Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

“The unfortunate tragedy of September 11 has awakened our souls. It teaches us to greatly appreciate our country, our freedom, our values, and above all, our family, friends, and colleagues.” – K.J. Lee, MD, 2001 – 2002 President, January 2002 Bulletin This timeframe was marred by the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which were followed by bioterrorist anthrax attacks in late 2001 via the postal service. Seeing that medicine was a critical component in the war against terrorism, the Academy focused on how the specialty and Academy members and their patients were affected. Some fallout had an immediate impact—but other effects were more subtle and long lasting. Academy members in uniform were called to duty and served aboard combat ships and in military hospitals supporting the fighting forces and allies. The economy in the United States was severely impacted, and a recession soon ensued impacting patient care and practices. The Academy stepped up to provide members with information as it became available for physicians from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other governmental authorities. Precautions and added security measures that were incorporated in the planning and execution of the 2002 Annual Meeting continued in subsequent meetings as the world adjusted to new safeguards in the prevention of future attacks. “Not in our lifetime has the call for specialty cooperation and unity been louder. All otolaryngologists are on the same team; let’s pull together toward the same goal—increased efficiency and effectiveness of our organizations.” - Jonas T. Johnson, MD, 2002-2003 President, November 2002 Bulletin

T he AAO-HNS/F continued to undergo substantial growth during this timeframe of rapid technological advancement. By breaking new ground and incorporating the concept of data analysis into evidence based-medicine, research, education, advocacy, and health policy, the Academy continued to elevate its role as an effective specialty medical society in enhancing quality otolaryngologic patient care. The Academy embraced the new opportunities of the 21st century to provide more enriched services to members and strengthen the voice of the Academy in the legislative, regulatory, and payer arenas as well as to expand education offerings and connect the global otolaryngology community. TRANSITION IN LEADERSHIP As the Academy navigated the ongoing changes in the healthcare environment, another change was on the horizon with a transition in leadership. In December 2001, G. Richard Holt, MD, MPH, announced his resignation as AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President

(EVP), effective June 2002. The announcement spurred the development of a Search Committee, chaired by then President K.J. Lee, MD, who selected David R. Nielsen, MD, to serve in this integral leadership role. Neil O. Ward, MD, MALS, AAO-HNS/F Deputy Editor noted in the May 2002 Bulletin , “Dr. Holt’s pending departure reminds us of all the progress we’ve made on his watch covering the past two years. Dr. Nielsen joins a staff eager to build on advances launched during Dr. Holt’s tenure as EVP. He is dedicated to the educational mission of your Foundation and to meeting the socioeconomic and political challenges posed for your Academy.” In assuming the role in July 2002, Dr. Nielsen wrote in the August 2002 Bulletin , “It is with great enthusiasm that I receive the handoff of the baton from G. Richard Holt, MD, MPH, here at One Prince Street. The Boards of Directors meetings in June and the transition process here at the office have again displayed the great resources from which we continue to build success: the volunteerism, energy, and leadership of our members; and the dedication, professionalism, and loyalty of our staff.”

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