Indianapolis, Indiana – October 13, 2025 – Throughout the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, attendees experienced the engaging and collaborative spirit that makes this annual gathering the premier event in the field, with competitions and showcases highlighting the best and brightest minds advancing patient care and surgical education.
From groundbreaking research presentations to creative exhibit displays and spirited education competitions, this year's Annual Meeting brought together the otolaryngology community to recognize outstanding contributions across multiple categories.
Academic Bowl Champions
The 18th Annual Academic Bowl showcased the depth of knowledge and competitive spirit of otolaryngology residents in one of the most anticipated events in resident education. Moderated by Jeffrey P. Simons, MD, MMM, AAO-HNSF Immediate Past Coordinator of Education, the competition tested participants' mastery across subspecialties, business of medicine, and the latest clinical research findings.
The champion of the 18th Annual Academy Bowl and taking home the trophy was LSU Shreveport, with Indiana University coming in second, University of Connecticut in third and UC Davis Health in fourth.
Scientific Poster Awards
Scientific Posters represent the cornerstone of groundbreaking research presented at the Annual Meeting, with the Annual Meeting Program Committee recognizing exceptional contributions that advance patient care and scientific knowledge.
Best in Show: “ENT Speed-Networking: Fostering Mentorship Relationships and Improving Residency Match Outcomes” | Authors: Presenting Author: Mohamed Faisal Kassir, BS; Co-Author: Clarice Clemmens, MD; Co-Author: Ted Meyer, MD, PhD; Senior Author: Brandon Esianor, MD
Best in Basic Science/Clinical Science: “Patient-Reported Information Gaps Regarding HPV-Mediated Oropharyngeal Cancer in a Rural State” | Authors: Presenting Author: Patrick Bidros, BA; Co-Author: Clayton Bobo, N/A; Co-Author: Anthony Mahairas, N/A; Senior Author: Melina Windon, MD
For a complete list of all “Best in” Poster Winners, go to: https://blog.entnet.org/meeting-daily/poster-winners
SIM Tank Competition
The SIM Tank competition highlighted cutting-edge simulation innovations designed to enhance surgical training and education in otolaryngology.
Winners:
1st Place: Jenny Kim, MD – Development and Validation of a Hybrid Simulation Model for Septoplasty Training
2nd Place: Lauren Schlegel, MD – Advancing Laryngology Simulation: A Novel 3D Printed and PVA-Based Model for Electrocautery and Laser Training
3rd Place: Stephanie Yeap, MD – Nose Dive into the SinusVRse: Using Virtual Reality Gaming to Navigate Paranasal Sinus Anatomy
OTO EXPO Booth Awards
The Annual Meeting Program Committee recognized exceptional creativity and innovation throughout the exhibit hall, celebrating the exhibitors who brought expertise and energy to the OTO EXPO.
2025 Exhibit Booth Winners:
- 10x10 Booth Winner: Veracyte (Booth #909)
- Island Booth Winner: Mack's Ear Plugs (Booth #1825)
- In-Line Booth Winner: Smith+Nephew (Booth #900)
The AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO continues through October 14 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
>> Access all AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO press releases by scrolling to the bottom of the page at https://www.entnet.org/about-us/newsroom/.
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.