In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS EVP and CEO, talks with Matthew D. Scarlett, MD, a private practice otolaryngologist in Charleston, South Carolina, and current Chair of the Academy’s ENT Political Action Committee (PAC) Board. Dr. Scarlett breaks down how ENT PAC amplifies the voices of otolaryngologists on Capitol Hill, from securing meetings with lawmakers to advancing bills on prior authorization reform, Medicare reimbursement, and newborn CMV screening. Dr. Scarlett shares his personal journey into advocacy—sparked by frustration with barriers to patient care—and explains how ENT PAC strategically supports bipartisan lawmakers who can make a difference for physicians. The discussion highlights how the PAC Board prioritizes issues, the importance of member participation, and how easy actions like responding to “Act Now” alerts can significantly impact legislative outcomes. Whether you’re a seasoned ENT or a trainee new to advocacy, this episode demystifies ENT PAC, encourages engagement, and shows how collective action strengthens the specialty’s voice in Washington, DC. 

Resources: 

• AAO-HNS Federal Legislative Advocacy: https://www.entnet.org/advocacy/federal-legislative-advocacy/
• Project 535: https://myspecialty.entnet.org/AAOHNS/Project-535/Project-535.aspx
• Donate to the ENT PAC: https://donation.edonation.com/entpac/website/donate 

Note: Contributions to ENT PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery have the right to refuse to contribution without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ENT PAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ENT PAC may use your contribution only to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ENT PAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ENT PAC, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ENT PAC use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. ENT PAC is a program of the AAO-HNS which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code.