ENTtoday: August 2025

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.

PA Reform: Is the Administrative War of Attrition Ending?

Prior authorization (PA) reform has been a long time coming. Will we finally start to see some changes with the passage of the Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025, the finalization of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule in January 2024, the introduction of provider gold cards and payer scorecards, and a shift to electronic authorization systems?

How To: Endolymphatic Duct Blockage and Anatomical Variations Management

This article focuses on the surgical approaches and anatomical variations of the endolymphatic sac during the transmastoid route, which varies with the size of the duct within the petrous bone and its accessibility.

Hearing Loss Genes Evaluated as Candidates for Therapy

Hearing loss genes vary widely in treatment favorability; thus, targeting development efforts to promising candidates will ensure the highest likelihood of clinical success. Several genes were identified as appealing targets.

Dietary Elements May Be Linked to a Lower Incidence of Tinnitus

Study results suggest a link between certain dietary elements and a lower incidence of tinnitus.

Conservative Treatment Comes First When Addressing ENS

Currently, initial treatment approaches to ENS prioritize conservative management; given the complexity and severity of the condition, patients and clinicians should approach surgical options with caution.

Understanding the Current and Potential Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

The use of AI in healthcare has the potential to improve clinical care and efficiency, accelerate research, and empower patients and communities, but challenges must be addressed.

OCT Imaging Complements CT in Visualizing Normal and Pathological Ears

Although OCT was not capable of replacing CT due to its limited field of view (FOV) and inability to image through thick bony tissues, it visualized signs of pathology that are difficult to visualize with CT, suggesting its usefulness for some middle ear diagnostics.

Atmospheric Pressure Changes Linked to ELS Volume Changes in Patients with Unilateral Ménière’s Disease

Although OCT was not capable of replacing CT due to its limited field of view (FOV) and inability to image through thick bony tissues, it visualized signs of pathology that are difficult to visualize with CT, suggesting its usefulness for some middle ear diagnostics.

From Research Bench to Tangible Therapy with Dr. Joseph Kerschner

At 60 years old, after a fruitful career as a clinician–scientist, medical school dean, and provost at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Kerschner is pivoting his career to join Chartis, a leading healthcare advisory firm. In his role as a strategic transformation senior partner, Dr. Kerschner will apply not only his clinical and research expertise but also his leadership experience guiding a health system and medical school to help drive transformative change in healthcare.

Changing Perspectives: Why ENT Surgeons Should Consider Nerve Reconstruction

We should consider our patients as more than just cases. They are people whose lives will be forever impacted by nerve loss, who will have lifelong issues with eating, speaking, and expressing themselves.