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Panel Presentations

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

Otolaryngological Care in Conflict and Post-War Settings: Overcoming Barriers and Exploring Opportunities

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
Location: 107-108
Disclosure(s):
Stefany M. Lazieh, BA:

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

Joshua P. Wiedermann, MD:

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

Bilal Irfan, MS:

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

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In a world where conflict and displacement continue to escalate, providing healthcare in conflict zones and vulnerable settings is more crucial than ever. The United Nations estimates that 455 million people live in regions affected by war or instability, with nearly 300 million requiring humanitarian aid in 2024. This crisis presents severe challenges to the delivery of specialized medical care, particularly otolaryngology, where the scarcity of resources, infrastructure, and skilled professionals complicates treatment for refugees, displaced populations, and those living through active conflicts.

This panel will explore the complexities of delivering otolaryngological care in conflict and post-war settings. Featuring experts with firsthand experience in Eastern Africa and the Middle East, the discussion will focus on the unique barriers otolaryngologists face in these regions. Panelists will highlight challenges such as limited medical supplies, disruptions in medical care, and the physical impact of conflict on both patients and providers. Additionally, this panel will highlight factors that contributed to successful care delivery and changes made to adapt existing health systems to deliver care in new contexts.

Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating the challenges of healthcare provision in low-resource and fragile settings. This session will underscore the need for resilience and adaptability in otolaryngology as well as highlight the role of advocacy and collaboration in improving care for vulnerable populations.

Ultimately, this session will introduce medical providers, public health professionals, and those at any stage of training to the realities of providing otolaryngological care in low-resource and conflict settings, encouraging a deeper understanding of the impact of global crises on healthcare delivery.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Examine the challenges otolaryngologists face in conflict and post-war settings

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Identify strategies to overcome barriers and ensure effective care delivery in low-resource environments

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Implement approaches to improve care delivery in conflict and post-war settings

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The rise in global conflicts has created an urgent need for specialized care in humanitarian settings. Otolaryngologists face unique challenges, and this panel will provide essential context, strategies, and insights to improve care for displaced and war-impacted individuals.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • Stefany M. Lazieh, BA

    Medical Student
    Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Baltimore, MD, United States

    Disclosure(s):

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

    • Panelist(s)

  • JW

    Joshua P. Wiedermann, MD

    Associate professor
    Mayo Clinic
    Rochester, Minnesota, United States

    Disclosure(s):

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

  • Bilal Irfan, MS

    Researcher
    Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School
    Boston, MA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

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

  • ZK

    Zeina Korban, MD

    American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon

    Disclosure information not submitted.