In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Jonathan D. Cooper, MD, and Richard J. Vivero, MD, join host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, to discuss how they grew South Florida ENT Associates into Elevate ENT, a physician-led organization built to help otolaryngologists stay independent, collaborative, and in control as the specialty consolidates. Drs. Cooper and Vivero trace Elevate ENT's evolution from its early days as a group practice to a data-driven, physician-led network. They explore how insurance rate cuts and the need for greater negotiating power sparked the group's formation and how legal structure, equity models, and a strong culture supported its growth. They also discuss how KPIs, benchmarking, and financial transparency have boosted practice productivity while preserving autonomy and quality of care.

What's changing in pediatric allergy care, and what should otolaryngologists know? Host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, is joined by Haidy Marzouk, MD, MBA, and Christine Franzese, MD, from the AAO-HNS committee on allergy, asthma and immunology, to explore emerging approaches to treating allergic disease in children. From sublingual immunotherapy and needle-free epinephrine to new options for food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), they discuss how earlier intervention and less invasive therapies are expanding treatment options and transforming quality of life. The conversation also looks ahead at what's on the horizon and offers practical guidance for otolaryngologists interested in incorporating allergy care into their practice.

What happens when Medicare payment policy makes it harder for physicians to provide all the care a patient needs in a single visit?

More than 80% of ENTs say a proposed CMS rule could force them to cut Medicare services or stop accepting Medicare entirely. AAO-HNS President Dr. Gene Brown joins CEO Dr. Rahul Shah to discuss the proposed CMS payment reduction for certain same-day services and physicians' concerns about patients' access to comprehensive, coordinated care. Dr. Brown shares real patient stories showing why same-day care matters—particularly for Medicare beneficiaries who may need multiple medically necessary services in one visit. "When the system is squeezed, patient access becomes the pressure valve," Dr. Brown says.

Learn more and take action: https://www.ENTsCareForMedicare.org/

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Eben L. Rosenthal, MD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the Barry and Amy Baker Chair in Laryngeal, Head and Neck Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, for a candid conversation on reinvention, resilience, and discovery. Dr. Rosenthal reflects on building a career across five leading institutions, his "one in ten" philosophy on research and failure, and his pioneering work in fluorescence-guided surgery that lets surgeons see cancer in real time.

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Matthew L. Bush, MD, PhD, MBA, Chair of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Kentucky and AAO-HNSF Coordinator for Research and Quality, joins host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, for a candid conversation on research funding and career growth. Dr. Bush shares how the AAO-HNSF CORE Grant Program shaped his own path from first-time recipient to program steward and offers a practical playbook for young investigators—Clarity, Originality, Rigor, and Effect—on what it takes to write a grant that gets funded.

Helpful Resources:

• CORE Grants: https://www.entnet.org/quality-practice/research/core-grants-program/

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Tali Lando, MD, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital of Westchester Medical Center and author of Breathless: Surgical Tales from the Brink (and Back), joins host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, for a candid conversation about writing honestly about medicine. Dr. Lando discusses the 16-case medical memoir's structure, built around both the technical arc of surgery and its personal aftermath, and how surviving Stage IIIC breast cancer as a practicing surgeon shaped her first book, Hell and Back. She covers the HIPAA and confidentiality questions that come with writing about real patients, the mentors and editors who helped her find the confidence to publish, and why she believes storytelling belongs alongside clinical skill as a tool for teaching the next generation of otolaryngologists.

Dr. Lando's book: https://amzn.to/4f4ZaxG

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Rajesh S. Kakani, MD, shares his journey from international training to building a solo private practice in the U.S., offering candid insights for early-career physicians navigating today's consolidating landscape. He covers strategic practice location, calculated risk-taking, hybrid employment models, and the operational discipline needed to thrive independently. Dr. Kakani also reflects on workforce challenges, team culture, and his commitment to funding scholarships for future otolaryngologists.

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, Soham Roy, MD, MBA, draws on his experience as a mentor to guide early-career surgeons through one of medicine's most pivotal transitions: moving from training into independent practice. Dr. Roy shares the framework he uses when advising residents, fellows, and early-career physicians: define success on your own terms, understand what truly brings fulfillment, and avoid the pressure to find a "perfect" first job. He also offers pragmatic guidance on evaluating today's evolving practice landscape and stresses the importance of building an expert advisory team to protect your future. Ultimately, Dr. Roy reminds young physicians that their legacy won't be defined by any single surgery, but by the lasting, positive impact they leave on their patients, colleagues, and loved ones.