Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

A Global Pandemic: COVID-19

priority of the healthcare and scientific communities as new variants presented. Assessing the long-term health effects of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus on all demographics was also taking precedent in the medical and scientific community as the world strived to identify gaps and healthcare inequity in clinical testing, treatment plans, and availability of care. While the total impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was still unknown, “What we do know is abundantly clear, and that is the AAO-HNS is a magnificent collection of individuals with the knowledge, experience, skills, and commitment to further deepen the collaboration and collectivity of the global otolaryngology community. Even in times of pure exhaustion and uncertainty, members dug deep to continue offering contributions that supported each other, the specialty, public health, and patient care,” Dr. Taylor and Dr. Denneny noted in the 2020 Annual Report. The COVID-19 pandemic magnified the Academy’s focused efforts to create a diverse and inclusive global otolaryngology community that not only enhances education opportunities internationally but also builds upon a strong foundation for physician wellness and leadership development of tomorrow’s pioneers in the field. Throughout the AAO-HNS/F history, adapting, innovating, and overcoming obstacles and challenges have defined this organization’s success in delivering relevant programs and services to members for quality patient care. The exceptional response of

Academy members during the COVID-19 pandemic reiterates that the strength, commitment, and passion of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery lies in those who choose this specialty. It is the common thread throughout the AAO-HNS/F historical tapestry that was magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SHOUT OUT FOR SPECIALTY UNITY

As future generations look to lessons learned from the Academy’s leadership during COVID-19, what will be most notable is the ease with which the otolaryngology community jumped into action and came together to collaborate and coordinate—peer-to-peer. More than ever, We Are One demonstrated to be more than just a phrase—it became a notable representation of the years of investment in specialty unity so that when crisis occurred, ease of action was the result. The pre-existing relationships and successful collaboration within otolaryngology-head and neck surgery among the major specialty areas through their participation in the Specialty Unity Summits (SUS) starting in 2017 allowed for immediate and collegial responses to address the rising challenges of practice and patient care that COVID-19 bestowed on the healthcare community. The relationships existed and the outreach to each other was seamless—in fact, almost expected because this cooperative foundation had been nurtured through the SUS.

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