09-12, 08:00–09:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Humanitarian + Transverse Activities + Global Outreach 2
Description: Explore innovations and strategies in competency assessment to shape the future of otolaryngology training.
Outcome Objectives:
Understand current models of competency assessment in otolaryngology.
Identify gaps and opportunities for future assessment innovation.
Develop strategies to implement effective, meaningful competency evaluation in training programs.
Background: Competency-based education is reshaping medical training across specialties, including otolaryngology. As educational frameworks evolve, there is a growing need for robust, flexible, and meaningful assessment tools that accurately reflect trainee development and readiness for independent practice. This panel will explore current models, identify challenges, and propose forward-looking strategies to guide competency assessment into the next era of otolaryngology education.
To examine current and emerging approaches to competency assessment in otolaryngology, foster discussion on aligning evaluation methods with evolving educational standards, and inspire new strategies that ensure both trainees are prepared for the future demands of the specialty.
Sonya Malekzadeh, MD, FACS, is Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine, Vice Chair for Education and Residency Program Director in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
Dr. Malekzadeh is a leader in the field of medical education and simulation. Her vision and work have led to the development and dissemination of several innovative training tools and programs. COCLIA (Comprehensive Otolaryngologic Curriculum, Learning through Interactive Approach), an on-line longitudinal course, is utilized by many otolaryngology residency programs. She created a series of low-cost simulators to onboard novice residents with basic surgical skills. Over a decade ago, she helped to develop the first ORL Emergencies Boot Camp and continues to co-direct this annual event.
Active in local and national societies, she has chaired and served as member of numerous committees. As Education Coordinator for the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, she led to the development of educational products and programming for the Foundation’s membership. She is a past member of their Board of Directors and was also the inaugural Chair of the Women in Otolaryngology Section. Dr. Malekzadeh is the past-Chair of the Otolaryngology Program Directors Organization and past-President of the Society of University Otolaryngologists. She is currently a member of the ACGME Otolaryngology Residency Review Committee and Director of the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Malekzadeh received her medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, where she also completed her internship in general surgery. After fulfilling her residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at The University of Maryland in Baltimore, she joined the faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Georgetown in 2001. She served as Chief of ENT at the Washington DC Veteran’s Hospital from 2008-2018.
