Join host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS EVP and CEO, for a historic conversation with two pioneers of surgical sleep medicine, Kathleen Yaremchuk, MD, MSA and B. Tucker Woodson, MD. Both were at Henry Ford Health in the early 1980s—the epicenter of American surgical sleep medicine—where they witnessed the birth of modern sleep apnea treatment.

In this episode, discover how sleep apnea went from an unrecognized condition treated only with tracheotomy to a field with multiple treatment modalities. Dr. Yaremchuk and Dr. Woodson share firsthand accounts of working with Dr. Shiro Fujita as he adapted a Japanese snoring procedure into the groundbreaking UPPP surgery, trace the evolution from skeletal and soft tissue surgeries to neuromodulation with Inspire therapy, and discuss the newest frontier: pharmaceutical treatments including GLP-1 medications.

This conversation spans four decades of innovation and offers a rare glimpse into the future of otolaryngology's continued role in sleep medicine.

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.

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, sits down with Douglas D. Reh, MD, a fellowship-trained rhinologist and former academic leader at Johns Hopkins, who now practices as part of ENT Specialty Partners. Dr. Reh reflects on his journey from academia to private practice, exploring how subspecialists can succeed outside academic institutions while still meeting the broad needs of their communities. The conversation covers Dr. Reh’s experience building a thriving rhinology-focused practice, the challenges and strategies for balancing general otolaryngology with subspecialty work, and insights from his panel, which was held at the AAO-HNS/F 2025 OTO Forum, on subspecialty care in private practice. They discuss workforce considerations, referral-building strategies, evolving training pathways, and how to ensure new otolaryngologists understand both the clinical and business aspects of community practice. Dr. Reh also shares personal lessons on mentorship, risk-taking, and professional growth, including his advice for early-career otolaryngologists seeking to shape their futures in today’s changing healthcare landscape.

Resources: 

• 2023 Otolaryngology Workforce Report: https://www.entnet.org/business-of-medicine/workforce-survey/ 
• ENT Specialty Partners - https://www.entspecialtypartners.com/
• Centers for Advanced ENT Care (CAdENT) - https://www.cadentcare.com/

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, talks with Karen A. Rizzo, MD, a seasoned private practice otolaryngologist and past president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Rizzo, who is also Past Chair of the AAO-HNS Board of Governors, shares her journey from being encouraged by a mentor during residency to representing otolaryngology at the state level and eventually becoming the first otolaryngologist—and only the fifth woman—to lead the nation’s oldest state medical society. Dr. Rizzo offers candid insights into why advocacy matters, how to get involved even when it feels intimidating, and the strategies she uses to build relationships with legislators and community leaders. The discussion covers her experiences testifying on scope-of-practice issues, the role of county and state medical societies, and how physicians can start with simple steps like joining local organizations or hosting legislators to make a difference. For otolaryngologists at any career stage, this episode provides an empowering look at how engagement in advocacy not only protects the specialty but also strengthens patient care and professional satisfaction.

Resources:

• AAO-HNS State Legislative Advocacy: https://www.entnet.org/advocacy/state-legislative-advocacy/ 
• Donate to the ENT PAC: https://donation.edonation.com/entpac/website/donate 

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 

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, host Rahul Shah, MD, MBA, talks with Srinivas R. Kaza, MD, a veteran otolaryngologist from Rochester, New York, who leads by example when it comes to creative, resourceful practice growth through  marketing and reputation management. Dr. Kaza explains how his group leverages word-of-mouth, Google reviews, patient feedback, and targeted outreach to referring doctors. Dr. Kaza breaks down lessons from his panel presentation at the 2025 AAO-HNS/F OTO Forum on how practices can tailor their marketing strategies based on budget, market size, and local needs.  Listeners will also hear tips on handling negative reviews, building loyalty through authentic engagement, and why focusing on the Four A’s—affability, availability, accountability, and ability—creates a lasting flywheel of growth.

In this compelling episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul Shah, MD, MBA, talks with G. Lee Bryant, Jr., MD, a veteran private practice otolaryngologist based in Nashville and an innovator in in-office procedures. Dr. Bryant recounts his extraordinary personal journey as a melanoma survivor, including the self-biopsy that saved his life, and how that experience reshaped his approach to patient care. Beyond his survival story, Dr. Bryant shares how he and his colleagues pioneered in-office rhinology and sinus surgery techniques. He explains the clinical, economic, and patient-centered benefits of shifting appropriate surgeries from the hospital to the office, while emphasizing safety, team-based care, and ongoing education for the next generation of ENT specialists. Listeners will gain insights into the evolution of minimally invasive otolaryngology, strategies for building successful office-based surgical programs, and Dr. Bryant’s perspective on why this movement represents the future of patient care.

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.