Surgeon Scientist Symposium Offers Support for Early Career Researchers in Otolaryngology

Dr. Moberly said.

Similar to last year’s symposium, this year’s will address funding mechanisms for early investigators, grant writing strategies, mentorship, how to build research teams, ways to diversify the investigator workforce, and the science of publishing and reviewing. The programming is designed to provide practical and actionable guidance.

“Part of the career development process is learning how to take criticism of your work constructively,” Dr. Turner said. “That can be hard for otolaryngologists, who are used to excelling and being at the top of their class, but it’s part of the process, and the sooner you recognize this and don’t take it personally, the better.”

The symposium addresses a critical need in academic otolaryngology, but according to Dr. Turner, this career path is something else, too. “Yes, there are challenges, but being a surgeon-scientist is also really fun and rewarding. That’s what gets us up in the morning—connecting research at the bench to patient care at the bedside,” he said. 

Registration for the 2025 symposium will be first come, first served, with a maximum of 40 participants. The program features experienced and successful mid-career to senior surgeon scientists within the field. Those interested in attending should watch for registration announcements, particularly if they wish to apply for one of the ten available travel grants. 

Renée Bacher is a freelance medical writer based in Louisiana.