The AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO will offer opportunities for early-career physicians to attend groundbreaking education sessions and engage with leaders in the specialty. Explore the resources below and check back often for new information to help you make the most out of your experience at the Annual Meeting. We hope to see you there!
Key Sessions and Networking Events for Early-Career Physicians
Unlocking the Power of Allyship to Advance Health Equity in Otolaryngology: Building Bridges Toward Belonging
Sunday, October 12 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm (ET)
This longstanding panel on inclusive excellence in otolaryngology is updated in 2025 to consider how recent legislative, judicial and societal trends are affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. New policies and public debate have prompted changes in DEI policies across healthcare, and there is a growing need for allyship and resilient systems. This session explores how policy shifts can affect educational opportunities, workplace diversity, and healthcare outcomes. Panelists will address questions, such as: “What does it mean to be an ally in the current climate?”, “How can we foster a sense of belonging despite structural challenges?”, and “How can organizations adapt to navigate restrictions on DEI initiatives?”
Amplifying Your Research: From Study Design, Statistics & Scientific Writing to Social Media
Monday, October 13 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm (ET)
Publication and promotion of research can be time consuming and confusing. This panel aims to streamline the process to increase your research success. The presentation will include hypothesis generation tips, optimization of study design & statistics, and scientific writing pearls. The goal is to allow you to generate a compelling, evidence-based narrative– optimizing your data presentation. The Editor-in-Chief will provide an overview of the peer review process, highlighting common pitfalls leading to manuscript rejection. Contemporary topics to include Artificial Intelligence and research amplification via social media will be highlighted. This panel is geared towards attendees of all levels: from medical students and residents new to research and publication, to the seasoned attendee looking to become a stronger scientific writer and reviewer. Ultimately, it will maximize your research success by streamlining the publication process and highlighting opportunities to showcase your outstanding work via social media platforms.
Practical Tips to Kickstart Your Academic Career
Monday, October 13 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm (ET)
This panel, developed with a focus on medical students, trainees, and young physicians, will be presented by four past chairs of the Young Physicians Section who will discuss their career paths. Pathways for their activities and leadership in academia will be presented. Topics will include: research, establishing focused clinics programs, involvement in AAOHNS and specialty leadership. Half the session will be focused on family/work life/time management tips/tricks. Difficulties met daily in supporting work/life balance while meeting academic expectations will be explored. Pitfalls to avoid and learning failures will also be discussed.
Artificial Intelligence in Otolaryngology: Transforming Education, Research, Clinical Care, and Innovation
Tuesday, October 14 | 8:00 – 9:00 AM (ET)
“Artificial Intelligence in Otolaryngology: Transforming Education, Research, Clinical Care, and Innovation ” examines the practical implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) across the full spectrum of otolaryngologic practice and education. While current AI applications in otolaryngology often focus on documentation and language models, this panel explores the broader potential of computer vision, deep learning architectures, and augmented reality to address unmet medical needs and transform patient care.
Financial Literacy 101 for the Otolaryngologist: Your First Step to Freedom
Tuesday, October 14 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM (ET)
Basic financial literacy persists as a major educational gap in US medical education. With external cost pressures continuing to destroy the financial stability of fee-for-service payment models, physicians are woefully unprepared for a future in which they need to be financially independent with multiple income streams. While financial literacy is an exceptionally broad topic that cannot be covered in a single session, this session aims to provide a basic foundational understanding of business of medicine, personal finance, and provide the audience with the tools to begin their journey to financial independence. Beginning with an overview of basic terminology, concepts, and techniques in personal financial management, this session will include insight into reimbursement models, understanding scalable vs non-scalable work, risk stratification and mitigation, goal-oriented financial strategy and budgeting, understanding debt management, and clarifying many investment pitfalls commonly offered to physicians. We will then provide examples of different financial scenarios and discuss with the panelists advice for each scenario. This panel will NOT provide specific financial advice or advisory services but will function as a springboard for participants to obtain more education and experience.
Simulation Events
The simulation events at the 2025 Annual Meeting offer an interactive, hands-on format to enhance surgical skills.
Ask the Experts
These large, but casual discussions, are led by subject matter experts and focus on clinical and professional topics.
Business of Medicine/Practice Management Track
Gain valuable insights on financial management, practice growth, and leadership from industry experts through the Business of Medicine/Practice Management Track.
Explore the Full Education Program
View the full education program to start planning your schedule.
YPS General Assembly
Saturday, October 11 | 4:00 PM (ET)
Learn about opportunities to enhance your ENT journey, engage with other early-career physicians, celebrate award recipients, and welcome newly-elected officers.
Presidents’ Reception
Saturday, October 11 | 6:00 pm (ET)
The Presidents’ Reception is an unforgettable occasion affording attendees ample time to network and connect with colleagues from around the globe. The 2025 Presidents’ Reception will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Additional Events
We also encourage you to attend the General Assemblies of the Women in Otolaryngology and Otolaryngology Private Practice Section, participate as a guest in committee meetings of interest, and discover the most comprehensive display of the latest products and services in the OTO EXPO!
Childcare Program | Mini ENT Camp
Full-day and half-day programs for infants and children will be available during the 2025 Annual Meeting. Infants and toddlers will have separate play and rest areas, and will have access to toys and activities designed to let babies and toddlers explore, play and take in their surroundings as their age and interest level allows. Pre-school and school-aged children will be engaged through instructive play activities while fostering sharing and collaboration. Registration closes on September 11. Onsite registration will not be available. Learn more and register here.
Wellness Zone sponsored by Sanofi
Surgeons often prioritize patient care over their own wellbeing. This new experience in the OTO EXPO area is designed to help surgeons decompress and recharge. Chair massages, ergonomic consultations, and guided meditation sessions are just a few of the offerings. Tai Chi and yoga stretching sessions will also be offered in the mornings, as well as therapeutic mural painting. The Academy hopes that surgeons take some of these actionable strategies home to implement long-term to reduce stress.
