3- Feeding problems and their management

Pediatric otolaryngology training and practice  in different parts of the world

Background: Pediatric otolaryngology is practiced throughout Latin America, but almost never as a formally recognized subspecialty. A direct survey of otolaryngologists from 18 Latin American countries (collected August 2026) found that only 4 of 18 countries have a dedicated pediatric ORL society, and just 3 offer a distinct credential separate from general ORL certification. Fifty-eight percent of respondents were unaware of any formal pediatric training program in their own country, and 63% reported zero pediatric airway simulation capacity — for a subspecialty whose highest-risk procedures depend on hands-on preparation. Training capacity is concentrated in two regional hubs, Mexico and Brazil, which together train the majority of specialists who train outside their own country. Despite this fragmentation, support for a regional minimum curriculum reached 100% among respondents — the strongest point of consensus found anywhere in the survey.

Description:This project translates that consensus into action: a regional initiative, developed with IAPO and IFOS, to standardize pediatric otolaryngology training across Latin America. It combines four components drawn directly from the survey findings — development of formal fellowship programs anchored in existing centers of excellence; standardization of minimum clinical competencies for pediatric ORL training, including pediatric airway management; strengthening of regional referral centers to extend training capacity beyond Mexico and Brazil; and a simple public registry of pediatric ORL specialists and training pathways.

Outcome Objectives: By the end of the initiative: (1) establish at least one formally accredited pediatric ORL fellowship program with regional intake; (2) publish an IAPO-endorsed minimum curriculum for pediatric airway management, adopted by participating national societies; (3) launch a regional registry of pediatric ORL specialists and training programs, closing the visibility gap identified in the survey; and (4) measurably increase the number of countries reporting a formal pediatric training structure.