Meeting Daily

Training Programs: Unintended Consequences

Written by AAO-HNS | October 11, 2025 at 9:50 PM

Addressing Unintended Consequences of Otolaryngology Training Programs on the Workforce and the Specialty as a Whole
Sunday, October 12 | 8:00 – 9:00 am | Room 109-110

For the third year in a row, Al Merati, MD, is moderating the Crucial Conversations Panel Presentation. Joining Dr. Merati will be AAO-HNS/F President-Elect Gene Brown, MD, RPh, Andrew J. Tompkins, MD, MBA, Sarah N. Bowe, MD, EdM, and Mark E. Whipple, MD, MS.

Dr. Merati goes on to ask, “If the public pays to train otolaryngologists, why aren’t academic otolaryngology programs prioritizing choosing residents to meet the public’s needs? What kind of specialty are we building if our newest members can’t be honest about what they want out of their careers?”

Otolaryngologists at all career levels will benefit from this high-impact, far-reaching session. With an uncertain future for the otolaryngology workforce and medicine at large, this panel will examine the intersection of workforce needs, residency selection practices, and the shared mission of academic programs: to ensure equitable, high-quality care for all patients and communities.  

Engage with the panelists as they dive deep into trainee and workforce concerns about the consequences of limited exposure to all career paths in otolaryngology training programs. Provocative and practical solutions will be discussed, with audience participation encouraged.