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Step Into the Action: Hands-On Simulation

Picture of AAO-HNS   AAO-HNS  ·  3 minute read

Sunday's Simulation Spotlight: Simulation Showcase and SIM Tank! 

Imagine stepping into a space where you can practice complex procedures, test new tools, and sharpen decision-making skills—all without risk to patients. That’s the power of Simulation Education at the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO. From hands-on surgical training to interactive escape rooms, simulation brings learning to life in exciting, unforgettable ways. Over two dozen new and returning simulation events offer an interactive, hands-on format to enhance your surgical skills during the Annual Meeting.

“Simulation education at the Annual Meeting offers an exciting way for attendees to augment traditional didactic learning by practicing both technical and non-technical skills. Simulation offers the opportunity to practice procedures and refine skills without risks to patients and fosters hands-on learning, team-based training, and the opportunity to learn new skills. Integrating simulation within the footprint of the Annual Meeting is an exciting way to learn from experts and practice skills. There is something for everyone including microtia reconstruction, rhinoplasty, maxillary and mandible reconstruction, and more.”

AM25_Headshots_V3-Kavanagh
Katherine Kavanagh, MD
AAO-HNSF Simulation Education Committee, Chair
A Puzzling Night on Call: An Otolaryngology Escape Room Experience

Sunday | 1:00 - 2:00 pm and 2:30 - 3:30 pm | OTO EXPO, Simulation Pavilion 1

The Simulation Education Committee also sponsors this event, during which participants compete to solve otolaryngology logic-based puzzles and skill-based simulation tasks. “I encourage all attendees to participate in the simulation events, have fun, and enrich their education,” Dr. Kavanagh shared. 

Simulation Center

Check the schedule on the app for a full list of courses being offered in the Simulation Center; these events are also listed in the OTO EXPO article of the Meeting Daily.

The Simulation Center returns with an expanded offering of simulation education sessions and hands-on surgical skills training. Develop your professional skills with powerful coaching strategies and realistic emergency airway management scenarios. Participants can also explore highly specialized sessions including sleep medicine innovations and advanced data analysis techniques.  

Simulation Showcase & SIM Tank

Sunday | 5:00 - 6:30 pm | JW Marriott, White River Ballroom F

The Simulation Showcase provides an opportunity for simulation scholars to demonstrate their innovative otolaryngology simulators, projects, and curriculum. The top three most innovative simulation projects will present to a panel of expert judges while competing for the top prize during the SIM Tank. Projects are judged on innovation, creativity, scalability throughout the specialty, and advancement of training and practice in the field. Look for the announcement of SIM Tank winners in the Meeting Daily and on social media! 

Simulation Showcase topics include:

  • A 3D Simulation Training Model for Endoscopic Zenker’s Diverticulotomy
  • Acute Dyspnoea because of Sublottic Granuloma Infected by Pseudomona Aeruginosa, Case Report
  • Advancing Laryngology Simulation: A Novel 3D Printed and PVA-Based Model for Electrocautery and Laser Training
  • Bridging the Gap in Skull Base Training: A Cognitive Task-Oriented VR Simulator Validated Across Surgical Education Stakeholders
  • CochleaSim: Understanding and Decision Making in Cochlear Malformations with Help of Simulated 3-D Models
  • Comparison of Endoscopic Transcanal and Microscopic Postauricular
  • Development and Validation of a Hybrid Simulation Model for Septoplasty Training
  • Dynamic 3D Printed Anatomical Models – Can They Help Us Teach Complex Anatomical Movement?
  • Efficacy of a 3D-Printed and Motorized (“Breathing”) Flexible Nasotracheoscopy Training Model for Anesthesia Residents
  • Feasibility of Artificial Temporal Bone as a Dissection Practice Tool
  • Fine-Tuning the Future: Enhancing Otolaryngology Resident Training through Ergonomic Simulation
  • From Model to Mastery: High-Fidelity Cricothyrotomy Simulation with 3D Printed and Biological Tissue Model
  • Innovative 3D-Printed Simulation Model for 3D Exoscopic Intracapsular Coblation Tonsillectomy and Trans-Oral Endoscopic Coblation Adenoidectomy
  • Lamb Septum as a Model for Septoplasty Training: an Inexpensive, Equivalent and Safe Analog for Training
  • Modified Face Model Simulation to Enhance Safety for Botulinum Toxin Facial Injections and Prevent Complications
  • Nose Dive into the SinusVRse: Using Virtual Reality Gaming to Navigate Paranasal Sinus Anatomy
  • Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills in Mastoidectomy Using Three-Dimensional Printed Temporal Bone Models
  • Refinement of a Laryngotracheal Cleft Model and the Implications of Simulation on Surgeon Preparation and Performance
  • Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Xerostomia
  • Validation of a 3D-Printed and Motorized (“Breathing”) Nasotracheoscopy Simulator

Watch the SIM Tank Competition | 5:45-6:20 pm

The following three groundbreaking projects will compete for cash prizes:

  • Advancing Laryngology Simulation: A Novel 3D Printed and PVA-Based Model for Electrocautery and Laser Training
    Lauren Schlegel, MD, and team from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
  • Development and Validation of a Hybrid Simulation Model for Septoplasty Training
    Jenny Kim, MD, and team from UPMC
  • Nose Dive into the SinusVRse: Using Virtual Reality Gaming to Navigate Paranasal Sinus Anatomy
    Stephanie Yeap, MD, and team from Singapore

These exciting sessions represent just a sampling of the comprehensive learning opportunities available throughout the program. To learn more, visit the full Education Program and select “Simulation Education” to view session times, speakers, summaries of each session’s content and learning objectives, and CME/MOC credit.