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

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDT

Location: 240-241

Disclosure(s):

Alexander Chern, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

James J. Kearney, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

James Alrassi, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Stephen P. Cragle, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: 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.

Presentations will be judged on the depth of research, the use of primary sources, and the ability to weave a compelling historical narrative. This competition will encourage trainees to pursue historical research as a significant aspect of their academic development and scholarly contribution.

Through this session, we aim to foster a greater appreciation for history within otolaryngology. By allowing trainees to present their findings in front of meeting attendees, we hope to help preserve and disseminate the rich heritage of the field, which will inspire future generations of otolaryngologists to engage with the past as a means of shaping the future.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Provide an opportunity for trainees to present their scholarly work and historical analyses.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Educate meeting attendees on key historical developments in otolaryngology, allowing them to integrate historical research into clinical education and practice.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Enhance the skills of trainees in historical research methodologies, including the use of archives and primary sources, to inform scholarly writing.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Historical research offers insights into clinical practice. The competition provides opportunities to advance insights into otolaryngology’s rich heritage and cultivate a new generation of otolaryngologists who recognize the importance of history in shaping the specialty’s future.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement : The history of otolaryngology is relevant to the entire field; we aim to include trainee submissions across all subspecialties. The panel will explore how understanding the past through historical analysis can inform research and clinical practice, shaping the future of otolaryngology.

Moderator(s)

Alexander Chern, MD

Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

James J. Kearney, MD

Professor Of Otorhinolaryngology, Penn Perelman SOM
Univ Pennsylvania Department of Otorhinolaryngology
Philadelphia, PA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
James Alrassi, MD

Fellow
Mass Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School
Brooklyn, NY, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Stephen P. Cragle, MD

Partner
St Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic
Saint Cloud, MN, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.