Your #OTOMTG25 Residents Guide

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?”

Accuracy of ChatGPT-4o in Supervising Residents in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sunday, October 12 | 3:00 PM – 3:06 pm (ET)

An increasing number of young practitioners used large language models (LLMs) in their practice. This randomized controlled trial evaluated diagnostic accuracy between GPT-4-guided postgraduate year-1 residents (PGY1) and senior otolaryngologists, addressing the increasing integration of LLMs in clinical practice.

2025 AAO-HNS Career Fair

Sunday, October 12 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 pm (ET)

The AAO-HNS Career Fair is designed for otolaryngologists at every stage of their career—from residents and fellows to early-career and experienced professionals exploring new opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a change, this event offers valuable insights and connections to help you navigate the many paths within the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and take the next step in your career. Registration is free—mark your calendar and join us! There will also be a webinar on August 27, featuring an informative panel on Fellowship Training Decisions and their Impact on Career Trajectory. Learn more here.

Pregnancy Disclosure Among Trainees: How to Create a Culture of Trust

Monday, October 13 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 am (ET)

Over the past decade, pregnancy discrimination in the US has been a significant issue, with more than 50,000 claims filed. This discrimination can lead to lower salaries and fewer promotions. In general surgery training, women face challenges including unmanageable work schedules, pregnancy stigma, inadequate maternity leave, insufficient childcare and lactation support, and lack of mentorship. A 2024 study found that 58% of female general surgery residents experienced pregnancy/parenthood-based mistreatment, leading to higher burnout rates and obstetric complications. Surgeons face obstetric complication rates of 25-82%, significantly higher than the general US population’s 5-15%.

Pregnancy disclosure can be stressful for trainees, potentially leading to extended residency, delayed fellowship, and graduation. This workshop will explore strategies for trainees disclosing pregnancy or childcare needs, and for program directors and department chairs handling these requests. We’ll discuss creating an open culture of trust and understanding to ease this process for both trainees and faculty. Additionally, we’ll address paternity and parental caregiver leave. Case based discussion will be performed and discussed as small groups.

Financial Literacy and Wellbeing Among Otolaryngology Residents: A Nationwide Survey

Monday, October 13 | 10:18 AM – 10:24 am (ET)

Financial stress and inadequate financial literacy are critical challenges for medical trainees, with sparse research in this area and important implications for well-being, decision-making, and career satisfaction. This study evaluates financial literacy and stress among otolaryngology residents, focusing on the role of financial behaviors, education, and debt.

Academic Bowl

Monday, October 13 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (ET)

This popular annual event is designed to foster a spirit of competition in a clinically oriented battle of the brains among residents. Interactive, multiple-choice questions are generated through the AAO-HNSF Education Committees and are designed to test residents’ knowledge in different otolaryngology subspecialties, the business of medicine, and new clinical research findings. The residency team with the highest score will win a prize and reign supreme!

Amplifying Your Research: From Study Design, Statistics & Scientific Writing to Social Media

Monday, October 13 | 1:00 PM – 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.

Annual Resident Historical Research Competition: Advancing the Future of Otolaryngology Through the Lens of History

Tuesday, October 14 | 9:30 – 10:30 am (ET)

The Annual Resident Historical Research Competition offers a platform for otolaryngology residents and medical students to present their research on the history of otolaryngology, its key figures, and seminal developments that have shaped the field as we know it today. By participating, trainees not only contribute to the academic richness of the field but also deepen attendees’ understanding of how historical context informs modern clinical practices and advances in otolaryngology.

Identifying Roadblocks to Conducting Research for Residents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Tuesday, October 14 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 am (ET)

Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) is pivotal to improving global healthcare outcomes, yet residents in these settings often face substantial barriers in conducting research. These obstacles—ranging from financial constraints, such as prohibitive IRB fees, to limited institutional support and inadequate mentorship—significantly hinder the development of resident-led research initiatives. This panel will critically examine these challenges and propose actionable strategies for overcoming them.

Drawing from real-world examples in academic institutions in Mekele, Ethiopia, and Kampala, Uganda, panelists will provide a nuanced analysis of the systemic barriers to research faced by residents in LMICs. Discussion will focus on targeted interventions, such as enhancing mentorship programs, improving access to research education, and creating sustainable institutional frameworks that foster research productivity. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of bi-directional mentorship between LMIC residents and mentors from high-income countries (HICs) to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance research capacity.

Ultimately, this panel will offer practical solutions to create a supportive environment that nurtures resident research in LMICs, with a focus on reducing financial barriers, improving mentorship, and fostering cross-cultural research collaboration.

Ask the Experts

These large, but casual discussions, are led by subject matter experts and focus on clinical and professional topics.

Explore the Full Education Program

View the full education program to start planning your schedule.

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.

SRF General Assembly

Sunday, October 12 | 9:30 am (ET)

As a resident or fellow-in-training, this is an ideal venue to learn ways to engage with AAO-HNS initiatives and activities, celebrate award recipients, and welcome newly-elected officers at the Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF) General Assembly.

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 through the following offerings:

• Reflexology
• Compression + Eye Massage
• Red Light Therapy
• Rapid Release Massage
• Immunity Bar
• Wellness Pantry
• Wellness Classes

The Academy hopes that surgeons take some of these actionable strategies home to implement long-term to reduce stress.