Voices of Otolaryngology

AAO-HNS/F
  • 4.5 (11)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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.

  1. Environmental Health and Otolaryngology

    2D AGO

    Environmental Health and Otolaryngology

    In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, continues the conversation with Amanda Dilger, MD, and Neelima Tummala, MD, from the AAO-HNS Sustainability Task Force. Moving beyond general sustainability practices, this episode focuses on how climate change is directly affecting ENT patients—from air pollution's link to head and neck cancer, to extended pollen seasons causing more severe allergic rhinitis and wildfire smoke impacting chronic rhinosinusitis. The physicians discuss practical ways to integrate environmental health screening into patient care and share insights on protecting vulnerable populations from environmental exposures.

    33 min
  2. Research Is Incremental: Lessons from BEST ENT to Reg-ent

    OCT 28

    Research Is Incremental: Lessons from BEST ENT to Reg-ent

    In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, talks with David Witsell, MD, about the evolution of practice-based research in otolaryngology. Dr. Witsell shares the origins of BEST ENT and the CHEER network, honoring the visionary leadership of Maureen Hannley, MD, which laid the foundation for today's Reg-ent platform. The conversation explores why collaboration and standardized data are critical to advancing research and quality and presents a compelling vision for future partnerships between Reg-ent and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders to accelerate clinical trials and improve patient care.

    40 min

  3. OCT 7

    The Evolution of Sleep Surgery: From Tracheotomy to Precision Medicine

    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.

    38 min
  4. From Frustration to Influence: How The ENT PAC Amplifies Your Voice

    SEP 30

    From Frustration to Influence: How The ENT PAC Amplifies Your Voice

    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.

    13 min
  5. Thriving as a Subspecialist in Private Practice

    SEP 23

    Thriving as a Subspecialist in Private Practice

    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/

    34 min
  6. The Power of Showing Up: State Advocacy and Legislative Impact in ENT

    SEP 12

    The Power of Showing Up: State Advocacy and Legislative Impact in ENT

    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.

    16 min
  7. Building Your ENT Practice Without Breaking the Bank

    SEP 9

    Building Your ENT Practice Without Breaking the Bank

    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.

    22 min
  8. Innovation in In-Office Surgery and Resilience in Practice

    SEP 2

    Innovation in In-Office Surgery and Resilience in Practice

    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.

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

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.

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