President's Message - December 2025

Dear Colleagues, 

It is a great honor and privilege to serve as your next President of TAO. First, I would like to thank Dr. Katherine Kao, our immediate past president, for her leadership and vision. On behalf of all the members, I would like to thank her for all her contributions and continued leadership. 

As we move into the next chapter of our association's work, I'm proud to share several updates that reflect the strength, innovation, and growth of the Texas otolaryngology community. This year has been both productive and transformative for our members, our advocacy efforts, and the patients we serve across the state. 

Advocacy & Legislative Update 

Our leadership team has continued active engagement with state policymakers to ensure that Texas remains a supportive environment for ENT practices and patient care. Key recent priorities include: 
  • Protecting scope of practice to ensure that otolaryngologic care remains safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered. 
  • Supporting insurance reform that reduces administrative burden and expands timely access to specialty care. 
  • Partnering with the Texas Medical Association to maintain a unified physician voice on reimbursement and regulatory issues. 

We will continue to keep members informed as legislation evolves during the current cycle.

Education & Professional Development 

Our commitment to lifelong learning remains central to TAO's mission. This year we successfully: 
  • Expanded CME opportunities through virtual and in-person symposia ad will continue to expand. 
  • Launched new clinical update webinars featuring Texas-based leaders discussing innovations in sinus surgery, allergy management, head & neck oncology, sleep apnea, and pediatric ENT. 
  • Deepened our collaboration with academic centers to strengthen mentorship pathways for residents and fellows. 

Planning is underway for next year's Annual Meeting, which will feature enhanced hands-on workshops and policy roundtables. 

Membership Growth & Engagement 

Membership has continued to grow, reflecting the strength of our specialty across the state. We are welcoming: 
  • Newly trained otolaryngologists joined practices across Texas
  • More residents participating in the association 
  • A rising number of private-practice and academic physicians taking active roles in committees

To support engagement, we introduced new member communication tools, including improved digital newsletters and streamlined access to TAO resources. 

Quality, Safety & Practice Support 

This year we will prioritize practical resources to help physicians adapt to the evolving healthcare environment: 
  • Updated clinical practice guidelines summaries for quick reference 
  • New toolkits addressing coding changes, telemedicine, and office-based ENT procedures
  • Shared best practices for enhancing patient satisfaction and maintaining efficient workflows. 

Our practice support committee continues working to identify issues affecting both independent and employed physicians. 

Looking Ahead 

The future of otolaryngology in Texas is bright. Our goals for the coming year include: 
  • Strengthening collaborations with state and national ENT organizations
  • Expanding resident leadership programs and statewide research initiatives
  • Increasing advocacy training for physicians at all career stages 
  • Continuing to amplify the voice of ENT specialists in conversations shaping Texas healthcare. 

I want to extend my gratitude to every TAO member for your dedication, leadership, and passion for patient care. It is an honor to serve as your president, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the year ahead. 

Warm regards and Happy Holidays, 

Deepak Mehta, MD, FRCSPresident, Texas Association of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (TAO) 
Bobby Alford Professor of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine
Texas Children's Hospital