Features

Physician, Know Thyself! Tips for Navigating Mid-Career Transitions in Otolaryngology

‘Physician, heal thyself” is an ancient proverb encouraging the importance of examining one’s own professional identity, strengths, and limitations to better serve patients. But if you’re an otolaryngologist contemplating a mid-career change, “Physician, know thyself” may be a better guidepost for finding the best match for your personal needs and professional talents.

Such self-awareness was one of several tools ENT physicians cited during a panel on mid-career transitions held during The Triological Society’s 2025 Combined Sections Meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Empty Nose Syndrome: Physiological, Psychological, or Perhaps a Little of Both?

ENS represents one of the more complex conditions in otolaryngology, characterized by the paradoxical feeling of nasal obstruction despite objectively patent airways. In addition to the feeling of severe nasal obstruction—one patient called it “suffocating with every breath”—patients also report dryness, burning, and crusting. The quality-of-life impact can be so great that some patients travel the world seeking multiple consultations and revision surgeries.

Endoscopic Ear Surgery: Advancements and Adoption Challenges 

Scan the literature on transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) and you’ll find a host of benefits for the procedure when it is compared with its microscope-guided counterpart, including enhanced visualization, superior training, and reduced post-operative complications, to name just a few. Coupled with recent equipment advances, such as thinner, more flexible endoscopes and ones that combine cutting and suctioning for enhanced bleeding control, it’s clearly an exciting time for TEES.