Mona M. Abaza

Laryngeal Manifestations of Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome

Postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) is a disease that may occur in survivors of acute poliomyelitis several decades after their initial infection. It can present as dysphonia, with vocal weakness and fatigue. Swallowing, respiratory, and other laryngopharyngeal symptoms may be manifestations of the disease or they may represent worsening of previously stable and compensated deficits. Three cases of laryngeal changes in PPS with videostroboscopic and laryngeal electromyography findings highlight the features of this disorder. We review possible etiologies of laryngeal PPS, diagnostic criteria, and treatment, as well as the current literature.

Protect Your Practice, Protect Yourself, and Protect Your Family

Program Description: Physicians must confront significant financial issues over the course of their careers. These issues can be especially problematic for young physicians entering practice, although decisions around professional and personal finance must be made throughout one’s career. Matters such as professional liability, asset protection, practice management, employment contracting, and retirement planning all must be addressed proactively and confidently for maximal financial benefit. This miniseminar will include presentations from physicians and financial professionals that highlight these important decisions and considerations for otolaryngologists. Representatives of Academy committees will participate in an interactive discussion around central topics of vital interest to practicing physicians. Educational Objectives: (1) Recognize the importance of building and protecting their practices. (2) Preserve their investment in their futures. (3) Examine employment contracts and retirement planning.

Mentor and Mentee Skills: Tools from Residency to Practice and Beyond

Program Description: The ability to mentor and be mentored is important to the individual and collective success of our specialty. Successful organizations have long benefited from the voluntary contributions of individuals stimulated by a mentoring relationship. On a professional level, mentoring is critical to recruit, retain, and promote a diverse and dynamic otolaryngology work force in a time of changing needs. While the apprentice model of mentoring is familiar, understanding the various options available to aid career transitions and professional development is increasingly important. The panel will explore several aspects attributable to the changing environment of the mentor relationship and provide tools for addressing these needs. Generational differences will be discussed as they relate to changing priorities of the younger mentee and transformation of the traditional mentor role. A successful residency-mentoring program will be presented and this model adapted to various practice applications. The concept of mentorship will be explored from the perspective of the mentor and mentee and topics of physician practice, academy involvement, and work-life balance will be covered. The panel, providing tools for those seeking mentoring, will discuss the needs, expectations, and responsibilities of the mentee. Resources available within medicine, the AAO-HNS, and the business world will be provided for use. Educational Objectives: 1) Understand the changing mentor/mentee relationship and have the tools to apply to those situations. 2) Improve the mentoring process by incorporating systematic methods reviewed and learn about resources available. 3) Identify individual mentor and mentee needs by encouraging an active role.