In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, talks with Jason Acevedo, MD, MBA, Academy member in private practice in Abilene, Texas, and President of West Texas Health. The two discuss the evolution of practice, ecosystems for patient care, and Dr. Acevedo's own journey in practice from military to hospital-based to single specialty and now multispecialty. They discussed how finding space for advocacy and the Academy is an important part of any otolaryngologist's portfolio, as well as finding ways for residents to explore practice options to find what is most fitting for them individually. 

Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, sits down with Albert L. Merati, MD, AAO-HNS/F Past President and current Chair of the Awards Committee, during the November 2024 SUO/AADO/OPDO Meeting to discuss Academy priorities like medical student initiatives, Reg-ent, and specialty unity. Let's jump right in to learn more about Dr. Merati's focused efforts to normalize the path in otolaryngology and respecting all pathways to patient care in the specialty. 

Helpful Resource:

• Workforce Survey Report: https://www.entnet.org/business-of-medicine/workforce-survey/ 

Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, sits down with Sonya Malekzadeh, MD, leader of the AAO-HNSF Otolaryngology Core Curriculum Editorial Board, Past Board member, Past Coordinator of Education, and Past Women in Otolaryngology Section Chair, during the November 2024 SUO/AADO/OPDO Meeting to discuss Dr. Malekzadeh's multi parallel paths in the Academy and her tenacity to see a need and fill it with engagement and leadership.  

Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, spent some time in the field with AAO-HNS/F Board member Marc Dubin, MD, at his practice in Baltimore, Maryland, The Centers for Advanced ENT Care, discussing the journey and evolution of private practice and patient care in today's healthcare climate.  Dr. Dubin has evolved his practice, those of his 17 colleagues' practices, and since 2023, has been strategically aligned with ENT Specialty Partners. Engage in the discussion, listen/watch now, and look for more on this topic at the 2025 OTO Forum. 

Join the conversation on ENT Connect: https://entconnect.entnet.org/home 

AAO-HNS/F President Troy D. Woodard, MD, joins AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, for this Voices of Otolaryngology episode, which was recorded during Dr. Woodard's visit to Academy headquarters on December 10, 2024. Dr. Woodard shares his personal journey to otolaryngology; insight into his practice at Cleveland Clinic; his philosophical approach to balance, inclusion, mentorship, and wellness; why the Academy plays an essential role in the success of our specialty; the process for the upcoming strategic plan update; and so much more!

Helpful Resources:

• Scroll to the bottom of the BOG webpage to access the Legislative Affairs Toolkit and other resources: https://www.entnet.org/get-involved/board-of-governors/

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.

Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, is joined by Cristina M. Baldassari, MD, Board of Governors (BOG) Chair, Lance A. Manning, MD, AAO-HNS Advocacy Coordinator, Eileen M. Raynor, MD, BOG Legislative Affairs Committee Chair, and Matthew D. Scarlett, MD, ENT PAC Chair, to discuss the vital role that advocacy plays in the Academy to support members in their practice and patient care. The group also talks about the crucial need for more member involvement in strengthening the voice of otolaryngology and how individuals can get engaged and make a difference.

Helpful Resources:

• BOG State Society Contacts Map: www.entnet.org/get-involved/board-of-governors/bog-state-society-contacts-map 
• Project 535 (AAO-HNS member login required): https://myspecialty.entnet.org/AAOHNS/Project-535/Project-535.aspx

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.

Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, travels to Albany ENT & Allergy Services in Albany, New York, to visit with AAO-HNS/F Past President Gavin Setzen, MD, and learn more about the unique model of care that serves the patient population in Albany. Dr. Setzen shares pearls and opportunities for practice success and how the Academy plays a role in that at all stages of one's career. 

Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, talks with Shreya Mandava, MD, PGY1 Resident at the University of Michigan, about how she has found a passion for advocacy in her journey to otolaryngology. Dr. Mandava is the AAO-HNS Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training delegate to the American Medical Association House of Delegates.

The new Voices of Otolaryngology with Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, podcast series is here to bring you exciting conversations and fresh perspectives from the individuals who comprise the depth and breadth of the specialty. Hosted by AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, this dynamic series takes a deep dive into the stories, goals, and innovations that are both impacting the current state of affairs in the house of medicine as well as shaping the future of the global otolaryngology community. 

In this first episode, Dr. Shah is joined by the chairs of the Academy Sections: Annette M. Pham, MD, Chair of the Otolaryngology Private Practice Section (OPPS), Valerie A. Flanary, MD, Chair of the Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section, Mark A. Fadel, MD, JD, Chair of the Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF), and James C. Wang, MD, PhD, Chair of the Young Physicians Section (YPS). Together, they share their bold visions, the challenges they’re eager to tackle, and the unique experiences they’re bringing to the table. 

AAO-HNS/F At-Large Director Gene Brown, MD, RPh, AAO-HNS/F A explains the main elements of the Prior Authorization Final Rule and how it will help physicians handle prior authorization admin faster, provide more transparency, and improve patient care.