The AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO will offer opportunities for medical students 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 Medical Students
Emergency Airway Management for Medical Students: Oto Chautauqua LIVE!
Sunday, October 12 | 9:30 – 10:30 am (ET)
This is a hands-on session designed for medical students that focuses on emergency airway management. Students will rotate through 3 airway stations and perform various simulated procedures on a 3D model. In the first station, students will learn how to use a flexible laryngoscope and identify relevant anatomy. In the second station, students are introduced to emergent surgical airway management, which will include indications and approaches to cricothyroidotomy and tracheotomy. Students will also work in groups to perform these procedures on a 3D model. The final station will include management of tracheostomy and laryngectomy tubes. Students will learn how to change and manage tracheostomy tubes, as well as how to address common emergencies associated with tracheotomy tubes.
This session will have a flipped classroom format with an online package of background material that requires review before participating. Please click here to read the manual and complete the pre-test. Passing the pre-test is necessary for admission to the course.
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.
Medical Student Otolaryngology Knowledge Challenge
Tuesday, October 14 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (ET)
Get ready for an exciting and interactive way to learn otolaryngology and head, neck, and ear anatomy in our Bingo-style session! This fun-filled activity combines the thrill of a classic game with the otolaryngology knowledge you need for sub-Is. You’ll receive a game board with answers related to anatomy, ENT disorders and procedures, and as we go through each question, you’ll cross off the correct answers. The first person to complete a full row of correct answers wins bragging rights! Don’t worry, we’ll debrief after each round to explain the answers, reinforcing your understanding in a relaxed and engaging way. It’s a fantastic, hands-on way to boost your learning and bond with fellow medical students.
Simulation Events
The simulation events at the 2025 Annual Meeting offer an interactive, hands-on format to enhance surgical skills.
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.
Harry Barnes Student Forum
Sunday, October 12 | 2:30 pm (ET)
The Harry Barnes Student Forum is a key event supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Annual Meeting. The Diversity Endowment provides critical funding of programs that will facilitate education and awareness, create an atmosphere of inclusion, and encourage pursuit of the specialty by underrepresented minorities communities. The Student Forum is open to anyone who would like to participate in engaging discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion and the continuation for grants for medical student rotations in otolaryngology.
Medical Student Speed Mentoring Event
Sunday, October 12 | 4:00 pm (ET)
Connect with leaders in the field of otolaryngology, including residents and early- and mid-career otolaryngologists, at the Medical Student Speed Mentoring Event. This engaging event offers a lively discussion about the field and provides valuable tips for successfully applying to residency programs.
Additional Events
We also encourage you to attend the General Assemblies of the Sections for Residents and Fellows-in-Training, Young Physicians, 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.
