FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tina Maggio, Sr. Director, Communications [email protected]
Indianapolis, Indiana – October 11, 2025 – The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) opened its 129th Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Indianapolis, Indiana, today, welcoming more than 5,400 otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the United States and over 75 countries for four days of groundbreaking research, cutting-edge innovations, and collaborative learning.
The innovations and research shared at this gathering have the potential to improve care for millions of patients suffering from conditions ranging from hearing loss and chronic sinusitis to head and neck cancers.
The meeting launched with an inspiring Opening Ceremony and featured distinguished lectures addressing critical challenges and opportunities in the specialty.
Presidential Leadership Sets the Tone
AAO-HNS/F President Troy D. Woodard, MD, delivered a powerful opening address, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and resilience in modern healthcare. He highlighted the Academy’s accomplishments over the past year, including the development of a new Strategic Plan and strengthened advocacy efforts in Washington and state capitals.
Dr. Woodard acknowledged the challenges facing the specialty while celebrating the strength of the otolaryngology community: “Now let’s be honest: healthcare today is hard. We are practicing medicine during one of the most challenging times in history. Administrative burden, financial pressures, workforce shortages—every day feels like an uphill climb. And yet, look around this room: our specialty is thriving. Why? Because we are resilient… We lift one another up and we turn challenges into opportunities to build something stronger—not just for ourselves, but for the generations that will follow us.”
The world around us may feel divided, but in this room we are united by our commitment to patients, to science, and to each other. That unity is our greatest strength, and it will carry our specialty forward.
Distinguished John Conley, MD Lecture on Medical Ethics
James L. Netterville, MD, AAO-HNS/F Past President, delivered the prestigious John Conley, MD Lecture titled, “Finding the Meaning of Life.” He shared insights from his career, urging colleagues to find meaning in their work despite the challenges posed by the commercialization of healthcare. As he finished with a stand ovation, he also emphasized the importance of finding purpose through service, relationships, and a compassionate approach to patient care.
Robust Scientific Program Underway
The meeting features an extensive scientific program covering the full spectrum of otolaryngology research—from basic science to clinical outcomes and technological innovations.
“The depth and diversity of research on display this year is truly remarkable. With more than 500 oral presentations and 580 posters, attendees are exploring everything from molecular mechanisms of disease to clinical outcomes and emerging technologies—reflecting the dynamic, multifaceted nature of modern otolaryngology,” said Cecelia Damask, DO, AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting Program Coordinator.
Topics range from minimally invasive surgical approaches and artificial intelligence applications in diagnosis to improved treatments for common conditions like sleep apnea, allergies, and balance disorders that affect millions of Americans and patients worldwide.
ENT Innovation Connection and Innovation Park Connect Industry and Medicine
The meeting launched following the AAO-HNSF inaugural ENT Innovation Connection, which attracted over 100 attendees on Friday. The event brought together healthcare industry executives, investors, medical device and digital health startups, key opinion leaders, clinical innovators, and business development professionals to explore emerging technologies and forge partnerships that will shape the future of otolaryngologic care.
New this year, Innovation Park in the OTO EXPO extends this innovation focus into the exhibit hall, providing a premier showcase where cutting-edge medical technologies, devices, and solutions meet the otolaryngology community.
“Innovation Park represents our commitment to bridging the gap between groundbreaking technology and clinical practice. By bringing innovators and clinical expertise together in one space, we’re accelerating the translation of cutting-edge solutions into better patient outcomes,” said Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO.
These innovations discussed today have the potential to make a profound impact on patients undergoing ear, nose, and throat treatments tomorrow.
What This Means for Patients: Advancing Patient Care
The research and innovations presented at the Annual Meeting directly impact patient care across the nation. From new surgical techniques and diagnostic tools to breakthrough therapies for conditions like hearing loss, chronic ear infections, voice disorders, and head and neck cancers, the advances discussed over these four days will shape treatment options available to patients in the coming years.
The Meeting Continues
The 129th Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO continues through October 14 with attendees engaged in scientific sessions, hands-on simulation workshops, networking events, and exploration of the latest technologies at the OTO EXPO.
>> Access all AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO press releases by scrolling to the bottom of the page at https://www.entnet.org/about-us/newsroom/.
About the AAO-HNS/F
AAO-HNS, with approximately 13,000 members, is one of the world’s largest organizations representing specialists who treat the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons diagnose and treat medical disorders that are among the most common affecting patients of all ages in the United States and around the world. The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and lifelong learning. Visit the Academy’s website at www.entnet.org for more information.
