Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE: AL MERATI, MD PRESIDENT FROM 2018 – 2019

W hen asked why he pursued a career in otolaryngology, Al Merati, MD, pointed to a key moment or two in medical school that sparked a passion in him for the specialty. “Honestly, when I learned about that goofy recurrent laryngeal nerve that branches off the vagus nerve, makes a U-turn in the chest, and goes back up to the voice box… the idea of connectivity between parts of the body that are intricate, elegant, and sometimes counterintuitive, I found that quite attractive.” And like many in the profession, Dr. Merati was influenced by several mentors along the way who helped open his eyes to the variety of opportunities and experiences offered by the specialty, from his first anatomy professor in head and neck to early lectures in medical school. “Two of my classmates and I remember one lecture from Ernie Weymuller, MD, during our first year on the breadth of otolaryngology. We turned to each other and said, ‘I’m doing this!’” Former AAO-HNS/F President Charles W. Cummings, MD, also influenced Dr. Merati while serving as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle. “He had a great team sense around him and the way he would lead and communicate. I thought, I just wish I could be as cool as that.” After he had completed his medical training, Dr. Merati became more involved in the specialty thanks in part to connections he was able to make as his career progressed. AAO-HNS/F Past President Gayle E. Woodson, MD, for instance, a faculty member during his time in residency, connected him with opportunities in research and introduced him to colleagues at meetings.

“Sponsorhip is important. I ended up on the [former] Neurolaryngology Subcommittee,” he said. “You start to gather people around you who are determined to help move the conversation forward. After sitting on the Neurolaryngology Subcommittee for a few years, literally, the Chair at the time was outgoing. And I raised my hand and said, ‘I’ll do it.’ And that was it. That’s as complicated as it got. And so that was really the first opportunity I got.” Dr. Merati said that having people look out for you, being present, following your passion or curiosity, caring about your profession, even having a little bit

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