Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 1: 1997 – 2001

of allergic rhinitis in exacerbating sinus disorders. Continuity of this important endeavor was reiterated by leadership with Jack L. Gluckman, MD, 2000-2001 President, noting in the February 2001 Bulletin , “This is an extremely important educational activity put forth by the Academy, not only because it highlights a disease that we as a specialty are intimately involved with and for which we provide the definitive care, but also because it emphasizes an important facet of our specialty practice—our expertise in the diagnosis and nonsurgical management of the many diseases within our scope of practice.” Hearing and Balance Building on the success of the Sinus and Allergy Health Partnership, another clinical area was in need for a public education campaign and thus the Coalition on Hearing and Balance was born in 1998. The AAO-HNS joined with the American Neurotology Society (ANS) and the American Otological Society (AOS) to address issues related to all aspects of medical and nonmedical management of hearing and balance disorders. The Coalition was tasked with recommending actions in response to the increasing effort of audiology groups to expand their scope of practice and influence public health policy.

news release, camera-ready news column, and radio consumer feature. “Our ability to treat sinus disorders is one of the tenants of the profession. This recognition month informs the public of the relationship between otolaryngology and sinus treatment, thereby advancing our specialty when others claim to be equally qualified to treat this disease,” said Dr. Pillsbury in the February 1999 Bulletin . By the summer 1999, the coalition evolved to the Sinus and Allergy Health Partnership. It promulgated the Academy’s views on sinus and allergy conditions to the general public and to primary care physicians. When organization members raised over $1 million from corporate partners, the public relations firm, WidmeyerBaker, was retained to create a website to disperse information on sinus and nasal allergy conditions to the public. The second Sinus Pain Awareness Month was held in February 2000 as the campaign continued to educate the public. “Diagnosis and treatment of sinus disorders is a core area in our specialty. You know that fact, but it is imperative that the public, media, employers, insurance companies, and payers, all be reminded of the special skill and expertise that seven million Americans need to hear that medical and surgical relief is available for their chronic sinus pain,” said Dr. Campbell in the February 1998 Bulletin . In 2001, the health observance was moved to March, allowing the public and media to focus on the role

In 1997, G. Richard Holt, MD, MPH, became the Editor in Chief of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, moving the editorial offices to San Antonio, Texas. In 2000, Michael S.

Benninger, MD, became the new Editor in Chief, moving the offices to One Prince Street in Alexandria, Virginia.

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