Indianapolis, Indiana – October 13, 2025 – The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO celebrates International Day today, highlighting the global reach and collaborative spirit of the otolaryngology community. With approximately 800 international attendees—representing 20% of all participants—traveling from more than 75 countries, this year's meeting underscores the increasingly interconnected nature of medical innovation and patient care worldwide.
"The international dimension of our Annual Meeting continues to grow," said Maria V. Suurna, MD, AAO-HNSF Coordinator for International Affairs. "We've intentionally designed a program that not only welcomes our global colleagues but celebrates the unique insights and innovations they bring to our specialty. From dedicated Spanish-language sessions to region-specific roundtables, this meeting reflects the truly global nature of medical advancements."
International Day features a robust schedule of events designed to foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange, including the Humanitarian Efforts Forum, the Eugene N. Myers, MD International Lecture on Head and Neck Cancer, the International Advisory Board (IAB) General Assembly and General Session, and International Symposium.
Pioneering Techniques in Complex Airway Reconstruction
A highlight of International Day is the Eugene N. Myers, MD International Lecture on Head and Neck Cancer, featuring Ralph W. Gilbert, MD, an internationally recognized expert in reconstructive microsurgery for complex head and neck reconstruction. Dr. Gilbert serves as head of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and holds the Gullane/O'Neil Chair in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University Health Network, Canada's largest hospital and home to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. He is also a professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Toronto.
In his presentation, "The Toronto Experience in Complex Airway Reconstruction," Dr. Gilbert shared pioneering techniques that are reshaping outcomes for patients with the most challenging laryngeal and tracheal defects. His lecture walked attendees through the "Toronto Approach" to cricotracheal resection, explored microvascular free tissue transfer options for reconstruction of the larynx and cricoid in the oncologic setting, and detailed free tissue transfer options and surgical approaches to complex oncologic tracheal defects. When cancer or trauma devastates the airway, Dr. Gilbert's innovative approaches give patients their voices—and their lives—back.
The Eugene N. Myers, MD International Lecture on Head and Neck Cancer was endowed by Leslie Nicholas, MD, in honor of his nephew, Eugene N. Myers, MD, who is dedicated to the management of head and neck cancer and has interest in international medicine.
Additional International Programming Includes:
International Symposium: There are over 30 International Symposium education sessions included in this year’s program and showcase cutting-edge content presented by international physicians. Each session provides a global perspective on popular topics in otolaryngology. To view the session titles, visit the Annual Meeting Education Program, select “Education Sessions,” and filter by “International Physicians” as the Audience.
Humanitarian Efforts Forum Led by Gregory J. Basura, MD, PhD, Chair of the Humanitarian Efforts Committee, this forum highlights pressing issues affecting humanitarian action related to otolaryngology.
International Advisory Board (IAB) General Assembly This year's panel discussion, "Cost of Global Healthcare—Who Benefits?" is facilitated by Titus Ibekwe, MD, IAB Chair, and moderated by Dr. Suurna and Hector de la Garza, MD.
The AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO continues through October 14 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
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About the AAO-HNS/F
The AAO-HNS/F is one of the world’s largest organizations representing specialists who treat the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons diagnose and treat medical disorders that are among the most common affecting patients of all ages in the United States and around the world. Those medical conditions include chronic ear disease, hearing and balance disorders, hearing loss, sinusitis, snoring and sleep apnea, allergies, swallowing disorders, nosebleeds, hoarseness, dizziness, and tumors of the head and neck as well as aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and intricate micro-surgical procedures of the head and neck. The Academy has approximately 13,000 members. The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and quality measurement.