Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 1: 1997 – 2001

The results of the study were incorporated into the blueprint for each of the following exams: otology/ neurotology, pediatric otolaryngology, and facial plastic surgery. The complete study was circulated to all training program directors and chairs to assist in curriculum preparation. Ongoing Commitment to Education and ACCME Accreditation In 1997, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) approved reaccreditation of the AAO-HNSF for six years. According to Dr. Maves in the June 1997 Bulletin , only 9% of the 570 accredited providers are accredited for six years. “The commendations we received signify exemplary performance by the Continuing Education Advisory Committee. Such an endorsement of a professional society is unheard of and speaks volumes regarding the integrity, reputation, and process of our educational program.” With the growth of the internet in providing resources and programs to the members and the public at large, that Academy continued to invest in the development of education materials as well as updated courses and conferences to maximize the value of online learning. Looking ahead to the changing modes of delivering CME, the AAO-HNSF Continuing Education Advisory Committee (CEAC) met in summer 1998 for an “electronic media summit” to review plans for future

The BOG Big on Goals volunteer program kicked off at the 1999 Annual Meeting. This new program showed members how to get involved in the Academy in ways that used their talents and fit their schedules.

application of emerging technologies such as distance learning through video conferencing. The AAO-HNSF focused the CME program design to meet the changing and diverse needs of members and practicing otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons across the country and around the world. Education was available at that time via video, audiocassettes, CD-ROMS, and printed page. For the first time in 1998, Home Study Course subscribers had the opportunity to interact electronically with participants via the internet. Further investing in the future pairing of education and technology, the CEAC initiated a self-study of existing programs and activities in 1999. This self study sought improvement and innovation in all education programs, including reaching out to new audiences, both in the U.S. and internationally. Some of the new developments arose from direction provided by the ACCME. The CEAC explored new uses of the internet for CME and developed the formats knows as “enduring” materials in such well-known publications as the monographs and Self-Instructional Packages (SIPacs), videos, CD-ROMS, discs, and audiocassettes. The ongoing self-study, with identification of outstanding features of activities and areas suitable for the use of new technologies, kicked off the AAO-HNSF preparation for reaccreditation in 2002. The CEAC continued to build upon the foundation of a strong education program, adapting to the new technologies available to enhance education opportunities that ultimately benefitted patient care. In addition to the nearly 300 volunteer faculty contributing to the content development of the AAO HNSF education program, the Scientific and Education Committee was resurrected to assist in the coordination of efforts in continuing education and lifelong learning in 2001.

The CEAC, chaired by Jonas T. Johnson, MD, met in Alexandria, Virginia.

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