Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

CHDGs mirrored the structure of the Reg-ent CACs to ensure expert clinician contribution to pertinent topic areas that covered the spectrum of conditions, diseases, and disorders with otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Another important patient education initiative that was launched under the leadership and direction of Dr. Denneny was World Sinus Health Awareness Day. The inaugural celebration was scheduled for September 29, 2021, and called attention to the various presentations of sinus conditions that significantly affect the quality of life of patients across the globe. This program was an upgraded version of Sinus Pain Awareness Day, the observance he brought forward as the Chair of the Sinus and Allergy Health Partnership, and promoted patient education through expansive media outlets including social media in a global effort. With Appreciation… Dr. Denneny was drawn into the specialty from his own experiences as a patient when he had his tonsils removed and was tested and treated for allergies as a child. This, along with friends at church and in other areas of his life who were physicians and otolaryngologists, particularly Willard B. Moran, MD, drew him to pursue the path into otolaryngology. But who drew him into his involvement with the Academy? That honor goes to M. Eugene Tardy, MD, who Dr. Denneny noted got him engaged in Academy activities and most influenced his leadership style, “In addition to being a premier facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Tardy was also a unifying leader in the specialty.” There were others as well, “I had the honor and privilege to come under the tutelage of some of the greats at otolaryngology who helped steer me and my career intersection with the Academy.” In an interview introducing him as the new EVP/CEO in the February 2015 Bulletin , Dr. Denneny shared others who influenced his leadership style, “I have incorporated valuable insights from many including Harold C. Pillsbury III, MD; C. Ron Cannon, MD; Jonas T. Johnson, MD; K.J. Lee, MD; and Dr. Nielsen.” In addition to acknowledging the legacy of those who came before him to help shape his career and experiences, Dr. Denneny consistently shared his appreciation for the hundreds of volunteer members who contributed their time, energy, resources, knowledge, and expertise to the Academy and the specialty. “The thing that’s amazing, given how little time practitioners

have, is how much so many of our members donate to the cause. We could never do the work we get done without them. And as an aside, the amount of work the staff—probably the lowest number of staff we’ve had in couple of decades—puts out is significant. So that’s what makes it all possible.” This was a sentiment that was relayed consistently throughout Dr. Denneny’s tenure demonstrating his point that collectively the Academy can accomplish more. His approach explains why his favorite part of the job is meeting members. “…when I hear what the young residents and fellows are interested in and see the enthusiasm and general intelligence that they have, I know that all bodes well for the future of the specialty. I also like interacting with our members to hear more about what they need and learn about what is going on in their day-to-day practice. It’s very encouraging to see all the advances that are going on in our specialty and having that interaction with members helps me to better represent them as their EVP/CEO.” Still to Come… The final part of the original set of goals involved ensuring financial stability and establish a reliable non dues revenue stream to relieve some of the financial pressure on members. Reserves have doubled and several new significant revenue streams are coming online, and the Academy is gaining membership. On the strategy he employs and one that he will likely continue to serve Academy members, Dr. Denneny shared, “One of the things we’ve tried to do is listen to what the members need. We don’t want to be doing something they don’t want. And listening to what’s going on helps us help them. It’s really a two-way street, and I think that we’re positioned well for whatever happens.” The full legacy that Dr. Denneny leaves in this position is still be written since he is still within his contractual term. However, it is anticipated that the ongoing leadership he will provide in his remaining years of service as EVP/CEO will continue to amplify his impact on the AAO-HNS/F and exceed his goal to “enhance the trajectory of the specialty.” Read more about Dr. Denneny’s leadership in the advancement and innovation in all areas of programs and services in Chapters 4 and 5.

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