Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

“One of the things that I felt was very important was for the Academy to really be the umbrella organization for the subspecialties,” he continued. “It is critically important that the Academy not [be] seen as the society for the general otolaryngologist, but rather truly includes all of the subspecialties.” As the United States was on the verge of electing a new president and the debate for healthcare reform taking center stage, Dr. Kennedy laid out his goals and expectations as AAO HNS/F President. Writing in his first Bulletin column in October 2008, he said, “At a time when professionalism within medicine is under significant stress, I would like to see otolaryngology set an unmistakable example to the rest of medicine and to our future physicians. It is important that the Academy help our members remember the altruistic reasons we chose medicine as a career, and to actively work to re-kindle those ideals. I would like to work with the membership to encourage and highlight the principles of professionalism—namely, altruism, accountability, excellence, duty, honor, advances, such as the move to a new headquarters building in Alexandria, a new website, a new logo, the redesign of many of our publications, the reorganization of the research program, and the implementation of AcademyU, our online learning center.” He also was very interested in applying the management skills he learned as a department chairman and vice-Dean at the University of Pennsylvania to enact long-term strategies to help the Academy achieve its long-term goals. In the tradition of Academy leaders, Dr. Kennedy was a strong advocate for fighting for the well being of the specialty and member practices as well as the best care possible for patients. In promoting Washington Advocacy Week on Capitol Hill in March 2009, Dr. Kennedy wrote, “From patient education to preventive medicine, outcomes, and improved care of chronic disorders, every role needs to be appropriately implemented. It is up to us to work together to improve healthcare in this country, to learn about proposed changes, ensure that our voice is heard, and thereby best serve otolaryngology, our patients, and our local communities.” Reflecting on the ongoing issue of dramatic healthcare reform in America and the practice of medicine, Dr. Kennedy surmised in his May Bulletin column that “it is likely that otolaryngologists of tomorrow will not practice as we do today. Shorter work hour habits during residency and subsequent workforce lifestyle issues, such as physicians taking time out to raise children will

likely exacerbate both effective physician shortfalls and geographic maldistribution. At the same time, economic issues will continue to pressure healthcare delivery, requiring that otolaryngologists focus on those services that require both a medical school background and five years of residency.” In his final Bulletin column, Dr. Kennedy reminded members that “it is also a good time [to] look at ourselves, our behaviors, the examples that we set, as well as messages that we may send to others.” He continued, “In the long run, the key is to remember: ‘Why did I go to medical school? Is my healthcare team based on mutual respect? What is my responsibility to society—and the limited financial pool for healthcare? Do I participate in professional societies and in life long learning? And how do I treat patients—as I would a member of my family, and as I would want to be treated? Do I ever bend the rules, just a little, for my own benefit?’” Reflecting on his time in office, Dr. Kennedy that he would like to see two-year terms for the AAO-HNS/F President, allowing for a longer period of service to fulfill one’s goals for the specialty. After his term as President, he remained a strong advocate and proponent for quality patient care and unity within the specialty, both domestically and internationally. Dr. Kennedy was elected to the National Academy of Medicine for his work in the field of rhinology and was recognized by the American College of Surgeons as one of the 100 most influential surgeons of the 20th century. outcomes, and improved care of chronic disorders, every role needs to be appropriately implemented. It is up to us to work together to improve healthcare in this country, to learn about proposed changes, ensure that our voice is heard, and thereby best serve otolaryngology, our patients, and our local communities.” From patient education to preventive medicine,

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