{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Power of Showing Up: State Advocacy and Legislative Impact in ENT","description":"In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS\/F EVP and CEO, talks with Karen A. Rizzo, MD, a seasoned private practice otolaryngologist and past president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Rizzo, who is also Past Chair of the AAO-HNS Board of Governors, shares her journey from being encouraged by a mentor during residency to representing otolaryngology at the state level and eventually becoming the first otolaryngologist\u2014and only the fifth woman\u2014to lead the nation\u2019s oldest state medical society. Dr. Rizzo offers candid insights into why advocacy matters, how to get involved even when it feels intimidating, and the strategies she uses to build relationships with legislators and community leaders. The discussion covers her experiences testifying on scope-of-practice issues, the role of county and state medical societies, and how physicians can start with simple steps like joining local organizations or hosting legislators to make a difference. For otolaryngologists at any career stage, this episode provides an empowering look at how engagement in advocacy not only protects the specialty but also strengthens patient care and professional satisfaction. Resources: AAO-HNS State Legislative Advocacy: https:\/\/www.entnet.org\/advocacy\/state-legislative-advocacy\/  Donate to the ENT PAC: https:\/\/donation.edonation.com\/entpac\/website\/donate  More Ways to Listen: Spotify: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/3UeVLtFdLHDnWnULUPoiin Apple Podcasts: https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/voice-of-otolaryngology\/id1506655333   Connect the AAO-HNS: Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/aaohns  X (Twitter): https:\/\/x.com\/AAOHNS  Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AAOHNS  LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/american-academy-of-otolaryngology\/  Website: https:\/\/www.entnet.org  Shop AAO-HNS Merchandise: https:\/\/www.otostore.org  Help Us Improve Future Episodes: Share your feedback and topic suggestions at https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/0XpA83XNBQ  Note: Contributions to ENT PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology\u2013Head and Neck Surgery have the right to refuse to contribution without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ENT PAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ENT PAC may use your contribution only to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ENT PAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ENT PAC, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ENT PAC use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. ENT PAC is a program of the AAO-HNS which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code. ","author_name":"Voices of Otolaryngology","author_url":"http:\/\/entnet.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"