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.

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.