Only 7–10% of patients who qualify for cochlear implants actually receive one. Why are so many older adults missing out on life-changing hearing care? In this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, guest hosts Dr. Joe Walter Kutz and Dr. Brandon Isaacson are joined by Dr. Cameron Wick of University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center to discuss cochlear implantation in the elderly population.

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SYNPOSIS

The doctors explore common barriers to cochlear implantation, persistently low referral rates, and the substantial benefits these devices can offer older adults. Dr. Wick shares insights from his recent study on patients in their 80s and 90s, highlighting meaningful improvements in speech perception and overall quality of life. The conversation also addresses surgical considerations, postoperative care, the importance of timely intervention, and updated Medicare guidelines.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:52 - Risks and Benefits of CI in Older Adults
11:57 - Handling Anticoagulation During CI Surgery
13:59 - Post-Surgery Expectations and Balance Issues
16:35 - Next Day Activation and Surgical Considerations
19:17 - Assessing Patient Suitability for Cochlear Implants
22:45 - Setting Patient Expectations for Cochlear Implants
23:39 - Barriers to Cochlear Implant Access
28:07 - Importance of Early Identification and Referral
31:47 - Postoperative Rehabilitation and Patient Support
39:30 - Concluding Thoughts and Acknowledgements

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RESOURCES

J. Walter Kutz, M.D.
https://utswmed.org/doctors/joe-kutz/

Brandon Isaacson, M.D.
https://utswmed.org/doctors/brandon-isaacson/

Cameron Wick, MD
https://www.uhhospitals.org/doctors/Wick-Cameron-1063737799

At what point does a “routine” sinus or ear infection become a warning sign of immunodeficiency? In this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, board-certified allergist-immunologist Dr. Basil Kahwash explores the intersection of immunodeficiency and otolaryngology with Dr. Lauren Gunderman, a pediatric immunologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Learn why ENTs should remain vigilant for underlying immune disorders, and how to manage suspected immunodeficiency.

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SYNPOSIS

The conversation reviews common signs and symptoms of immunodeficiency, key elements of the diagnostic workup, and when ENT physicians should consider referral to immunology. Dr. Kahwash and Dr. Gunderman discuss the role of family history and genetics, as well as current management strategies, including antibiotic use, immunoglobulin replacement therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Throughout the episode, Dr. Gunderman emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between otolaryngologists and immunologists to improve outcomes for patients with recurrent or severe infections.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:45 - Understanding Immunodeficiency in ENT
08:20 - Common Immunodeficiencies and Indicators
11:02 - Basic Immunology Refresher
22:13 - Initial Diagnostic Workup
25:05 - Challenges in Allergy and Immunology Testing
27:57 - When to Refer to an Immunologist
34:01 - Antibiotic Stewardship in Immunodeficient Patients
46:07 - Advances in Diagnosing Immunodeficiency
50:31 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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RESOURCES

Lauren Michelle Gunderman, MD
https://www.seattlechildrens.org/directory/lauren-michelle-gunderman/

Can one surgical approach reduce postoperative bleeding, shorten recovery, and save hundreds of dollars per case? In this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, Dr. Stephen Chorney, pediatric otolaryngologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, joins hosts Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Gopi Shah to discuss the benefits and techniques of coblation intracapsular tonsillectomy. Drawing from his extensive clinical experience and findings from his recent Triological thesis, Dr. Chorney reviews the cost effectiveness of coblation intracapsular tonsillectomy compared to traditional extracapsular approaches.

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This podcast is supported by:

Smith+Nephew

https://www.smith-nephew.com/en-us/health-care-professionals/products/ear-nose-and-throat/coblation-technology-for-adenotonsillectomy#overview

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SYNPOSIS

The conversation highlights key advantages of coblation intracapsular tonsillectomy, including lower postoperative bleeding rates, reduced pain, faster recovery, and meaningful economic benefits. Dr. Chorney also shares practical pearls on surgical technique with coblation, equipment settings, and postoperative care, making this episode a valuable resource for surgeons considering or already performing intracapsular tonsillectomy.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
03:34 - Intracapsular Tonsillectomy: Training and Adoption
08:46 - Patient Selection and Surgical Techniques
15:50 - Postoperative Care and Pain Management
37:26 - Understanding Post-Workout Pain and Recovery
38:13 - Comparing Surgical Tools: Microdebrider vs. Coblator
38:54 - Visual Cues and Techniques in Tonsillectomy
39:22 - Challenges and Solutions in Tonsillectomy Procedures
46:37 - Case Studies and Video Demonstrations
56:12 - Cost-Effectiveness of Intracapsular Tonsillectomy
01:07:19 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

Dr. Stephen Chorney
https://utswmed.org/doctors/stephen-chorney/

Trio Thesis
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lary.32448

When allergy meds aren’t enough, how do you choose the form of immunotherapy that will work best for your patient? Board-certified allergist-immunologist Dr. Nikhila Schroeder and host Dr. Basil Kahwash answer that question and more in this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Schroeder shares her path from an engineering background to becoming a board-certified pediatric and adult allergist-immunologist, offering insight into how that perspective shapes her approach to patient care. The discussion focuses on the nuances of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) versus subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), including administration, efficacy, safety, and patient adherence challenges. They also explore how immunotherapy can modulate the immune system and provide long-term symptom relief. Dr. Schroeder concludes by sharing her vision for the future of allergy immunotherapy, highlighting the accessibility and growing potential of SLIT. This episode offers ENT specialists a practical overview of why understanding and integrating allergy-immunotherapy can benefit both their practice and their patients.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
05:01 - History and Evolution of Immunotherapy
10:36 - Mechanisms of Immunotherapy
14:59 - Subcutaneous Immunotherapy: Process and Benefits
19:52 - Sublingual Immunotherapy: Process and Benefits
27:56 - Comparing Subcutaneous and Sublingual Immunotherapy
34:14 - Efficacy Comparison: Allergy Shots vs. SLIT
39:51 - Patient Adherence and Treatment Choices
41:58 - Contraindications for Allergy Immunotherapy
48:58 - Long-term Benefits of Immunotherapy
59:26 - Key Takeaways for ENT Professionals

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RESOURCES

Dr. Nikhila Schroeder
https://allergenuityhealth.com/about-us/

Think beyond the esophagus. Up to 75% of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients have ENT-relevant atopic disease that is often best managed with a multidisciplinary approach. Get caught up on best practices in EoE diagnosis and treatment with this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, featuring dual board-certified gastroenterologist and allergist-immunologist Dr. John Leung and host Dr. Basil Kahwash.

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SYNPOSIS

The discussion covers the definition, symptoms, and diagnosis of EoE, highlighting the role of food and environmental allergies. Dr. Leung and Dr. Kahwash cover diagnostic techniques like endoscopy and emerging non-invasive methods, as well as various treatment options including dietary modifications, pharmacology, and biologics. The doctors also emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between gastroenterologists, allergists, and otolaryngologists to provide optimal care for patients with EoE.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
03:13 - Understanding Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
05:45 - EoE Symptoms and Diagnosis
08:41 - Role of ENT in EoE Diagnosis
11:32 - Diagnostic Criteria for EoE
16:34 - Treatment Options for EoE
20:55 - Role of Allergists and Environmental Allergies
23:24 - Pharmacological Management of EoE
29:38 - Complications and Risks of EoE
36:21 - Follow-Up Endoscopies and Surveillance
40:34 - Future Directions in EoE Management
45:21 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

Dr. John Leung
https://www.bostonspecialists.org/dr-leung-full-profile

The best approach to sinus surgery is the one tailored to the patient in front of you. In this episode of the BackTable ENT podcast, guest host Dr. Satyan Sreenath, rhinologist and Assistant Professor at Indiana University, and Dr. Dennis Tang, rhinologist and Assistant Professor at Cedars-Sinai, discuss advanced surgical techniques and post-operative management strategies in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).

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SYNPOSIS

The conversation covers the latest practices in intraoperative maneuvers, the use of bioabsorbable materials, and the contentious topic of middle turbinate resections. They review patient cases, surgical approaches, and provide insights into optimizing patient outcomes. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of individualized care tailored to specific chronic sinusitis phenotypes and patient-specific factors.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
03:28 - Case Study #1: CRSsNP with Nasal Congestion
04:59 - Factors Influencing Minimal vs. Maximal Surgery
14:23 - Case Study #2: Severe Nasal Polyposis
27:56 - Debating the Use of Packing in Sinus Surgery
40:24 - Scrutinizing Overhead Costs in Patient Care
42:45 - FESS Postoperative Care
43:54 - Evolving Biomaterials in Sinus Surgery
49:46 - The Debate on Middle Turbinectomy
50:46 - Middle Turbinate Management Strategies
01:13:17 - Concluding Thoughts on Surgical Practices

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RESOURCES

Dr. Satyan Sreenath
https://iuhealth.org/find-providers/provider/satyan-b-sreenath-md-1821999

Dr. Dennis Tang
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/provider/dennis-tang-3316614.html

When should an antibiotic allergy actually be tested? In this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, guest host Dr. Basil Kahwash, an allergist and immunologist at Ohio ENT & Allergy, sits down with Dr. Cosby Stone, an allergist and immunologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, to discuss antibiotic allergies and how to distinguish true allergies from intolerances.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Stone breaks down common misconceptions around antibiotic allergies, with a focus on penicillin and cephalosporins. The conversation explores how these allergies are evaluated, including when skin testing is appropriate, why inaccurate allergy labels matter, and how confirmed allergies should be managed long term. They also dive into more advanced topics such as drug desensitization, current research in the field, and where the future of drug allergy evaluation is headed.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
01:03 - Understanding Antibiotic Allergies
07:28 - The Importance of Accurate Allergy Diagnosis
10:55 - Key Questions for Diagnosing Allergies
17:10 - Implementing Allergy Testing in Healthcare Settings
19:06 - Identifying Severe Allergic Reactions
26:31 - Interpreting Allergy Skin Testing Procedures
33:17 - Penicillin and Cephalosporin Cross-Reactivity
37:15 - Drug Desensitization: Indications and Process
40:30 - Prognosis and Long-Term Outcomes of Drug Allergies
47:22 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

Dr. Basil Kahwash
https://www.ohioentandallergy.com/physicians/basil-kahwash-md/

Dr. Cosby Stone
https://www.vanderbilthealth.com/doctors/stone-cosby

“This is the kind of conversation I wish I heard earlier in training.” If you’re thinking about private practice at all, you’ll want to hear this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast. Private practice otolaryngologist Dr. Caleb Masterson joins host Dr. Ashley Agan for a conversation about what modern ENT private practice can look like when autonomy, leadership, and patient experience take priority.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Masterson shares his journey from academic medicine to establishing his own private practice, highlighting his motivations for seeking autonomy and the challenges he faced. The discussion covers the importance of creating a patient-centered experience, innovating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significance of developing strong leadership within a practice. Dr. Masterson also shares his entrepreneurial ventures, including the creation of a coffee shop within his clinic and the development of an allergy engagement mobile app to enhance patient care.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
01:40 - Journey to Private Practice
06:36 - COVID-19 Impact and Adaptation
09:37 - Building a Successful Team
16:37 - Financial Strategies in Private Practice
27:59 - Creating an Exceptional Patient Experience
30:05 - Community Involvement and Unexpected Outcomes
39:53 - The Importance of Autonomy in Healthcare
48:41 - Developing Resources for Healthcare Providers
51:17 - Innovations in Patient Experience

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RESOURCES

Dr. Caleb Masterson
https://www.bnbsinusandallergy.com/team-members/caleb-masterson

How can your clinical experience translate into industry leadership? In this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, otolaryngologist Dr. Karen Hoffmann at Piedmont ENT in Atlanta joins hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan to discuss the many opportunities for industry involvement within otolaryngology.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Hoffmann shares her extensive experience in otology and rhinology, highlighting her involvement in clinical trials, public speaking, and industry collaborations. The discussion focuses on the vast opportunities available for ENTs in industry, addressing how clinical experience can translate into meaningful contributions beyond traditional practice. Dr. Hoffmann offers insights on balancing clinical practice with industry work, the importance of gender diversity in advancing medical tools and practices, and the potential for future innovations in ENT driven by women in the field.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:31 - Opportunities for ENTs in Industry
08:43 - Balancing Career and Family
16:39 - Navigating Industry Partnerships
21:39 - Addressing Criticism in Medicine
25:09 - Getting Started with Clinical Trials in Private Practice
28:57 - The Role of Mentorship and Networking
36:13 - The Importance of Women in Medicine
42:10 - Future Opportunities for Women in ENT

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RESOURCES

Dr. Karen Hoffmann
https://www.piedent.com/about-us/providers/karen-hoffmann

Ever wondered what a high-powered healthcare executive thinks physicians should know about money, leadership, and career longevity? This episode of BackTable ENT features an especially engaging conversation with Bob Glazer, a recently retired healthcare executive, who shares his wisdom on achieving financial and personal abundance with guest host Dr. Ayesha Khalid.

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SYNPOSIS

The discussion covers Bob’s extensive career in healthcare administration to key financial strategies for otolaryngologists, including tax planning and long-term financial management. Mr. Glazer emphasizes the importance of balancing career ambitions with personal life, planning for different stages of one's professional journey, and exploring entrepreneurial ventures. With practical advice on leadership, maintaining work-life balance, and continuous self-improvement, Mr. Glazer offers invaluable guidance for both young practitioners and seasoned professionals in healthcare.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:53 - The Importance of Tax Planning for Physicians
06:50 - Navigating Early Career Financial Decisions
11:40 - Building a Strong Professional Reputation
14:51 - The Seven-Year Itch: Seeking New Challenges
23:59 - Understanding Risk Tolerance
26:25 - Balancing Work and Life as an Otolaryngologist
29:37 - Retirement and Rediscovering Hobbies
32:36 - Leading Yourself and Crafting Your Life
35:37 - Data-Driven Leadership and Career Advice
38:43 - Final Takeaways

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RESOURCES

Robert Glazer
https://www.askascent.com/page/RobertGlazerbio