Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 2: 2002 – 2006

As Dr. Holt departed, he offered a special note to Dr. Ward in the June 2002 Bulletin , “There is one individual who deserves a public acknowledgment of appreciation—Neil O. Ward, MD—who gave me his counsel, support, exceptionally hard work for the association, and his friendship. He is truly a national otolaryngology resource.” Dr. Ward resigned as Deputy EVP in October 2005 after six years of service. STRATEGIC PLANNING TO NAVIGATE CHANGE Dr. Nielsen inherited the 2000-2005 Strategic Plan that was developed in 2000 and required an annual review for relevancy and effectiveness. The Strategic Plan became the guidance system for the course and trajectory of the Academy’s future efforts. It provided guidelines for proper allocation of resources and defined the goals and objectives for management to follow. Nearly every aspect of this Strategic Plan anticipated the increased utilization and application of information technology and knowledge management. From groundbreaking technologies to facilitate continuing education to increased emphasis on identifying and offering practice management tools, the Strategic Plan provided a template for exciting innovations in education, research, advocacy, and patient care and member service.

In June 2003 during the annual review of the Strategic Plan, then President-elect M. Jennifer Derebery, MD, chaired a professionally directed strategic planning session. For two days, selected Academy and Foundation Board members and AAO-HNS staff examined strengths and weaknesses, articulated a clearer mission and vision, and formulated strategic goals to carry the Academy through the next three to five years. It was during this strategic planning session that the Academy’s mission was redefined to Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care. Dr. Nielsen noted Dr. Derebery’s efforts in the September 2003 Bulletin , “As we welcome Dr. Derebery as our new President, we acknowledge her auspicious start as President-elect. She has not waited until her presidency begins to positively influence Academy function. Under her leadership, a new level of strategic planning has been initiated with greater focus on our core mission.” In the 2003 Annual Report, Jonas T. Johnson, MD, 2002-2003 President, illuminated the importance of the new mission, Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care. “Nine simple words aptly and succinctly summarize the common mission of more than 10,000 otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons who are members of the AAO-HNS. It is a conviction that all of us trained in the specialty—private practitioner academicians, military officers, administrators—live Left to Right: G. Richard Holt, MD, MPH; Rebecca N. Gaughan, MD; Michael Setzen, MD; Joseph E. Leonard, MD; and David R. Nielsen, MD. A gathering to bid farewell to Dr. Holt as AAO-HNS/F EVP during the June 8, 2002, Board of Directors meeting.

2002: The Academy launched its redesigned website featuring access with separate professional and public content; improved functions of interactive registration forms and searches; stable infrastructure for committee activities and e-learning; and easier for members to sign in.

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