In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Dr. Rahul Shah sits down with Nora W. Perkins, MD, a private practice otolaryngologist with Albany ENT & Allergy Services, in New York, and liaison for advanced practice providers (APPs) in her group. Dr. Perkins shares how her practice grew from a single APP in the early 2000s to more than 20 today, creating a thriving model for expanding patient access, reducing physician burden, and maintaining high-quality care. Dr. Perkins walks listeners through her group’s 24-week onboarding and training program, including eight to ten weeks of shadowing, structured educational resources, and gradual ramp-up to independent practice. She explains how her team balances APP autonomy with strong physician collaboration and fosters a culture where both physicians and APPs thrive without competing for patients. The discussion also highlights strategies for building a collegial culture, retaining providers, and ensuring quality through oversight, education, and procedural training. Whether you’re a practice leader, a physician exploring APP integration, or an APP considering otolaryngology, this episode provides a practical, experience-driven roadmap for success.

Voices of Otolaryngology host, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO, talks with David M. Yen, MD, about his practice, Specialty Physician Associates in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has established a fully accredited residency program. The two discuss how the hybrid private-academic model represents the future of the specialty and how their program uniquely prepares residents to provide exceptional ENT care in community settings across the U.S. The conversation also explores the benefits and challenges of balancing education, workforce needs, patient care, and innovation. Whether you’re a practicing otolaryngologist, a trainee considering your career path, or a physician leader navigating the business of medicine, this episode offers insights into the evolving landscape of otolaryngology and the power of embracing flexibility in training and practice.

 Resources: 

2023 Otolaryngology Workforce Report

https://www.entnet.org/business-of-medicine/workforce-survey/ 

"Privademics," published in the AAO-HNS Bulletin January 2024, authored by Dr. Yen: 

https://bulletin.entnet.org/business-of-medicine-practice-management/article/22884170/privademics 

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Dr. Rahul Shah sits down with Douglas D. Backous, MD, neurotologist, Immediate Past President of the AAO-HNS/F, and longtime leader in advancing specialty care. Dr. Backous reflects on his diverse career—from academic medicine and private practice to advocacy and international engagement—and how those experiences shape his vision for the future of otolaryngology. He shares lessons learned from leadership roles, including building bridges between clinicians, policymakers, and industry, and his efforts to improve patient access, workforce development, and innovation adoption. The conversation spans everything from Medicare reimbursement challenges to the importance of social trust, the rise of women in the field, and how the Academy can act as a neutral platform for technological advancement and global collaboration. Listeners will gain valuable perspective on the evolving opportunities and challenges facing otolaryngology, and how the Academy is working to ensure the specialty continues to thrive for both practitioners and patients.

Resources:

• Donate to the ENT PAC: https://donation.edonation.com/entpac/website/donate 
• Become a Reg-ent Participant: https://www.reg-ent.org 
• Women in Otolaryngology Section (WIO): https://www.entnet.org/wio/ 

More Ways to Listen:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-otolaryngology/id1506655333  

Connect to the AAO-HNS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaohns 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/AAOHNS 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAOHNS 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-academy-of-otolaryngology/ 
• Website: https://www.entnet.org 

Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https://www.otostore.org 

Help Us Improve Future Episodes: Share your feedback and topic suggestions at https://forms.office.com/r/0XpA83XNBQ 

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.

Join host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, as he chats with Maria V. Suurna, MD, AAO-HNSF Coordinator for International Affairs, about her journey from Estonia to leading global ENT initiatives. From quarterly Global Grand Rounds to joint meetings spanning continents, Dr. Suurna reveals how the Academy is strengthening international partnerships and expanding access to otolaryngology education worldwide. 

Resources:

• Global Grand Rounds: www.entnet.org/ggr 
• AAO-HNSF Volunteer Faculty Application Form: https://forms.office.com/r/BiSufuTCUk 

More Ways to Listen:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-otolaryngology/id1506655333  

Connect the AAO-HNS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaohns 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/AAOHNS 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAOHNS 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-academy-of-otolaryngology/ 
• Website: https://www.entnet.org 

Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https://www.otostore.org 

Help Us Improve Future Episodes: Share your feedback and topic suggestions at https://forms.office.com/r/0XpA83XNBQ 

Subscribe to Voices of Otolaryngology for more insights from leading voices in ENT. New episodes released every Tuesday.

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, talks with Amanda Dilger, MD, and Neelima Tummala, MD, about practical sustainability strategies that otolaryngologists can implement to reduce environmental impact while maintaining excellent patient care and achieving significant cost savings.

Resources:

• Reducing Glove Overuse in Outpatient Specialty Clinics: Cost Reduction and Environmental Benefit: https://aao-hnsfjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oto2.70103 

More Ways to Listen:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-otolaryngology/id1506655333  

Connect the AAO-HNS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaohns 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/AAOHNS 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAOHNS 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-academy-of-otolaryngology/ 
• Website: https://www.entnet.org 

Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https://www.otostore.org 

Help Us Improve Future Episodes: Share your feedback and topic suggestions at https://forms.office.com/r/0XpA83XNBQ 

Subscribe to Voices of Otolaryngology for more insights from leading voices in ENT. New episodes released every Tuesday.

Join Kayla Hicks, MD, and Harry DeCabo, AAO-HNS Director for Advocacy, for an essential discussion on advocacy in otolaryngology, exploring why physician and resident engagement in healthcare policy has never been more critical. This episode breaks down the key legislative priorities affecting otolaryngologists and their patients, with a special emphasis on why residents must be active participants in shaping their professional future. Whether you're a resident feeling unsure about advocacy or an established physician wanting to make a difference, this episode demonstrates how otolaryngologists can effectively bridge clinical expertise with legislative decision-making to ensure policies truly serve patients and physicians alike.

Resources:

• ENT Advocacy Network: https://www.entnet.org/the-ent-advocacy-network/ 
• Project 535: https://www.entnet.org/project535 
• State Tracker Program: https://www.entnet.org/state-trackers 
• ENT PAC: https://www.entpac.org 

More Ways to Listen:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-otolaryngology/id1506655333  

Connect the AAO-HNS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaohns 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/AAOHNS 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAOHNS 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-academy-of-otolaryngology/ 
• Website: https://www.entnet.org 

Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https://www.otostore.org 

Help Us Improve Future Episodes: Share your feedback and topic suggestions at https://forms.office.com/r/0XpA83XNBQ 

Subscribe to Voices of Otolaryngology for more insights from leading voices in ENT. New episodes released every Tuesday.

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.

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO, talks with AJ "Workforce" Tompkins, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Board member from Ohio ENT & Allergy about critical insights from the latest otolaryngology workforce survey. They discuss the dramatic rise in Advanced Practice Provider utilization, growing urban concentration of specialists, and compensation realities across different practice settings. Dr. Tompkins shares how workforce data helps with benchmarking, salary negotiations, and strategic decision-making, while highlighting the disconnect between resident expectations and market conditions. The conversation emphasizes the vital importance of Academy member participation in upcoming surveys planned for 2025 and 2026 to ensure accurate, actionable data that strengthens the specialty's future.

Helpful Resources:

• Otolaryngology Workforce Survey: www.entnet.org/workforce 

More Ways to Listen:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-otolaryngology/id1506655333  

Connect the AAO-HNS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaohns 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/AAOHNS 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAOHNS 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-academy-of-otolaryngology/ 
• Website: https://www.entnet.org 

Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https://www.otostore.org 

This episode is sponsored by Inspire Medical Systems - For more information and medical education resources, visit: https://bit.ly/InspireAAO

Help Us Improve Future Episodes: Share your feedback and topic suggestions at https://forms.office.com/r/0XpA83XNBQ 

Subscribe to Voices of Otolaryngology for more insights from leading voices in ENT. New episodes released every Tuesday.

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Jeffrey S. Weingarten, MD, shares insights on creating a thriving otolaryngology practice that serves as a true "one-stop shop" for ENT care. Learn how his Detroit-area practice successfully integrates 11 physicians, 17 audiologists, and specially trained staff across six locations. Dr. Weingarten discusses the innovative Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel (CPOP), which trains "OTO Techs" to perform hearing tests, maximizing efficiency while allowing audiologists to work at the top of their license. Discover the benefits of team-based care, billing approaches, operational strategies, and how similar models can be implemented in other practices. The conversation with Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, offers valuable insights on enhancing patient care while building a sustainable practice model. 

Resources:

• Certificate Program of Otolaryngology Personnel: https://www.entnet.org/event/aao-hnsf-certificate-program-for-otolaryngology-personnel-cpop-workshop/
• Clinical Practice Guidelines: https://www.entnet.org/cpg/
• Optimizing Audiology and Hearing Aid Ancillaries: https://bulletin.entnet.org/professional-personal-development/article/22909473/optimizing-audiology-and-hearing-aid-ancillaries 

More Ways to Listen:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-otolaryngology/id1506655333  

Connect the AAO-HNS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaohns 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/AAOHNS 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAOHNS 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-academy-of-otolaryngology/ 
• Website: https://www.entnet.org 

Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https://www.otostore.org 

Help Us Improve Future Episodes: Share your feedback and topic suggestions at https://forms.office.com/r/0XpA83XNBQ 

Subscribe to Voices of Otolaryngology for more insights from leading voices in ENT. New episodes released every Tuesday.

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Maie St. John, MD, PhD, the Thomas A. Calcaterra, MD Endowed Chair at UCLA's Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, shares her extraordinary journey from a pivotal childhood moment in Egypt to becoming a world-renowned surgeon-scientist. Learn how she developed innovative intraoperative cancer detection systems and polymer delivery technologies that are transforming precision surgery. Discover her strategies for successful grant writing, building multidisciplinary cancer care teams, and leading UCLA's otolaryngology department to its historic #1 national ranking. She reveals insights on the surgeon-scientist model, saying "yes" to opportunities, and her philosophy of "transformational translational impact for patients." The conversation with Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, explores her vision for AI-driven personalized medicine and offers invaluable guidance for trainees and faculty pursuing research careers while maintaining clinical excellence.

More Ways to Listen:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-otolaryngology/id1506655333  

Connect the AAO-HNS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaohns 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/AAOHNS 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAOHNS 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-academy-of-otolaryngology/ 
• Website: https://www.entnet.org 

Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https://www.otostore.org 

Help Us Improve Future Episodes: Share your feedback and topic suggestions at https://forms.office.com/r/0XpA83XNBQ 

Subscribe to Voices of Otolaryngology for more insights from leading voices in ENT. New episodes released every Tuesday.

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, talks with Willard C. Harrill, MD, and David E. Melon, MD, in a conversation exploring succession planning and private practice evolution in otolaryngology. They share insights on leadership transition, building sustainable practice models, and navigating the shift to value-based care. The discussion covers recruitment strategies, practice diversification, and the unique challenges facing medium-sized ENT groups. They offer valuable guidance on dynamic scheduling, community engagement, and maintaining competitive advantage while transitioning from traditional fee-for-service models to comprehensive, coordinated patient care approaches. 

Helpful Resources:

• Get Involved with OPPS: https://www.entnet.org/opps 
• Collaborate on ENT Connect: https://entconnect.entnet.org/home 
• Learn more about our Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO: https://www.entnet.org/events/annual-meeting/ 
• AAO-HNS Business of Medicine: https://www.entnet.org/business-of-medicine/ 

More Ways to Listen:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-otolaryngology/id1506655333  

Connect the AAO-HNS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaohns 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/AAOHNS 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAOHNS 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-academy-of-otolaryngology/ 
• Website: https://www.entnet.org 

Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https://www.otostore.org 

Help Us Improve Future Episodes: Share your feedback and topic suggestions at https://forms.office.com/r/0XpA83XNBQ 

Subscribe to Voices of Otolaryngology for more insights from leading voices in ENT. New episodes released every Tuesday.