Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Echoing Dr. Maves’ passion for the challenge, then President Eugene N. Myers, MD, said in the Bulletin , “Dr. Maves will bring an energy, enthusiasm, and leadership, which will position us well in order to fulfill our mission.” In 1995, Dr. Maves assumed the position of Executive Vice President of the AAO-HNS/F. As the centennial anniversary of the AAO-HNS/F approached the following year, he was challenged by Academy leadership to manage the organization in such a way that it would be responsive to its diverse constituencies, advance its leadership role in socioeconomic affairs, continue its excellence in education services, and remain solvent. Medicine was struggling in a managed care environment that was particularly difficult for specialists. With an open-door management style, he took a proactive approach to making himself available to members. Personal goals for his administration included utilizing technological advances to enhance communication and productivity; continuing to provide excellent education content and delivery; improving the quality of research to deliver the best quality care; and advocating for members and patients through comprehensive health policy issues and initiatives. Recognizing the current and future need for evidence of the value of specialty care, Dr. Maves undertook an organizational restructuring to strengthen advocacy and education functions of the organization and enhance the Foundation’s ability to sponsor objective clinical research. Other initiatives under his watch included the introduction of CD-ROMs as a method for delivering education materials and the opening of the AAO-HNS/F John Q. Adams Center for the History of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at One Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia, then the organization’s headquarters. During an important year for U.S. health policy and advocacy, Dr. Maves represented the Academy at a 1997 U.S. Congress House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health to discuss physician payment and reimbursement. He also represented a group of 35 specialty member organizations that faced dramatic cuts in reimbursement at a CMS Practicing Physicians Advisory Council. In addition, he met with President Bill Clinton’s Health Policy Advisor, Chris Jennings, to discuss AAO-HNS/F’s opposition to an audiology point-of-access bill.

As the 20th century drew to a close, the AAO-HNS/F was helping members manage progressive changes in healthcare delivery and reimbursement, highlighted by the increased administrative requirements, and recognizing that more women were entering otolaryngology seeking visibility and leadership roles within the specialty. In June 1999, Dr. Maves announced his resignation as AAO-HNS/F EVP to become president of the Consumer Health Care Products Association, effective October 1, 1999. Then-Board of Governors Chair James C. Denneny III, MD, wrote in the August 1999 Bulletin , “Dr. Michael D. Maves has done an exceptional job working with your leadership to position us well for the next millennium.” In his final Bulletin column Dr. Maves wrote, “It has been my privilege to be at the center of many major activities in my role as your executive. My sense of obligation and duty to the membership have never wavered, and my enthusiasm for our profession has remained high, despite the many challenges and obstacles that have been put in place by those within and outside of medicine.” Dr. Maves went on to become EVP and CEO of the American Medical Association (AMA) where he served for 10 years. For two years, he was EVP of Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere), an international medical NGO with nearly 100 programs in 30 countries around the world. He also served at the United States Pharmacopeia, a scientific nonprofit organization, where he helped guide worldwide programs in global health, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Maves, who has three children and five grandchildren, is currently retired in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where he builds and sails wooden sailboats. Dr. Maves has a passion for the people and culture of India. Mike, his youngest son Christopher, and wife help privately support a small hospital, medical school, and orphanage in rural India. He sits on the board of the Ravi Shankar Foundation.

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