Developing a Social Media Ontology Across Otolaryngology and its Subspecialties.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how social media is used in the dissemination of new information within otolaryngology, and to emphasize the importance of standardizing Twitter hashtag use. METHODS: Based on the 2019 SCImago journal rankings, the Twitter posts from the accounts of the top three journals covering each otolaryngology subspecialty were reviewed from August 1, 2020 to May 1, 2021. Twitter posts from the primary otolaryngology-related academic societies were also reviewed during this timeframe. A list of hashtags was generated based on a combination of the most common otolaryngologic procedures and most commonly used hashtags in the social media space. This list was then crowd-sourced with 10 fellowship-trained otolaryngologists for each subspecialty. RESULTS: Hashtag use among key stakeholders in the otolaryngology social media space varies considerably. For instance, #HNSCC, #HeadAndNeckSquamousCellCarcinoma, #HeadAndNeckCancer, #HeadAndNeckCancers, #OropharyngealCancer, #OropharynxCancer, #OralCancer, and #OPSCC were all commonly used hashtags to identify posts discussing oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. #HeadAndNeckCancer and #HNSCC were most popular and used in a total of 85 and 65 tweets, respectively. #HeadAndNeckCancer was found alone in 32 out of 85 tweets (38%), whereas #HNSCC was found alone in 27 out of 65 tweets (42%). A standardized hashtag ontology covering all subspecialties within otolaryngology is proposed herein. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of a standardized social media ontology within otolaryngology will improve information dissemination across all key stakeholders. Laryngoscope, 133:1595-1599, 2023.

Practice Trends and Evidence-Based Practice in Microvascular Reconstruction.

Microvascular and free flap reconstruction are important to the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery practice. Herein, the reader will find an up-to-date discussion of various evidence-based practice trends related to microvascular surgery, including surgical techniques, anesthetic and airway considerations, free flap monitoring and troubleshooting, surgical efficiency, and both patient-related and surgeon-related risk factors that may affect outcomes.

The Work Is Just Beginning-Racism in Medicine.

The medical community is no exception when it comes to structural racism and implicit bias, often present in dangerously subtle ways. To enter a residency program in which one is the only black person seems odd, especially considering the decades-long calls to action for increasing diversity. Unless the societal majority removes the blinders and steps out of their realm of privilege to address personal and systemic racist and biased views, progress will not be made. Sponsorship and inclusion of those Underrepresented in Medicine also lead to a stronger, more diverse academic community, and ultimately better health care.