AAO-HNS Bulletin | Special Edition | January 2021

10 SPECIAL EDITION: 125TH ANNIVERSARY AAO-HNS BULLETIN ENTNET.ORG/BULLETIN Lance A. Manning MD, Chair T he partnership between ophthalmology and otolaryngology ended in 1979 with the emergence of the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO). Subsequently the AAO merged with the American Council of Otolaryngology (ACO) to form our current organization. The BOG was a critical part of the new organization stemming from the ACO. The BOG held its first annual meeting in 1982 in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Marvin A. Singleton, MD, as the first Chair. Since that time the BOG has championed issues critical to the day-to- day practice of otolaryngology through the representation of state and local otolaryngology societies as well as specialty societies. The input from the BOG grassroots has allowed aggressive advocacy on legislative, regulatory, and private payer issues since its inception. Over its 38 years of existence, the BOG has spawned numerous leaders who have served the AAO-HNS/F well. Seven presidents, three EVP/CEOs, numerous elected members of the Boards of Directors, and many Coordinators have emerged from the BOG to serve the specialty well. Over the years, the legislative networks of the BOG have anchored our specialty’s legislative activities for the last three decades and the “on-the-ground” information brought forward from the BOG has informed private payer advocacy efforts leading to action on the issues most pertinent to our members’ practices through the selfless donation of time by our practicing members. The BOG has evolved to truly represent the diversity that is the AAO-HNS in all respects. I am humbled and proud to be the current Chair of the BOG as it continues to be the voice of the practicing otolaryngologist. Most importantly, it has created a community of otolaryngologists who volunteer on behalf of each other and support one other so that we can better serve our patients and communities. Erynne A. Faucett, MD, Chair A s I reflect on 125 years of the AAO-HNS, I think about the efforts of our Academy regarding diversity and inclusion. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee started as a task force just 15 years ago and was approved as a standing committee 10 years ago under the leadership of Duane J. Taylor, MD. While we have made progress over the last two decades, much work remains, not only with respect to race and ethnicity, but also, though not limited to, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability status, economic circumstance, and religion. This work is critical as we recognize that diversifying our specialty expands our viewpoint, improves our decision making, and allows us to take better care of patients. Support by the Academy in these efforts has allowed for continued funding of programs that provide opportunities for underrepresented minority students and trainees with regard to networking opportunities, education, and leadership development. These opportunities have facilitated education and awareness, created an environment of inclusion, and encouraged broader interest in the specialty. From a patient perspective, we also know that when patients are cared for by a provider with similar race or ethnicity, this facilitates greater openness in information exchange. This knowledge drives our work at the Academy to reaffirm our commitment to promoting cultural awareness, improving sensitivity, and enhancing cultural competence among our membership. As I think about the future of otolaryngology, and the next 125 years, I look forward to seeing a diverse and engaged membership that reflects the patients who we care for and the continued support of our Academy in our path toward this goal. A vital part of the strategic work of the AAO-HNS/F Boards of Directors as it relates to meeting the needs of members in achieving the vision set forth for the organization is the input and participation of the AAO-HNS Board of Governors (BOG), the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the Section for Residents and Fellows- in-Training (SRF), Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section, and Young Physicians Section (YPS). The current chair of each of these essential component groups of members shares their reflections on the 125-year anniversary. A Network of Academy Involvement DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE