Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

DEDICATION

Legacy of Excellence is a tribute to the countless contributions of innumerable members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) who are so impassioned about the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery specialty that they have given their time, knowledge, expertise, and support to further the reach and relevance of the AAO HNS and its Foundation. This has been a common thread woven in the AAO HNS/F’s 125-year-old tapestry that started at the first meeting in 1896 when Hal Foster, MD, took the initiative to unite the specialty in a way that not only would have lasting impact with an annual gathering, but would result overall in a strong foundation that integrated research, education, and advocacy as the pillars to build upon for generations to come. The infrastructure that supports this great organization is comprised of a high level of member involvement. The achievements noted in this book to overcome the barrage of challenges in an ever-changing healthcare environment—in the name of science, research, and education—are a direct result of this small, niche specialty coming together in a unified voice to leverage significant impact in equitable, quality patient care. There is truth in the AAO-HNS/F vision that focuses the work of this organization to be, “The global leader in optimizing quality ear, nose, and throat patient care.” To do this today and continue for tomorrow, requires the ongoing collective dedication to quality patient care and the enduring commitment to advance the specialty through excellence, innovation, and involvement. Legacy of Excellence is a commemorative recounting that shares the AAO-HNS/F journey over the last 25 years and highlights the endeavors to navigate change,

embrace advancement, initiate innovation, and build for the future. Just as Century of Excellence laid the groundwork to embrace the work of the pioneers of the AAO-HNS/F and its predecessor organizations, Legacy of Excellence continues that documentation of the Academy’s history. “Although this history unfolds by linking the actions of past and present leaders in a historic chain, it is not only our specialty’s leaders who have shaped our history. Through the years, many otolaryngologists have served society and the specialty, and they are equally deserving of recognition. For this reason, this book is dedicated to all practitioners of the art and science of otolaryngology in recognition of their contributions to the growth and grandeur of our Academy,” shared Neil O. Ward, MD, MALS, AAO-HNS/F President 1995 1996, in the dedication of Century of Excellence . Much has advanced since then, and the AAO-HNS/F has been at the lead, driving change through initiatives, programs, and services that support the changing needs of members to deliver quality patient care. Legacy of Excellence has been published in appreciation to all who have contributed to these efforts yesterday and today, and for those who will carry the torch of excellence in the future.

Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS AAO-HNS/F President, 2020-2021

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