Leadership Position, Training Can Change Way Otolaryngologists Practice Medicine

by Cheryl Alkon •

“Don’t just do something because you want to serve,” said Albert Merati, MD, professor and chief of laryngology in the department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle and secretary/treasurer of the western section of the Triological Society. “Make sure you have some passion for the mission.”

He advises those in the early parts of their career to craft a personal professional mission. “Write it out, driven by your personal desires: What do you enjoy doing, where do you want to be, and where [do] you want to spend the next 10 years doing it?” Doing so helps you identify exactly how you want to make your mark, he says.

“It’s not all about your mission—it’s the mission of the organization. Your imprint can be made over time with your personality, your enthusiasm, and your thoughtfulness.”—CA

The Vanderbilt Program

The Leadership Training Program for otolaryngology residents at Vanderbilt University includes education for several facets of leadership:

  • Military training;
  • Public speaking;
  • Micro master’s degree in business administration, which includes topics such as organizational behavior, operations management, finance, and marketing; and
  • Community health.