In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Tammara Watts, surgeon-scientist at Duke University, sits down with host Dr. Gopi Shah to discuss two exciting scholarship opportunities for medical students available through the American Head & Neck Society (AHNS).

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SHOW NOTES

Fewer than 5% of practicing otolaryngologists identify as members of underrepresented minority groups (URM), and these scholarships directly address that disparity. Gopi and Tammara then transition to discussing the importance of diversity in otolaryngology more broadly.

First, Tammara expounds on what is gained by having a workforce that includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Through the Dr. Eddie Méndez Research Fellowship and the Myers’ Family Summer Fellowship, AHNS provides unique opportunities for aspiring otolaryngologists who identify as URM to connect with future colleagues. The Research Fellowship provides $10,000 to a medical student interested in spending one year immersed in otolaryngology research. It is unique in that AHNS provides a list of mentors (with bio-sketches) that interested applicants can connect with to formulate a research plan before applying. The Myers’ Family Summer Fellowship financially supports a rising MS2 or MS3 student to gain exposure in Head & Neck Surgery.

Next, Tammara offers tips on cultivating successful mentor-mentee relationships, emphasizing that mentors enjoy supporting their future colleagues, and that it is easier to do so when the mentee takes initiative. Finally, Tammara shares her philosophy regarding DEI. Though otolaryngologic patients come from all walks of life, their surgeons can’t always conceptualize how their experiences influence their care. By supporting URM students interested in ENT, she (along with her AHNS colleagues) are helping create a workforce that can better understand and heal.

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RESOURCES

AHNS’s Dr. Eddie Méndez Fellowship:

https://www.ahns.info/dr-eddie-mendez-research-fellowship/

AHNS’s Myers’ Family Summer Fellowship in Otolaryngology:

https://www.ahns.info/myers-summer-fellowship/

Dr. Tammara Watts MD, PhD’s Duke University Profile:

https://headnecksurgery.duke.edu/profile/tammara-lynn-watts