Looking Forward— Otolaryngologists’ Visions for 2026

G. Richard Holt, MD, D Bioethics, professor emeritus department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, faculty, The Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and faculty, The San Antonio Military Medical Center Fort Sam Houston in Texas

It is my hope that 2026 will bring a greater understanding of the appropriate use of artificial intelligence in patient care, with well-considered ethical guidelines and prospective inclusion of patient protections. The patient–physician relationship is a privileged contract and foundational to our duty as physicians to care for our patients.

Stephen S. Park, MD, G. Slaughter Fitz–Hugh professor and chair, department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, division of facial plastic surgery, at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va.

By this time next year, December 2026, I look forward to seeing the daily impact of AI on everyday life. I believe growth in 12 months will be measurable.

Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH, editor-in-chief, Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine, director, division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, director, AAFPRS UC Davis Fellowship, co-director, UC Davis Cleft and Craniofacial program, and professor in the department of otolaryngology at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, Calif.

I’m looking forward to the Fall 2026 American Board of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery oral exam, which embodies a meaningful culture shift for our specialty. The new structure—built on candidate-selected cases, peer review, and thoughtful examiner collaboration— advances our profession and ultimately benefits our patients and society.

Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, executive vice president and CEO of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and its Foundation

As we look toward 2026, I’m energized by the momentum we’ve built together as ONE unified voice in otolaryngology. I’m particularly excited about expanding our advocacy impact. With our strengthened ENT PAC, new health policy fellowship, and resident advocacy scholar’s program, we’re investing in sustained influence at all levels. Through Project 535, our new Capitol to Clinic campaign, and our state trackers, we’ll continue connecting members directly with legislators for fair payment as well as fight scope expansion, reduce administrative burdens, and protect patient safety. In 2026, we are bringing back Hill Day in March to further amplify our voice on Capitol Hill.

I also look forward to driving even greater member value through our clinical data registry. Reg-ent, now with 130 million patient encounters, will provide increasingly powerful data to support evidence-based practice and demonstrate our specialty’s quality outcomes. We’ll continue investing in the resources that strengthen our growing position as the authoritative voice in the specialty, such as the Otolaryngology Core Curriculum, clinical practice guidelines, Corporate Champions program, OTO Forum (save the date and join us March 20-21, in Louisville, Ky.), and new initiatives like ENT Innovation Connection and Innovation Park.