The Official AAO-HNS/F Podcast
Learn about the very latest in otolaryngology education, how to get involved with the Academy, news about upcoming events, including the Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, and more!
The views and opinions expressed in any podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or thoughts of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, its leadership, or its employees.
Featured Podcast
Voices of Otolaryngology: From 1 to 22 APPs: Growing Together to Serve Our Patients
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.