Great Debates: Should We Cut to the Chase? Debating Early Sub-specialization in Otolaryngology

Sunday, October 12, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Location: 121-122

CME/MOC Credit: 1

Disclosure(s):

Ernest D. Gomez, MD, MTR:

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

Carolyn M. Jenks, MD:

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

Should otolaryngology embrace an expedited training pathway for limited-scope ENT practice? In this high-stakes Great Debate, leading voices from academia and private practice clash over the risks, rewards, and real-world implications of a 3–4-year track. Will this innovation expand access and modernize the field—or dilute expertise and worsen workforce woes? Join us for a lively session that promises sharp insights, opinions, and a forward-looking vision for our specialty.

Learning Objectives:

To evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of maintaining a traditional 5-year otolaryngology residency with optional fellowship training versus adopting a streamlined 3-year general otolaryngology track followed by optional 2-year subspecialty training.
To assess the impact of different training models on clinical competency, workforce needs, and patient outcomes.
To explore the educational, logistical, and professional implications of restructuring residency training — including considerations of learner experience, faculty engagement, and resource allocation.

Moderator(s)

Ernest D. Gomez, MD, MTR

Faculty
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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

Panelist(s)

Tiffany N. Chao, MD MSEd

Assistant Professor
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Carolyn M. Jenks, MD

Assistant Professor
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD, United States

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