Dr. Michael Stewart, the newly inaugurated president of the Triological Society, has outlined a forward-looking agenda for the esteemed organization, emphasizing its commitment to advancing the field of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery, supporting its professionals, and ultimately benefiting patient care. In his initial address, Dr. Stewart highlighted the Society’s rich history, founded in 1895, and its enduring legacy of innovation and leadership within the specialty. He expressed his profound honor and enthusiasm for assuming the presidency, pledging to uphold and build upon the Society’s foundational principles while steering it towards new horizons of progress in 2026.
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
The Triological Society has long been recognized as a cornerstone of otolaryngology, consistently setting benchmarks for excellence. Its historical contributions, often marked by significant “firsts” in the field, underscore its pioneering spirit. Dr. Stewart’s message underscores the Society’s continued dedication to fostering an environment that not only preserves this legacy but actively propels the specialty forward. In 2026, the Triological Society remains at the forefront, providing critical resources and opportunities for practitioners, trainees, and patients alike.
The Society’s commitment to disseminating knowledge and fostering research is multifaceted. It proudly sponsors three distinguished publications, each with a unique editorial mission and readership, ensuring a broad spectrum of information reaches the otolaryngology community. Furthermore, two prominent scientific meetings are held annually, serving as vital platforms for the exchange of groundbreaking research, clinical insights, and professional networking. These gatherings are crucial for the continuous education and professional development of specialists.
Beyond these established avenues, the Triological Society is a significant funder of research. This investment not only drives innovation within the field, pushing the boundaries of current understanding and treatment modalities, but also critically supports the career trajectories of young investigators. These early-career professionals are the future leaders of otolaryngology, and their research endeavors, nurtured by the Society’s funding, are essential for the long-term advancement of the specialty.
The Society’s educational initiatives extend beyond its formal publications and meetings. The "Beyond the Otoscope" webinar series, for instance, offers valuable content that addresses critical medicine-adjacent topics. These webinars delve into crucial areas such as professional resilience and the navigation of change—themes increasingly vital in the dynamic landscape of modern healthcare. By providing these resources, the Triological Society acknowledges the holistic needs of its members, recognizing that professional success and well-being are intertwined.
Pioneering New Initiatives for Future Growth
In 2026, the Triological Society is embarking on two significant new initiatives designed to address emerging challenges and opportunities within the field. These programs reflect a proactive approach to enhancing the pipeline of future otolaryngologists and equipping them with essential leadership skills.
ELEVATE-ENT: Cultivating Future Talent
A landmark initiative launched in 2026 is ELEVATE-ENT (Empowering Leadership and Education through Visibility, Advocacy and Technical Skill). This program is a collaborative effort between the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and the Triological Society. Its primary objective is to improve access to residency training opportunities and to heighten awareness among medical students regarding the unique and vital nature of the otolaryngology specialty.
The launch of ELEVATE-ENT has been met with "tremendous energy and excitement," according to Dr. Stewart. This collaborative program signifies a unified commitment from leading otolaryngology organizations to address potential shortages in the specialty and to inspire the next generation of practitioners. The program aims to demystify the field, showcase its diverse subspecialties, and highlight the profound impact otolaryngologists have on patient quality of life. Further details about this impactful program are slated for publication in an upcoming issue of ENTtoday. Dr. Stewart expressed immense pride in the Triological Society’s role in initiating this crucial endeavor and in its ongoing partnership with the AAO-HNS to sustain its success.
The implications of ELEVATE-ENT are far-reaching. By proactively engaging with medical students earlier in their academic careers, the program seeks to cultivate a deeper interest in otolaryngology. This could potentially lead to an increased number of highly qualified applicants to residency programs, thereby strengthening the future workforce. Furthermore, by emphasizing visibility and advocacy, the program aims to equip future otolaryngologists with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of healthcare policy and to champion the needs of their patients and the specialty.
TRIO Leadership Academy: Forging Tomorrow’s Leaders
In parallel, the Triological Society is launching the TRIO Leadership Academy. This interactive and immersive course is specifically designed to provide comprehensive leadership training and development experiences for emerging leaders within the otolaryngology—head and neck surgery specialty. The need for such a program is underscored by the observation that while the business world often excels in formal leadership development, the medical field, including otolaryngology, has historically lagged in providing structured training in this critical area.
Leadership skills are typically not a formal component of residency or fellowship curricula, nor are they consistently integrated into early career development. This gap can leave promising clinicians without the necessary tools to effectively manage teams, lead departments, influence policy, or drive organizational change. The TRIO Leadership Academy aims to fill this void by offering practical, actionable training and networking opportunities.
Dr. Stewart highlighted the Triological Society’s unique position to effectively deliver this program. Its membership encompasses the entire spectrum of the specialty, transcending subspecialty divisions and academic affiliations. This inclusive membership structure ensures that the Academy’s curriculum and faculty draw from a diverse pool of leaders representing various practice models, including private practice, academic institutions, cancer centers, hospitals, medical schools, and health systems. This broad representation offers invaluable insights and mentorship for participants.
The TRIO Leadership Academy is being spearheaded by renowned leaders in the field, Dr. Myles Pensak and Dr. Maie St. John, and commenced its inaugural sessions in 2026. This initiative represents a significant investment in the future leadership capacity of otolaryngology. The development of strong leaders is essential for navigating the evolving healthcare landscape, fostering innovation, and ensuring the continued excellence of patient care. The Academy’s focus on formal training, essential tools, and robust networking opportunities promises to cultivate a new cohort of influential and effective leaders who can guide the specialty through its next era.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Engagement
Dr. Stewart concluded his message with a warm expression of gratitude for the interest shown in the Triological Society’s work. He extended an invitation to all members and stakeholders to engage with the Society’s ongoing initiatives and expressed his anticipation of seeing them at upcoming meetings. This forward-looking perspective, combined with a deep respect for the Society’s historical contributions, sets a promising tone for Dr. Stewart’s presidency.
The Triological Society, through its continued sponsorship of premier publications and scientific meetings, its commitment to research funding, its innovative educational programs like "Beyond the Otoscope," and its impactful new initiatives—ELEVATE-ENT and the TRIO Leadership Academy—is demonstrating a robust and dynamic approach to serving the otolaryngology—head and neck surgery community. These efforts collectively aim to not only maintain but elevate the standards of care, research, and professional development within the specialty, ensuring its continued prominence and positive impact on global health for years to come.
Dr. Michael Stewart, a distinguished figure in academic medicine, holds multiple influential positions. He is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, as well as Senior Associate Dean of International Affairs and Affiliates, and Professor of Population Health Sciences at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Concurrently, he serves as the Otolaryngologist-in-Chief at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. His leadership extends to his current role as President of the Triological Society, where he is poised to guide the organization through a period of significant growth and innovation.
