Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

Chapter 2: 2002 – 2006

“The fastest growing category of our membership is in our international. Our international members give us both the gift of developing a broader perspective of the specialty, as well as the opportunity to develop lasting friendships around the globe. We benefit by the cross cultural exchange of ideas and welcome the increasing input from this group in our Annual Meeting symposium,” said Dr. Derebery in the December 2003 Bulletin . At the 2002 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, for the first time, 10 trainee-residents received sponsorships of about $1500 each to attend the meeting. Trainee-residents hailed from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2003, the International Otolaryngology Committee passed a resolution of heartfelt thanks to Dr. Myers upon completion of more than six years of service as the Academy’s first Coordinator for International Affairs, “Thanks to his visionary leadership and indefatigable guidance, the International Outreach Program has grown and flourished. These societies have representatives on the Board of Governors and the International Editorial Advisory Board. More than 30 joint meetings have taken place around the world, including at the Academy meetings and the status of international membership has grown to include International Fellows, Members, and Residents.” CONCLUDING THOUGHTS Technological advancements once again played a crucial role in the advancement of the AAO-HNS/F mission. Furthermore, innovation also highlighted the cross collaboration needed among research, advocacy, and education to fully support members in practice management and patient care. Throughout it all, the common denominator of any achievement was the role members played in positive outcomes for the global otolaryngology community and the patients treated. In the March 2002 Bulletin , Dr. Holt noted, “Volunteer leadership is critical to any organization’s future, and this is nowhere more apparent than the AAO-HNS/F. There is virtually no activity in the Academy or Foundation that is not touched, to some degree, by the hand of a volunteer otolaryngologist.” Dr. Johnson further made that point in the September 2003 Bulletin , “The intellectual horsepower, which makes the American Academy of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery so special, comes from you, the doctors, our members. We have phenomenal

resources in our volunteers who serve on committees, give lectures and instructional courses, participate in research projects, write manuscripts, and advocacy for our patients and our specialty.” In specifically referring to the committees and those who choose to voluntarily engage and contribute to their Academy, Dr. Derebery said in the December 2003 Bulletin , “The Academy committees are the gifts of our members to the specialty as a whole. We are a volunteer organization, and our outreach efforts and cusses in research, education, and advocacy are primarily the result of effort and time put in by our members through the AAO-HNS committees.” And in wrapping up 2006, Dr. Cannon wrote in the 2006 Annual Report, “The year 2006 was a demanding one for the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and, at the same time, one of the most successful in this organization’s history. As we move into 2007, now is the time to ask ourselves if we are ‘future proof.’Are we doing all that we can do as individuals and as members of the Academy—to improve our quality of care, to measure our improvements, to expand our level of preparedness in the face of evolving technology, of delivering on our promises?” Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and, at the same time, one of the most successful in this organization’s history. As we move into 2007, now is the time to ask ourselves if we are ‘future-proof.’ Are we doing all that we can do as individuals and as members of the Academy—to improve our quality of care, to measure our improvements, to expand our level of preparedness in the face of evolving technology, of delivering on our promises?” - C. Ron Cannon, MD, 2005-2006 President The year 2006 was a demanding one for the American Academy of

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