Aug 12, 2025
In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Dr. Rahul Shah
sits down with Douglas D. Backous, MD, neurotologist, Immediate
Past President of the AAO-HNS/F, and longtime leader in advancing
specialty care. Dr. Backous reflects on his diverse career—from
academic medicine and private practice to advocacy and
international engagement—and how those experiences shape his vision
for the future of otolaryngology.
He shares lessons learned from leadership roles, including building
bridges between clinicians, policymakers, and industry, and his
efforts to improve patient access, workforce development, and
innovation adoption. The conversation spans everything from
Medicare reimbursement challenges to the importance of social
trust, the rise of women in the field, and how the Academy can act
as a neutral platform for technological advancement and global
collaboration.
Listeners will gain valuable perspective on the evolving
opportunities and challenges facing otolaryngology, and
how the Academy is working to ensure the specialty continues
to thrive for both practitioners and patients.
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