Simulate Until It Is Real
Simulation Education events bring training and practice to your fingertips.

The Simulation Education events at the Annual Meeting offer an interactive, hands-on format to enhance surgical skills training. The events, including SIM Tank, Simulation Reception and Showcase, and the Worst-Case Scenarios: Managing OTO Emergencies Workshop, are sponsored by the AAO-HNSF Simulation Education Committee (SIMEC).
AAO-HNSF Coordinator of Education Jeffrey P. Simons, MD, MMM, said he has been particularly focused on embracing new paradigms for medical education and increasing the use of simulation and gamification during his tenure over the last four years. Under the leadership of Katherine Kavanagh, MD, SIMEC Chair, the committee has lined up the largest offering of Simulation Education for #OTOMTG23.
“Simulation Education uses hands-on experiences to augment traditional didactic learning. There is an incredible breadth of simulation education, including gamification, team training for nontechnical skills, and both high- and low-fidelity task trainers all of which can add in different ways,” said Dr. Kavanagh. “Embedding simulation education into the Annual Meeting allows learners to enrich their education experience by having access to Expert Lectures and Panel Presentations alongside a hands-on experience.”
Dr. Kavanagh said she is looking forward to seeing the creative ways colleagues are using Simulation Education to engage learners and advance our field.
“There will be fantastic opportunities to experience Simulation Education through the sessions at the Simulation Center and SIM Tank, with something for everyone,” she said.
SIM Tank
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Omni Nashville Hotel, Legends Ballroom D
The top three most innovative simulation project authors will present to a panel of expert judges to try to “sell” their products/idea as the best of the year for cash prizes and bragging rights. Simulation projects are judged on innovation and creativity, scalability throughout the specialty, and advancement of training and practice in the field of otolaryngology. The following three exemplary projects designated for presentation during SIM Tank were selected from the 2023 Call for Simulation Proposals.
- A Smart Cochlear 3D-Printed Model with Custom Software to Train Otolaryngologists | Anita Jeyakumar MD, Avi Shaw DO, Kilee Bayne DO, Mercy Bon Secours
- Development and Validation of a Novel Human Fixed Cadaveric Model Reproducing Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation for Training in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery | Laura-Elisabeth Gosselin, MD, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Virtually Augmented Surgical Navigation in FESS Simulation Training: A Prospective Trial of Repeated Measures | Michael Yim, MD, Mackenzie Latour, MD, LSU Health Shreveport
Kara Y. Detwiller, MD
“I am consistently impressed with the creativity of the contestants and the amazing quality of work produced,” said Kara Y. Detwiller, MD, SIM Tank Co-Chair and adjunct professor of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine. “It's so fun to see what projects people are working on, and it gives me a lot of pride in our specialty.”
Past SIM Tank competitions have featured a variety of novel projects, ranging from new physical simulators incorporating 3D printing or virtual reality to the use of simulation-based curriculum in the setting of quality improvement.
Simulation Reception and Showcase
6:00 – 7:30 pm | Monday, October 2
Omni Nashville Hotel, Legends Ballroom D
The Simulation Reception and Showcase immediately follows SIM Tank and provides an opportunity for simulation scholars to demonstrate their innovative otolaryngology simulators, projects, and curriculum.
- A Low-Cost Telescope Augmented by 3D Printing for Rigid Endoscope Simulation | Regan C. Manayan, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- A Low-Cost, High-Fidelity Model to Simulate Extracapsular Plane Dissection in Tonsillectomy | William Pellegrini, MD, and Michael Platt, MD, Boston University School of Medicine
- A Smart Cochlear 3D-Printed Model with Custom Software to Train Otolaryngologists | Avi Shaw, DO, Mercy Bon Secours
- A Three-Dimensional Printed Laryngoscope Holder for Continuous Laryngoscopy During Exercise | Maxwell Newby, MD, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington
- An Ex-Vivo Animal Model for Mastering Surgical Skills in Endoscopic Transtemporal Facial Nerve Decompression | Sapna Ramkrishna Parab, MBBS, MS, DNB, Sushrut Ent Hospital and Dr. Khan’s Research Center, Talegaon Dabhade, Maharashtra India
- Building Phonomicrosurgical Skills through Simulation: An Easy Model for Operating Room Downtime | Julia Thomas, MD, MSPH, University of Chicago
- Development and Validation of a Novel Human Fixed Cadaveric Model Reproducing Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation for Training in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery | Laura-Elisabeth Gosselin, MD, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Development and Validity of an Entirely Three-Dimensionally Printed Microlaryngeal Surgery Simulator | Nazaneen Grant, MD, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
- Development of a Peroral Vocal Fold Injection Simulator | Brian Reilly, MD, Temple University Hospital
- Going Back to the Basics: A Low-Cost, High-Fidelity Training Model for Flexible Nasopharyngoscopy | Andrew Y. Lee, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College
- Impacting Resident Training: A Novel and Cost-Effective Tongue-Tie Model | Rachel Karras, MD, SIU School of Medicine
- Improving Spatial Anatomy Awareness of Sinonasal and Skull Base Structures Using Immersive Technology | David Ahmadian, BS, University of Arizona, College of Medicine – Tucson
- Real Cultural Intelligence: Embedding DEI into the Design of Simulation Education (AI) | Steven Sims, MD, Chicago Institute for Voice Care
- Scaling Portable Temporal Bone Laboratories | Michelle Higgins, MD, PhD, AugmENT, LLC
- The Role of Neurocognitive Testing in Predicting Surgical Performance | Carl Snyderman, MD, MBA, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Validation of a 3D-Printed Silicone Laryngeal Model for Simulation of Laryngeal Microsurgery | Benjamin T. Ostrander, MD, MSE, University of California – San Diego
- Virtually Augmented Surgical Navigation in FESS Simulation Training: A Prospective Trial of Repeated Measures | Michael Yim, MD, LSU Health Shreveport
Simulation Sessions
With nearly 25 sessions to choose from, topics range from cochlear malformations in your hand, endoscopic surgery of the pediatric airway using 3D simulation models, advanced ultrasonography techniques, and more!
Sessions include:
- 3D Printing in Otolaryngology Practice: Where Simulation Meets Patient Care
- 3-Dimensional Planning of Mandibular Reconstruction: Hands-On Approach with Live Demonstration
- 3-Dimensional Planning of Maxillary Reconstruction: Hands-On Approach with Live Demonstration
- A Puzzling Night on Call: An Otolaryngology Escape Room Experience?
- Applying techniques for Mandibular Fracture Repair
- Challenging Airway Bronchoscopy: Dos and Don’ts for a Successful Procedure
- Choosing and Applying Techniques for Maxillo-Mandibular Fixation
- Clinic Catastrophes: How to Simulate (and Survive) Office-Based Emergencies
- Custom Oral Appliances by ENT for Comprehensive Sleep Apnea Treatment
- Cutting-Edge Feedback: Framework for Feedback Following Surgical Procedures
- Ear Framework Creation for Microtia Reconstruction
- Effective Management of Auricular Hematoma: Hands-On Experience with the Experts
- Emergency Airway Management for Medical Students: OTO Chautauqua LIVE!
- Endoscopic Pediatric Airway Surgery Using 3D Printed Models
- Hands-On Office Laryngology Procedures
- Hands-On Slide Tracheoplasty Techniques Using 3D Printed Simulation Models
- Implicit Bias Affects Us All: Simulation and Panel Discussion
- Masterclass in Frontal Sinus Dissection Using 3D Printed Simulation Models
- Maxillo-Mandibular Plating in a Live Saw Bones Lab
- Mucosal Lasers in Otolaryngology: CO2, Nd:YAG, and TruBlue. Why/How?
- Oral Appliance Therapy Made Simple in Your Comprehensive Sleep Practice
- Pediatric Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Hands-On Simulation
- Practicing Open Reduction Internal Fixation of ZMOC Fractures
- R for Data Analysis: Useful Tools for Otolaryngologists and Researchers
- Simulating Tracheostomy Emergencies: Building Confidence and Competence
- Tap-Tap: Endonasal and Percutaneous Nasal Osteotomy Techniques on 3D-Printed Models
For dates and times of all Simulation Education events and sessions, search the schedule on the official #OTOMTG23 mobile app.