Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 3: 2007 – 2011

Otolaryngologists make up only two percent of the physicians in the U.S., but they exert great influence... The Academy stands ready to be a unifying entity across the breadth of our specialties. Different voices must be heard to broaden our scope. However, if we unite to form one strong, articulate voice, we can better convey important issues faced by otolaryngology as a whole. It is our hope to work together to provide the best possible ear, nose, and throat care. We are more likely to succeed if we maintain our strong leadership and encourage unity among the subspecialties. At the Academy we are developing new ideas to inspire unity.” - Richard T. Miyamoto, MD, 2006-2007 President, July 2007 Bulletin

society summit meeting called by Dr. Denneny on November 29, 2007. The presidents, presidents-elect, and secretaries of national otolaryngology physician specialty societies were invited to discuss the current and future status of the specialty and to chart a direction to work together over the next decade. “In a historic demonstration of the willingness of the house of otolaryngology to collaborate, the AAO HNS hosted a diverse group of sub-specialty societies at our new building in Alexandria, Virginia. The group thoroughly and honestly discussed a number of issues that have led to less-than-optimal relationships among the various societies within otolaryngology in the past. There was a surprising consistency as to the issues and possible solutions brought forth by the leadership of these societies,” shared Dr. Denneny in the January 2008 Bulletin . Wanting to sustain the momentum from the summit, a working group was formed to explore ways for specialty societies to be more connected through a formal governance structure within the AAO-HNS/F, including participation at the Board level. Under the leadership of Paul T. Fass, MD, the group defined a founding governance structure and mission for what became

known as the Specialty Society Advisory Council (SSAC). “Collaboration is critical in difficult economic times, when resources must be stretched. Rather than letting our differences divide us, we must present our varying points of view, and find ways we can combine our resources. If we are able to unify our objectives, we will safeguard the future of our specialty,” shared Dr. Nielsen, in the June 2009 Bulletin . The SSAC contained representatives from: AAO-HNS and its Board of Governors (BOG) American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) American Neurotology Society (ANS) American Otological Society (AOS) American Rhinologic Society (ARS) American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) Triological Society (TRIO) American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) American Laryngeal Association (ALA)

Representatives were selected by each society and invited to serve for a three-year term. A Chair and Chair-elect were elected by the members of the SSAC and represented the SSAC to the AAO-HNS Board of Directors. medical organizations is also a critical part of improving our healthcare system, and now is the time to become involved. As the drive for healthcare reform gains momentum, it is critically important that our voice is heard, “Collaboration among

2007: The redesigned monthly Bulletin celebrated its 25th year with a new look.

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