Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 1: 1997 – 2001

In addition, the Academy implemented its first toll free number and electronic newsletter, ENT-mail, which was an email summary of the AAO-HNS/F programs and services. ENT-mail was initially sent to only 3,700 members as not all members had an email address on file for which to receive it. “With this form of immediate communication, otolaryngologists can now have ready access to vital health policy issues, new clinical information, and important Academy actions. In ever-increasing numbers, patients arrive at appointments armed with information garnered from ‘surfing the net.’ After examining the numerous websites that address sinusitis, otitis media, allergies, and other disorders, they come prepared to dialogue with their physician. It is in every member’s interest to be aware of the range of medical information that is being presented in this new technology,” Harold C. Pillsbury, MD, 1998 1999 President, shared in the August 1999 Bulletin . To demonstrate the commitment of leadership for the AAO-HNS/F to stay on the cutting-edge of technological advances, in September 2000, the Boards of Directors selected Ronald B. Kuppersmith, MD, as the first Coordinator for Internet and Information Technology. In this role, he supported technology requirements and initiatives across existing Academy and Foundation committees, was an advisor to the Boards of Directors and the membership on technology and the internet committee, and worked with staff at the AAO-HNS/F on ongoing and future internet and information technology activities. In 2000, there were multiple inroads in this area to broaden the delivery of content and expand the AAO HNS/F in the global community, both for patients and otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons. They included: • Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery available fully online for all journal subscribers • Find an ENT search function on www.entnet.org for patients to find an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon • AAO-HNS/F staff email addresses changed from @aol.com to @entnet.org • ENT Link was launched as an interactive gateway and active communication channel to and from AAO-HNS that linked otolaryngologists to the public and to the profession In 2001, the last printed membership directory was mailed to members and the directory with search

EVP TRANSITIONS Michael D. Maves, MD, MBA , announced his resignation in June 1999. Upon his departure on October 1, 1999, former AAO-HNS/F President Neil O. Ward, MD, MALS, served as Interim EVP. G. Richard Holt, MD, MPH, was selected as the new AAO-HNS/F EVP, starting February 2000. During the March 5, 2000, Board meeting, Dr. Ward, was approved an extension of employment until September 2000 to assume the position of Acting Deputy Executive Vice President for Special Projects, such as ENT Link.

Left to Right: G. Richard Holt, MD, MPH; Jerome C. Goldstein, MD; Neil O. Ward, MD, MALS; and Michael D. Maves, MD, MBA.

capability was added to the AAO-HNS/F website in time for the 2002-2003 directory. Additionally, ENT Careers was launched in May 2001 as a new online career classified service that provided quick communication between employers and job seekers. By the end of this timeframe, advocacy was also taking advantage of the efficiency and ease of utilizing email and the internet to achieving legislative success. “What will happen over the next millennium, the next century, even the next decade is unpredictable. But we know the options are more exciting and infinitely more challenging than they used to be. Tomorrow’s otolaryngologist will be expected to use every skill and all knowledge available to bring about the best Jerome C. Goldstein, MD , resigned as Emeritus EVP on December 31, 1999. He served as the EVP from 1983 1994 when he was made Emeritus EVP. “The Academy and its educational Foundation are truly role models for other medical specialties throughout the world. They have been responsible for many innovations. Yes, the Academy is a great entity, and I feel privileged to have had this association for so many years,” said Dr. Goldstein in the December 1999 Bulletin .

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