Dr. Rande Lazar, founder and pediatric ENT, who is based in Memphis, has long been recognized for his commitment to advancing education and collaboration in otolaryngology. A shining example of that dedication is SPOEG—the Southern Pediatric Otolaryngology Education Group.

Dr. Derkay has been with the SPOEG for almost 30 years. He serves as the program director for the SPOEG and plays a major role in the success of the meeting each year. Dr. Derkay is the Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology at CHKD as well as the Fine-endowed professor and Vice Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at Eastern Virginia Medical School. He has been part of the leadership team at CHKD for many years as a member of the Medical Executive Committee, Surgical Authorities Committee, Medical Directors, Division Directors, Surgical Performance Improvement Committee, and various task forces.

A Nearly 40-Year Tradition of Learning SPOEG began almost four decades ago under the name SPOSG (Southern Pediatric Otolaryngology Study Group), with a small group of four pediatric ENTs meeting informally at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Over the years, that organic study group blossomed into a permanent fixture in the region, eventually growing into the formal nonprofit known as SPOEG (spoeg.org).

Today, SPOEG is the longest continuous educational gathering of its kind, bringing together more than 100 pediatric and adult ENT experts every January—traditionally around Martin Luther King Jr. weekend—often hosted in Southeast venues.

A Unique Platform Beyond Traditional Conferences Unlike larger scientific congresses like ASPO or AAO-HNS, SPOEG thrives on being informal yet academically rigorous. It’s a space where clinicians gather without ties for interactive, candid discussions, sharing real-world cases, off-label innovations, and practical business insights that rarely make it into standard meeting agendas.

Dr. Craig Derkay, a key pillar of the SPOEG organization, brings deep clinical expertise and unmatched academic insight to each gathering. As Program Director for SPOEG, Dr. Derkay curates much of the meeting’s educational content, ensuring that every session is meaningful, practical, and on the cutting edge of pediatric ENT. His distinguished career includes serving as Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology at CHKD and as the Fine-endowed Professor and Vice Chairman at Eastern Virginia Medical School. His extensive involvement in both clinical practice and. medical education has helped SPOEG maintain its unique balance of informal discussion and academic excellence. Dr. Derkay’s longstanding leadership and commitment—spanning nearly three decades—have shaped SPOEG into the collaborative and impactful forum it is today.

By promoting open dialogue and exploring unconventional approaches, SPOEG enriches regional ENT practice—and most importantly, delivers tangible benefits directly to children and families across the Southeast.

Dr. Lazar’s Enduring Influence Since its inception, Dr. Lazar has been a driving force behind SPOEG’s growth and direction. His vision and dedication helped launch this group from a small regional meeting into an organization with no membership fees, broad regional participation, and robust industry engagement.

Even today, SPOEG continues to foster connections, share emerging treatment insights, and advance pediatric ENT care across Memphis and the region—furthering ENT Memphis’s mission of high-quality, patient-centered care.

What Happens at a SPOEG Gathering?

• Roundtable case discussions and peer-to-peer learning
• Presentations on cutting-edge surgical tools, devices, and pharmaceuticals—sometimes in creative, off-label use
• Business workshops covering day‌-to‌-day practice management
• Networking and informal dialogue that lead to collaborative innovation

How SPOEG Elevates Memphis and Advances ENT Care

SPOEG isn’t just a professional gathering—it’s a powerful educational engine rooted right here in Memphis. Founded by Dr. Rande Lazar, this long-standing event brings the brightest minds in pediatric otolaryngology to our city, creating a pipeline of innovation and collaboration that directly benefits the Memphis medical community.

For Memphis ENT specialists, SPOEG provides a unique opportunity to stay at the forefront of evolving treatments, surgical techniques, and patient care strategies. These insights aren’t confined to conference rooms—they’re implemented daily in clinics and operating rooms across the city.

The result? Memphis patients receive the most current, evidence-based ENT care available—especially children, who benefit from the kind of early, expert interventions that improve lifelong health outcomes. Through SPOEG, Dr. Lazar has positioned Memphis not only as a leader in pediatric ENT but as a hub for sharing knowledge that makes a measurable difference in people’s lives.

Join the Movement

If you’re a pediatric otolaryngologist practicing in the Southeast, SPOEG welcomes your participation—no registration fees apply. Just email either Dr. Rande Lazar (rande@entmemphis.com) or Dr. Craig Derkay (craigderkay@gmail.com) to express your interest.

From its humble beginnings in a Memphis conference room, SPOEG has evolved into a pioneering educational forum—driven by Dr. Rande Lazar’s passion for lifelong learning and a clear focus on improving pediatric ENT outcomes. It’s more than a study group—it’s a community of professionals working together to elevate care through knowledge, conversation, and innovation.

If you’re interested in learning more, attending a meeting, or connecting with Dr. Lazar and other regional ENT leaders, don’t hesitate to get in touch or explore more at spoeg.org.