations panel, “Addressing Unintended Consequences of Otolaryngology Training Programs on the Workforce and the Specialty as a Whole.” Joining Dr. Merati will be AAO-HNS/F President-Elect Gene G. Brown III MD, RPh, Andrew J. Tompkins, MD, MBA, Sarah N. Bowe, MD, EdM, and Mark E. Whipple, MD, MS.

Academic otolaryngology training programs play a pivotal role in shaping the specialty and the health of the communities we serve. Residency selection has long-term consequences, yet there is no unifying oversight of how collective selection practices affect the national workforce, despite the majority of training being federally funded. At the same time, the nation faces growing gaps in access to specialty care, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

One question that we will focus on is this: if the public pays to train otolaryngologists, why aren’t we prioritizing choosing residents to meet the public’s needs? What kind of specialty are we building if our newest members feel they must hide who they are?”

Otolaryngologists at all career levels will benefit from this high-impact, far-reaching session. With an uncertain future for the otolaryngology workforce and medicine at large, this panel will examine the intersection of workforce needs, residency selection practices, and the shared mission of academic programs: to ensure equitable, high-quality care for all patients and communities.

Engage with the panelists as they dive deep into trainee and workforce concerns about the consequences of limited exposure to all careers in otolaryngology training programs. Provocative and practical solutions will be discussed, with audience participation encouraged.