Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE: JAMES C. DENNENY III, MD PRESIDENT FROM 2007-2008

J ames C. Denneny III, MD, had his tonsils removed when he was six years old. He was also plagued by allergies and sinus infections that caused significant problems especially since he thoroughly enjoyed sports and outdoor life. By the time he was in high school, he had formed a respectful and significant relationship with the physicians who cared for him in Houston, Texas, Herbert H. Harris, MD, and Charles D. Haunschild, MD. His own medical problems convinced him to become a physician early in life. After moving with his family to Oklahoma City before high school, Dr. Denneny first met Willard (Bill) Moran, MD, the chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Oklahoma who attended the same church and became a major influencer. Dr. Denneny attended Baylor University where he structured his coursework to support his medical school application, but also to include a significant amount of business education. During his time there, he participated in Division I intercollegiate sports and managed an apartment complex. He returned to Oklahoma to attend the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine where he worked with Dr. Moran while doing third and fourth-year rotations in otolaryngology. This cemented his decision to enter the specialty, and he chose to remain at the University of Oklahoma to complete a residency after he graduated and received his medical degree in 1979. While he was an intern in general surgery prior to starting his otolaryngology residency in Oklahoma, the program withdrew its services from the university over a scope of practice issue. Dr. Moran helped him obtain a residency position at the University of Pennsylvania under the tutelage of James B. Snow, Jr., MD, who was the past chair at the University of Oklahoma.

Following the completion of his otolaryngology residency, he sought additional training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and was fortunate to work under legendary, M. Eugene Tardy, Jr., MD, who was at that time the president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a Director of the AAO-HNS/F who was elected to serve as President of the AAO-HNS/F from 1987-1986. Dr. Tardy was an exemplary leader and mentor and aroused an interest in Dr. Denneny that led to participation as a volunteer on several committees. Dr. Tardy facilitated his appointment to the Home Study Course tract and as a member of the Research Committee.

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