Beyond the Scope: Advancing Otolaryngology With Artificial Intelligence Integration

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into otolaryngology heralds a new era of enhanced diagnostic precision, improved treatment strategies, and better patient outcomes. This advancement, however, brings to the fore the essential role of education and training in maximizing AI's potential within the field. The diverse spectrum of otolaryngology, encompassing audiology, rhinology, and sleep medicine, presents numerous opportunities for AI applications from predicting hearing loss progression and optimizing cochlear implant settings to managing chronic sinusitis and predicting the success of treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. Such innovations necessitate a paradigm shift in educational frameworks, merging traditional clinical skills with AI literacy. This involves introducing AI concepts, tools, and applications specific to otolaryngology in the curriculum, ensuring practitioners are equipped to leverage AI for diagnostics, patient monitoring, and surgical planning. Exploring the potential of large language models (LLMs) in medical education, simulating clinical scenarios for risk-free diagnostic practice and decision-making, is imperative. Underscoring the importance of continuous education for established otolaryngologists through workshops and seminars on the latest AI tools is another essential goal. Moreover, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach to address ethical considerations and ensure the responsible integration of AI while advocating for a multidisciplinary educational strategy is an important asset. As we navigate this transition, the commitment to training and education becomes paramount, preparing the otolaryngology community to embrace AI-driven healthcare innovations.