Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 3: 2007 – 2011

As a member, you are part of a strong alliance that has the ability to plan and control factors that affect the specialty. Our specialty has attracted an outstanding group of physicians with broad interests and experience who have created and upheld our well-deserved image and position of high esteem.” — Richard T. Miyamoto, MD, 2006-2007 President, September 2007 Bulletin

experiences like the Annual Meeting and the Board of Governors Spring Meeting. Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Taylor, Lisa Perry-Gilkes, MD, and Lorraine M. Williams-Smith, MD, MPH, the AAO-HNSF and the Harry Barnes Society quickly raised more than $70,000 in support of this important collaborative endeavor. The Changing Face of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery was a new fundraising campaign that launched in 2011 and allowed the Academy to fund the charge of inclusion and create the financial infrastructure for establishing the programs that supported and attracted a diverse population to the specialty. Four areas were highlighted in the campaign and programs under each would be endowed. Dr. Taylor said in the May 2011 Bulletin , “The Changing Face of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery campaign is certainly progress, and the Diversity Committee is proud to help lead the way in these efforts.” Concluding Thoughts The AAO-HNS/F addressed the challenges that arose from healthcare reform in a proactive way that resulted in greater specialty unity and collaboration; an integrated approach to quality patient care through research, advocacy and education; and an investment in enhancing value for greater membership support and involvement from the global otolaryngology community. Commenting on the state of affairs in this age of healthcare reform, Dr. Denneny noted in the September 2008 Bulletin , “For otolaryngology, and medicine in general, it is essential that limited resources be maximized through collaborative efforts if we have any hope of advancing the profession and patient care. We must also utilize the talents of otolaryngologists of all backgrounds as we relate to our patients. We have also made strides to improve Board governance and structure, promote otolaryngology, and position ourselves for the future.”

Emphasizing the value of member involvement in the success of current and future Academy endeavors, Dr. Kennedy noted in the May 2009 Bulletin , “In recent years, the pace of change has further increased, and will likely morph even more rapidly with evolving healthcare workforce issues and changes in healthcare delivery. One guarantee is that the specialty will not be the same tomorrow as it is today. Rather than just reacting to these changes by protecting our scope of practice, our goal is to use the intellectual input of our membership to address this issue proactively with creative thinking.” Academy policies and programs would not exist if not for the countless hours of volunteerism offered by the hundreds of committee members. “The strength and success of our organization and our specialty is guided and assured by your amazing personal contributions— thousands who unite in sharing research, education, practice experience, donated time, and financial gifts to further our growth and benefit our patients. As I attend the many meetings with other leaders of medical associations, I am frequently complimented on the collegiality, professionalism, and leadership that you, our members, contribute in your local hospitals, academic centers, and communities. The positive reputation of otolaryngology as a specialty, and of you individually as members of your healthcare communities, is the result of the high standards you meet for your professional and personal behavior. I am proud to be an otolaryngologist, and to be a Fellow of the Academy and associate with the excellent men and women who comprise our specialty,” said Dr. Nielsen in the October 2010 Bulletin . In the same month of those words by Dr. Nielsen, Dr. Thomas began his term as President in October 2010. He shared his thoughts in the Bulletin saying, “The future is bright, as it always has been. The future is fraught with challenges, as it always has been. The Academy is here to support and serve you through it all—as it always has been, and always will be.”

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