Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Value You care for patients. We care for YOU.

That Opening Ceremony speech by Dr. Nielsen also marked another change for the Academy. The reins of the Executive Vice President and CEO position underwent transition when 13-year incumbent Dr. Nielsen announced his retirement in February 2014, and James C. Denneny III, MD, was selected by the Board of Directors in May 2014 to assume the roles and responsibilities of this crucial leadership position. Dr. Denneny shadowed Dr. Nielsen from October to December and officially started his term as AAO HNS/F EVP/CEO in December 2014. “The system for leadership succession in the AAO HNS is truly remarkable,” said Gayle E. Woodson, MD, 2014-2015 President. This AAO-HNS/F “changing of the guard” occurred with zero interruption and impact on members because of the solid infrastructure that had been created in the years prior consisting of the Academy’s leadership at the Board, EVP/CEO, coordinator, committee, and staff level as well as stakeholder collaborations. In addition, at the core of this unwavering foundation was the effectiveness of diligent strategic planning that ensured continuity of priorities and progress in meeting the overall goals and objectives of the organization. “The vision David brought to the AAO-HNS/F early in his tenure, shifting its culture to one more responsive to current challenges, now increasingly emphasizes research and quality improvement. This focus is preparing our organization for the critical challenges and opportunities that face us…” said Richard W. Waguespack, MD, 2013-2014 President, in the February 2014 Bulletin announcement regarding Dr. Nielsen’s pending retirement.

F rom “Maximize Your Membership” and “Shape Your Future and Shape the Future of the Specialty” to “You Spoke, We Listened” and “Value 4U, You Care for Patients. We Care for YOU,” the strategic direction of the AAO-HNS/F continued to focus on key components of programs and services that elevated the recognition of otolaryngology as a specialty as well as the reliance of an organization that supported members in the practice of quality patient care. “Fortunately, early in my career my mentors encouraged my membership in the AAO-HNS. Our Academy has been a mainstay for many in the specialty as it monitors these socioeconomic and policy activities on every front. This has allowed us to keep medicine as our primary focus,” said James L. Netterville, MD, 2012-2013 President, in the October 2012 Bulletin when discussing the demanding and unpredictable age of practicing medicine. Remaining relevant to members in a time of healthcare upheaval and turmoil was an essential goal of the Academy’s leadership. During the AAO-HNSF 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO SM , David R. Nielsen, MD, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO noted, “We have changed far more in the last 13 years than in all of the previous 105 years of our existence as a society. That trajectory of required transition is not likely to slow in the immediate future. In spite of this transition, our entire membership and specialty have worked hard together to ensure that we embrace and hold fast those things which should never change—our integrity, our professionalism, and our focus on our patients and their needs.” By providing opportunities to GET INVOLVED and shape the future of the specialty through serving on a committee, participating in component groups, humanitarian or global outreach eorts or lending your voice to regulatory and legislative and political advo cacy to strengthen the delivery of and access to quality healthcare.

David R. Nielsen, MD, Executive Vice President and CEO (2002-2014)

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