Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 1: 1997 – 2001

the leading edge

Academy in Action by Dr. Holt

L ike the attack on Pearl Harbor and the September 11, 2001. A whole generation of young physicians who are not old enough to remember these two events—but they certainly will remember the devastating and cowardly attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. These two attacks have caused significant repercussions in the financial world and have caused Americans to rethink what is important to them in life. Our experience at the 2001 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Denver was a small example of what was happening in America and, to some extent, around the world. When the news of the attacks first became known in Denver, there was a sense of disbelief and fear. No one really knew whether the attacks would stop on the East Coast, or would be carried out throughout the entire United States. Our leadership and staff were deeply concerned about the well-being of the thousands of attendees at the Annual Meeting and how best decrease any risk to them. After careful monitoring of the situation as it evolved, the decision was made to continue the meeting and not be detracted from its main goal—an exchange of clinical and scientific information that would ultimately be of benefit to the patient. After all, that is the end game for a physician. assassination of President John F. Kennedy, no American will easily forget the events of And the meeting did go on. Certainly, the atmosphere was subdued, and the attention divided between science and concern for the victims of the attacks. But for those who continued to go about the business of better preparing to care for patients, it remained a successful educational opportunity. It was not surprising to see many individuals rise to the occasion and do what needed to be done. I have a fundamental belief in the humanity of this earth’s inhabitants, and I had this belief confirmed in Denver. So many people worked together, set aside differences of opinions to get the job done, and prepared for the long journey home. Attendees, lecturers, and guests all were willing to do what was necessary to complete the task at hand and to not let these cowardly acts detract from the professional pursuit of knowledge. Our international colleagues deserve a special

to their home countries would be problematic, they set aside their concerns to think about ours. So many individuals played a role in salvaging the meeting and then in getting people home. We appreciated the efforts by a number of exhibitors to secure transportation for members and guests so they might return home safely and quickly. Members worked together to share transportation and generally looked out for each other. The convention center officials and hotel managers were very quick to respond to our requests for assistance and worked with us on an evacuation and disaster response plan for the convention center. Our staff were able to secure promises from hotels to extend the room occupancies by our attendees at the convention rates. People doubled up in hotel rooms when necessary; our President, Dr. Jack Gluckman, provided cots in his suite for many who had already checked out of their hotels. In all, it was very rewarding to see so many help others. A large contingency of otolaryngologists from the upper northeast traveled to New York to volunteer as medical workers. Of special note was the effort put forth by the

G. Richard Holt, MD, MPH AAO-HNS/F EVP

America is growing stronger after these attacks. Our country is young, but vibrant and resilient. We will not let terrorists alter our fundamental way

Foundation staff. Since they all work and live in the metropolitan DC area, they were understandably concerned about the safety of their friends and families. Like some of our attendees from the New York City area, they were uncertain of the location and condition of individuals who worked in the attack vicinity. However, in spite of their concern for what was happening back home, the staff pulled themselves together, did what needed to be done, and performed in an admirable fashion. We express our sincere and profound sympathy to those who lost family members, friends, and acquaintances in the attacks. It was a day of infamy that will never, and should never, be forgotten. However, if anything salutary will come of these tragedies, it is that we observed so many acts of kindness support, and friendship from throughout the world. In my opinion, there had been a gradual slippage of these fundamental humanistic qualities in day-to-day living, and I am proud to see people everywhere thinking of others and of the important things in life. America is growing stronger after these attacks. Our

of life—democracy, freedom, and mutual consideration and compassion.

word of thanks—literally hundreds of these kind souls proffered words of condolences and empathy for what had happened. Knowing that their own journeys back

country is young, but vibrant and resilient. We will not let terrorists alter our fundamental way of life—democracy, freedom, and mutual consideration and compassion.

AAO-HNS BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2001

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