Medical research in a changing world: Research needs, opportunities, and imperatives in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery

Opportunities to further knowledge through research have always been available. Opportunities frequently are accompanied by needs, and in certain times and circumstances, needs can generate imperatives. Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (ORL), like other areas of medicine, is at a point where all three circumstances have converged: There are opportunities to use recent advances in science, engineering, and technology to understand mechanisms of health and disease as a foundation for innovative, personalized clinical care.