Cecelia Damask, DO: What’s Next for the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO

Dr. Damask at the recent 2024 Annual Meeting in Miami Beach, Florida.After years of dedicated volunteerism on the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting Program Committee (AMPC) and then serving as the Coordinator-elect for the past year, Cecelia Damask, DO, has taken the reins as the Annual Meeting Program Coordinator, officially assuming this role at the close of the 2024 Annual Meeting in Miami Beach, Florida.

Dr. Damask has already begun laying the groundwork for the 2025 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 10-14. “I am focused on creating an event environment that feels like an overall experience rather than just a series of presentations. This means curating a holistic program that invites attendees to immerse themselves fully in the moment—an opportunity to learn, rejuvenate, and recharge."

Attendees chat over coffee at the recent Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Miami Beach, Florida.“I want participants to leave feeling not only better informed but also inspired and revitalized. By fostering such an engaging atmosphere, I hope to cultivate a sense of community among attendees, making the event memorable and impactful in ways that extend beyond the education sessions themselves,” she shared.

First on the docket is the 2025 Call for Science. Dr. Damask will be spearheading this effort and coordinating the selection of the scientific and education program with the volunteer members of the AMPC. The Call for Science will be open from December 2 through January 20.

“One of the important messages I want to emphasize for those considering submitting to the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting is that this event is like no other and provides a premier platform and international stage for you to share your passions, innovations, expertise, lessons learned, and life’s work with your colleagues and peers from around the world.”

Dr. Damask (second from left) with AAO-HNS/F President Troy D. Woodard, MD (far left) and Immediate Past Annual Meeting Program Coordinator Daniel C. Chelius, Jr., MD (far right), during the recent Annual Meeting in Miami Beach.The 2025 Call for Science is coming on the heels of the success of the 2024 Annual Meeting that concluded on October 1 in Miami Beach. With more than 7,600 attendees, which included over 1,900 international attendees from 97 different countries, the Education Program featured over 500 sessions with available CME, including hundreds of Scientific Oral Presentations and Scientific Posters. This offering is the direct result of the time and dedication over months of work that is done by the AMPC to select all the submissions for the program.

“The depth and breadth of research submitted is impressive, and it will be crucial to ensure a diverse representation of topics while maintaining high standards of quality. Through a fair evaluation process created by my predecessors, involving a dedicated review committee, the AMPC is able to curate a program that offers cutting-edge and state-of-the-art programming for attendees to absorb and take back to their practices, their patients, and their communities.”

Gearing up for the 2025 Call for Science, Dr. Damask also has new goals for the formats of the Education Program as well, expanding on popular modalities of learning like the Simulation Center and Stump the Experts sessions. “Creating a can’t-miss experience that rejuvenates and inspires our members is perhaps the most ambitious goal. This involves not just delivering high-quality education content but also fostering an engaging atmosphere that encourages networking and collaboration. Incorporating interactive elements will be key in achieving this,” she said.

(Left to right) Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH, Methodologist; James W. Mims, MD; Dr. Damask; and Fuad M. Baroody, MD; Assistant Chairs of the "Clinical Practice Guideline on Immunotherapy in Inhalant Allergy," participated in a Panel Presentation about the CPG during the recent Annual Meeting.

Dr. Damask is the first woman to serve as the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting Program Coordinator. In addition to her work on the AMPC, which included developing and managing the popular Great Debates series, she has served as Chair of the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Committee, Chair of the Audit Committee, Assistant Chair of the Clinical Practice Guideline on Immunotherapy in Inhalant Allergy, and in several leadership roles with other stakeholder organizations.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to shadow an incredible leader and clinical educator, Daniel C. Chelius, Jr., MD. His mentorship has been instrumental in my journey, providing me with invaluable insights on meeting preparation and guidance that have prepared me for this new role. His ability to share his experiences and wisdom made a significant impact on my understanding of the complexities of this role as Coordinator. He encouraged me to ask questions, think critically, and embrace challenges, all while creating an environment where I felt, and continue to feel, supported,” said Dr. Damask.

“I truly believe it takes a village to create the Annual Meeting. This is very much a team effort, and the incredible program we’re putting together is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the entire AMPC, AAO-HNSF staff, and those who choose to present their work in front of their colleagues. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such talented individuals and look forward to seeing the impact we can make together!”