Acceptance of Neurotology Board Certification Among Leaders in the Field

Introduction: Neurotology board certification was born a decade ago and is available to otolaryngologists who specialize in clinical neurotology. The degree of participation in this voluntary program among leaders in the field has not been previously assessed. Methods: The Web sites of ACGME accredited otolaryngology programs were used to identify chairpersons who self-identified as neurotologists. Past presidents of the American Neurotology Society (ANS) since 1997 were also evaluated. The participation of both groups in neurotology board certification (NC) was ascertained using the search tool available on the American Board of Otolaryngology Web site (aboto.org). Results: Of the 26 chairmen (all were men) identified as neurotologists, 18 (69%) participated in NC. Ten of 13 past presidents (77%) of the ANS participated in NC. Combining the 2 groups, 28 (72%) of 39 leaders in neurotology in the United States participated in NC. Conclusion: Adoption of the NC process among leaders in the field of neurotology in the United States has been robust, despite the significant costs entailed in participation.