Face to Face

Through this research, we shed light on the unique challenges of using telemedicine in our specialty. We typically require a physical exam that involves looking into the small orifices of the nose, ears, mouth and throat, which is hard to do in a virtual setting. We have vetted medical device companies that are developing specialized tools for otolaryngologists, including internet-connected otoscopes and tongue depressors equipped with cameras. These telemedicine tools are still lacking in image quality, but we’re continuing to discover ways to improve virtual care for our patients. During the pandemic, the volume of OR surgical cases declined, which led to a shortage of educational opportunities for trainees. Although this was a major disrupter, we used the time to advance high-tech solutions to meet the needs for medical education and training. For example, our Otolaryngology – Head and Neck surgery residents are training with the 3D Surgical Theater, which offers a virtual reality experience that loads up patient imaging in a 3D model. We’re also in the early stages of utilizing an Oculus VR system and Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 system in the MITIE sim center, providing a full spectrum of educational opportunities in a virtual platform. I invite you to read more about groundbreaking technology enhancements underway in the MITIE Institute in this newsletter. As always, we value your collaboration and feedback, and we look forward to partnering with you on complex cases in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck surgery.