Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Milestone Moments In response to an invitation by Hal Foster, MD, a group of practicing ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists gathered in Kansas City, Missouri. A two-day program of scientific papers was The name changed to Western Ophthalmologic and Oto-Laryngologic Association . April 9-10, 1896 1898

The Constitution and Bylaws were revised and adopted. The document provided the initial architecture on which the Academy was built. With a membership of 185 and a cash balance of $660.79, the Academy embarked on its new road that would eventually broaden and lead it to international recognition as one of the most innovative and productive educational societies developed to the advancement of medicine. (Century of Excellence, p14)

held followed by the formation of a new society, the Western Association of Ophthalmologists, Otologists, and Laryngologists .

1903

The first investigative committee was created whose purpose was to investigate and deal with medical problems related to the specialties. The Academy monogram was unveiled. Attributed to Percy H. Fridenberg, MD, “It is said Dr. Fridenberg made the design intertwining the initials of the Academy name while on a boat

1906

1909

The Transactions from meetings in 1896 and 1897 were collected, preserved, and disseminated, and beginning in 1903, these papers were released in a bound, hardcover collection as the Transactions of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology .

The name changed to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology .

trip from Albany to New York City. The original was sketched on the back of an envelope and later improved for use at the 1909 Annual Meeting in New York.” ( Century of Excellence , p35)

The Constitution was revised to delete the two classes of membership in favor of one single class of Active Fellows.

Life Membership status was created, to which “Active Fellows” could be elevated as a reward for service.

1912

Member and Fellow membership designations were created to distinguish between the new specialist (Member) from specialists with more experience (Fellow).

The Academy established two committees to standardize

1913

The first report of the Academy’s Committee on Education was read at the Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.

1914

The Academy Committee on Examinations in Oto-Larynogology was created.

graduate training in ophthalmology and otolaryngology. This led to the creation of the first medical specialty boards— ophthalmology in 1913 and otolaryngology in 1924.

1920

The Academy established the Research Fund, using an investment of $27,000 endowed by Liberty Bonds purchased during World War I.

1921

The postgraduate program was introduced to membership.

The first membership card was provided.

1930

1932

The Academy hosted its first women’s program.

Senior and Junior fellow membership designations were created.

1934

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