The International Society for Otitis Media (ISOM) is a
non-profit organization that provides an international forum to
advance the frontiers of research, education, and patient care
as they relate to otitis media. ISOM achieves this mission
by (a) disseminating information about otitis media, (b)
supporting, coordinating, and enhancing efforts to improve
communication and collaboration among Society members, related
disciplines, and related societies, (c) facilitating otitis
media research by creating and exchanging knowledge, (d)
sponsoring meetings at which those interested in otitis media
can present new research, identify research needs, and work
collaboratively to promote optimal clinical management, and (e)
expanding the otitis media research community through outreach
and training.
P
It is my honor to serve as current President of the International Society for Otitis Media (ISOM). ISOM reached a significant milestone in 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the first Otitis Media Symposium in Columbus, Ohio, organized by Drs. Ben Senturia, Charles Bluestone, and David Lim in 1975. Ten years later, the first “extraordinary” international symposium was held in Kyoto, Japan, marking the beginning of a biennial gathering of clinical and basic scientists focused on otitis media research. In 2013, the governance structure was adopted, formally establishing ISOM.
I am excited to announce that the 24th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Otitis Media (ISOM 2027) will be held in Manila, Philippines, from June 11–14, 2027, representing our first meeting in Southeast Asia! While our history is strong, we remain committed to the continued growth of our society as we pursue an ambitious vision for the future.
Today, our members provide global expertise dedicated to improving middle-ear health. Our Initiative 2027 Strategic Plan is designed to support and foster the involvement of trainees worldwide, expand the participation of investigators across the globe to broaden the scientific scope of otitis media research, revitalize our communication efforts, strengthen connections through social media and an enhanced website experience, and refocus our ISOM committees through intentional efforts to educate, communicate, innovate, support, and invest in our society.
Together, our community will continue to evolve, and collectively we will achieve meaningful advances to address the profound consequences of middle-ear disease. I look forward to meeting you in Manila in 2027!
Additional information about ISOM
leaders can be found on our website:
With best regards,
Kevin M. Mason, Ph.D.
ISOM President
Principal Investigator
Center for Microbe and Immunity Research
The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Associate Professor
Infectious Diseases Institute
Department of Pediatrics
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Become a member: