Education of medical practitioners in otitis media management

Objective: Medical education generally is so complex today, compared to just 50 years ago, that we unfortunately brush over the education of common conditions and their management in favour of more esoteric and complicated disease. Otitis media (OM) is no exception, and now more than ever, we must strive to find innovative ways to convey the mandatory information to medical students and practising physicians;as we approach the millennium. This article addresses the problems of teaching the essential information and management skills needed by medical practitioners by reviewing what has gone on in the past, updating the present situation, and suggesting new strategies for the future.