Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 4: 2012 – 2016

otolaryngologists to provide funds for programs for otolaryngologists locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. As part of the 125 Strong Campaign, four areas where the specialty needed to evolve to meet the needs of members and the public were identified and approved by the Board, but they need additional funding to be accomplished. These investment areas for the growth and future health of the specialty and those who compose it included Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Education; Leadership Development and Mentorship; and Wellness. “Celebrating such a momentous milestone as we are with our 125th anniversary, causes one to pause and reflect on the path we have taken. It has reminded me of the long lineage of people who have contributed over the years to build and shape the specialty and our organization to what they are today. Dedicated and forward-thinking leaders have helped set the course for otolaryngology to expand and thrive through innovation and research, consistent education programming, and a continued focus on quality patient care. It has been amazing what our small specialty has been able to accomplish in the house of medicine and in patient care,” remarked Dr. Denneny in the June 2021 Bulletin . Additionally, in 2021 Dr. Denneny and the Executive Committee of the BOD formally established the Hall of Distinction as an institutional component. The first class of initiates was selected for presentation at the AAO-HNSF 2021 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience in Los Angeles, California, followed by a reception. This concept was a culmination of an idea that started back in 2016 with the “Legends of Otolaryngology” lecture series. The Hall of Distinction recognized otolaryngologists who have made long-term exceptional contributions to the AAO-HNS and the specialty of otolaryngology. Academicians, private practitioners, and researchers who have advanced the practice of otolaryngology and care of patients by distinguishing themselves through advocacy, education, humanitarianism, innovation, leadership or research from around the world are eligible for consideration. Meritorious service included elected and appointed leadership, committee and section participation as well as innovative education and clinical work and inspirational ideas with measurable impact. It is anticipated that a class will be initiated each year at the Annual Meeting accompanied by a lecture. This

entnet.org

The official member magazine of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery SPECIAL EDITION | 125th ANNIVERSARY | JANUARY 2021

125 1 8 9 6 - 2 0 2 1 AAO-HNS CELEBRATING YEARS

will be an exclusive and inclusive group with initiates being capped at 12 yearly with no minimum. Candidates will be selected by the Awards Task Force (soon to be the Awards and Honors Committee) and approved by the Executive Committee of the BOD. Educating the Patient Dr. Denneny’s lifelong commitment was to patient care. To him supporting the specialty was supporting patient care and vice versa. The two were tied together as one concept. This was clearly demonstrated throughout his years of both academic and private practice. His goal of “trying to leave a system that will take care of my kids and their kids and the population,” intertwined with his work in the Academy through his volunteer leadership positions and as EVP/CEO. ENThealth.org, which launched in October 2018, was an important way to get patients the information they needed about their health. And just as he had done with Reg-ent, Dr. Denneny wanted to ensure specialty wide participation in the development of content for the website. Under his guidance, a structure was created for content development. It includes teams of clinician experts in their area of specialty, referred to as Consumer Health Development Groups (CHDGs). The

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