Objectives Simulation‐based boot camps have gained popularity over the past few years, with some surgical specialties implementing mandatory national boot camps. However, there is no consensus in otolaryngology on boot camp timing, learner level, or curriculum. The purpose of this study is to examine the current landscape and gather opinions regarding future curriculum and standardization of boot camps in otolaryngology. Methods A survey was developed to examine current resident participation and boot camp content while also seeking opinions regarding improving boot camp enrollment and standardizing curriculum. A cross‐sectional survey of all otolaryngology residency program directors in the United States and Puerto Rico was performed via SurveyMonkey. Responses were collected anonymously, and results were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis. Results Of the 45% (48 of 106) who responded, 76.6% reported their residents participate in boot camps. The most common skills taught were basic suturing and airway management skills. The majority (95%) was likely to send residents to a local boot camp, with 56% favoring early postgraduate year (PGY)‐1 participation and 42% favoring a 1‐day boot camp. Subsidized expenses, improved regional access, and supplementary boot camp information would help the program director in their decision to send residents to boot camp. Only 32% felt boot camps should be standardized, and 27% felt they should be mandatory. Conclusion Many otolaryngology residency programs participate in boot camps. Additional data on the benefits of boot camps, improved access, and reduced financial burden may improve participation. Further discussion of ideal timing, PGY level, and standardized curriculum should occur in conjunction with the otolaryngology academic societies and oversight from accreditation and certifying bodies. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 129:2707–2712, 2019

BackgroundCare coordination for cystic fibrosis (CF) is essential. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare otolaryngologists’ and pulmonlogists’ understanding of long‐term chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) management; and (2) query patient perceptions of otolaryngologic care and CRS.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was administered by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2018 to patients with CF or their caregivers, otolaryngologists, and pulmonologists. Statistical analysis was performed comparing specialists. Descriptive statistics were computed for patient/caregiver‐reported data.ResultsRespondents included 126 otolaryngologists, 115 pulmonologists, and 186 patients with CF or their caregivers. Pulmonologists had greater experience caring for CF patients compared with otolaryngologists (66.7% vs 43.2% with 13+ years of experience, respectively), but more otolaryngologists cared for both adult and pediatric CF patients (39.2% vs 10.4%, respectively). Significantly more otolaryngologists advocated for establishing otolaryngologic care at time of CF diagnosis (64.8%) compared with pulmonologists (14.4%, p < 0.001), of whom 60.4% recommended otolaryngologist referral when sinonasal symptoms affect quality of life. More otolaryngologists perceived sinus surgery as beneficial for pulmonary function (74.5% vs 57.7%, p = 0.009); 60.8% of patients first sought otolaryngologic care in infancy or childhood (<13 years). Median number of sinus surgeries was 3 (interquartile range, 2‐5). The most common perceived benefits of surgery according to patients/caregivers included improved breathing (31.2%) and improved sinonasal symptoms (23.7%). Top patients/caregiver otolaryngologic priorities included symptom/infection control (49.0%) and care coordination (15.0%).ConclusionOur results highlight variable patient/caregiver experiences, and suggest that otolaryngologist and pulmonologist perceptions of CF otolaryngologic care also differ in some respects requiring improved interspecialty coordination/education.

Purpose of review Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) represents an uncommon congenital palatal anomaly with a variable rate of velopharyngeal dysfunction or resulting speech abnormality. Classic teaching regarding management of this entity involves delayed repair until a perceptual speech assessment by a skilled speech-language pathologist can be performed, typically at age 3–5 years. An assessment of timing of intervention, surgical techniques, and patient comorbidities is critical for optimized outcomes. Recent findings Early diagnosis and surgical intervention for SMCP are associated with improved speech outcomes. Expanding indications for surgery are being actively investigated. Timing of intervention and surgical technique may be influenced by a syndromic diagnosis, specifically 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Summary Diagnosis of classic SMCP and occult SMCP may be difficult based on provider experience. Variable surgical techniques may be used with good outcomes; patient comorbidities including syndromic diagnoses may determine best surgical technique. Expanding indications for surgery and timing of repair continue to evolve and warrant additional study.

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The purpose of this study was to measure the binaural interaction component (BIC) derived from click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) using stimuli configured to elicit the Precedence Effect. The hypothesis was that the contribution of binaural processing to echo suppression can be evidenced by a diminished or absent BIC associated with the echo. Ten normal-hearing young adults provided ABRs generated by sequences of click pairs. Results showed that BICs elicited by diotic clicks in isolation were obliterated when those diotic clicks were preceded by a click pair having an interaural time difference of 400 µs and where the interclick interval was 8.4 ms. The presence of the leading click pair increased the latency of the ABR generated by the lagging diotic click pair but did not decrease its amplitude. The results were interpreted as indicating a contribution of binaural processing at the level of the brainstem to echo suppression, at least for the conditions tested here.