Education Program

Overall Goal
The Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO is held each Fall, with thousands of Academy members, nonmember physicians, allied health professionals, administrators, and exhibiting companies attending "The World’s Largest Gathering of Otolaryngologists." It draws more than 8,500 industry experts and professionals from around the world and features 389 instruction courses, 49 miniseminars, oral presentations, four lectures, and numerous scientific and research posters.

Learn more about general accreditation 

Meeting Start and End Times
Sunday, September 21, 2008 8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Monday, September 22, 2008 8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Schedule at a glance

To find a specific program search our program database

Target Audience
The 2008 Annual Meeting is targeted to U.S. and international Practicing otolaryngologists and associates, Researchers in otolaryngology, senior academic professors and department chairs, Leading international societies, and Fellows in training and residents.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, participants should be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of current issues affecting the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of otolaryngologic and related disorders;
2. Analyze research-based information and updates on practical applications affecting operative procedures, drugs, and medical devices;
3. Utilize improved practice management techniques to facilitate physician performance improvement; and
4. Translate into practice a broader understanding of the approaches used in the practice of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery in countries outside of the United States.

Description of Session Types
The 2008 Annual Meeting program, developed by the AAO-HNSF 2007-2008 Advisory Committees of the Scientific (Clinical Research) Program, Translational & Basic Research Program, and Instruction Course, is made up of the following types of sessions.

The formerly named Research Forum and Scientific Program have been working together to better integrate the programming to represent the full continuum from basic science research through translational research and clinical practice. To that end, the Research Forum has been renamed the Translational and Basic Research Program and the Scientific Program will now be called the Scientific (Clinical Research) Program.

Scientific (Clinical Research) Program
The scientific (clinical research) program of the Annual Meeting is comprised of scientific (Clinical Research) sessions, miniseminars, and scientific poster presentations.

1. Scientific (Clinical Research) Sessions – Approximately 20 sessions of 60 to 90 minutes, each consisting of about 10 eight-minute oral presentations in cutting-edge clinical aspects of otolaryngology.
2. Scientific (Clinical Research) Posters – Approximately 200 scientific poster are displayed throughout the course of the Annual Meeting.
3. Miniseminars – Over forty miniseminars are presented each year as part of the scientific program. A 90-minute miniseminar (presentations, case studies, interactive discussions) provides an in-depth, "state-of-the-art" look at a specific topic. Topics for miniseminar presentations are suggested by the leadership, committees, or members.

Instruction Courses/Mini-Courses
One or two-hour sessions that addresses current diagnostic, therapeutic, and practice management topics, presented by both Academy members and nonmembers. Please remember that many instruction courses sell out before the meeting begins. Early registration for instruction courses increases the possibility of receiving first-choice selections and saves you money. Instruction course fees are $45 per hour and $65 per hour for hands-on and computer courses, if you register in advance. Onsite instruction course fees increase to $65 per hour and to $85 per hour for hands-on and computer courses. There are five different Instruction Course types to choose from:

1. Hands-on – Hands-on courses allow each attendee to participate in the presentation
2. Computer – Each attendee will have his/her own computer to use during these courses
3. Mini-Courses – Limited to 25 participants, mini-courses promote informal discussion and exchange of information
4. Interactive – Interactive courses will using an Audience Response System, allowing audience members to respond to the presenter during the course
5. No CME Offered – These courses do not offer CME Credits.

Translational & Basic Research Program
Formerly known as the "Research Forum," the Translational & Basic Research Program affords an opportunity for physician-scientists to present papers and posters. It also allows the Foundation to recognize the achievements of outstanding young physician-scientists. These sessions, consisting of eight-minute oral presentations, allow researchers to present their findings in new research aspects of otolaryngology, and encourage the transfer of those findings into clinical practice.

2008 Annual Meeting Topic Areas
Within each program type, the 2008 Annual Meeting is structured according to Topic Areas so as to provide optimal learning experiences.

1. Allergy
2. Audiology
3. Basic Science
4. Computer
5. Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
6. General
7. Head and Neck Surgery
8. Laryngology
9. Otology/Neurotology
10. Pediatric Otolaryngology
11. Practice Management
12. Rhinology
13. Socio-Economic
14. Quality Improvement/Patient Safety*
15. Sleep Disorders

Submission of Manuscripts to Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
All papers read before the Foundation Annual Meeting become property of the Foundation. All papers presented at the Plenary (Scientific) Sessions and all AAO-HNS/F–sponsored research papers must be submitted to the "white journal," Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. All submissions must meet journal requirements for peer review; complete manuscript submission online. Paper manuscripts will not be accepted at any time. Authors of Research Forum and poster presentations are also encouraged to submit online: research forum/poster presentation submission. These non-mandatory papers may be sent in any time before or after the annual meeting.

Posters
Scientific (Clinical Research) and Translational & Basic Research Posters will be located in Exhibit Hall D of the McCormick Place Convention Center and can be viewed Sunday through Wednesday.

Awards and Honorary Lectures
The Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO features an array of awards, including Presidential Citations, and honorary lectures, such as the John Conley Lectureship on Medical Ethics.
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New this Year! Corporate Symposia
Corporate Symposia provide attendees with educational and informational opportunities in addition to the AAO-HNSF’s Annual Meeting Program. Program content and/or product information are the sole responsibility of the corporate supporter. Corporate Symposia will take place each morning Monday through Wednesday with an additional opportunity on Monday evening.