Wisdom from Our Three-Time DSA Winners
In the history of our Academy, three members have won the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) three times. Each describes what membership means to him below: Andrew Blitzer, MD, DDS I have been attending AAO-HNSF annual meetings since 1976, when I first went as a resident. The annual meeting is like a three-ring circus, where just about everything in our specialty is reviewed through lectures, posters, exhibits, and courses. I had the opportunity to sit and listen to the masters in our field review their new science or technical expertise. Under one roof, I was able to learn a wide variety of new thinking relevant to my practice, from the very best. As the years went by, I became more involved in Academy activities and committees. I served on a number of educational committees, chaired the SIPac (Self Instructional Packages) committee for six years and served on the Instruction Course Advisory Committee for 15 years, including six years as coordinator. Aside from the joy of being able to give back to a specialty that I feel so privileged to be a member of, I was able to meet otolaryngologists from across the United States, and around the world and share discussions about topics and research we have in common. I also served on the Foundation Board of Directors, and witnessed how the Academy serves the needs of all otolaryngologists. No other organization provides for education, practice administration advice, political action, and research opportunities in otolaryngology. I have spent half of my career in full-time academic medicine, and the other half in private practice, and still find the Academy the most complete resource available for the otolaryngologist. I am still thrilled to be a part of my specialty—to teach, to provide patient care, to participate in clinical research, and to learn from others. The AAO-HNS still represents the best otolaryngology resource for me. Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH William Osler proposed that “The very first step toward success in any occupation is to become interested in it,” and what better way than through the AAO-HNS? I have attended 20 consecutive annual meetings, along the way advocating with colleagues on Capitol Hill, presenting countless courses and miniseminars, chairing numerous research and quality committees, and serving as editor-in-chief of the Academy journal. The personal growth and satisfaction gained through these endeavors is dwarfed by the joy of working with colleagues and hyper-talented Academy staff to make a real and lasting difference in patient care, on a national and international stage. Osler also wrote that a medical society “…keeps the mind open and receptive, and counteracts that tendency to premature senility, which is apt to overtake someone who lives in a routine.” Unless you crave premature senility it’s time to get out of your routine and get involved with the AAO-HNS. Success will inevitably follow. Mark K. Wax, MD I first participated in the Academy as a resident. I was amazed that I was able to listen to, and learn from, those who were leaders in the field. Following my training, I realized that nowhere else could I encounter such a diverse offering of otolaryngologic expertise, and for so little. The annual meeting was a fantastic venue to learn from the leaders in the field, get expert opinions in a flash, visit the exhibit hall to learn about new technology, and visit friends. As my career progressed, I wanted to pay back and contribute to the field. No other venue allowed me to contribute in so many ways. The AAO-HNS was always receptive to any type of volunteer activity. They were open-minded and continued to foster learning, no matter what level. The Academy is active in so many aspects that influence otolaryngologists. No matter what your area of interest or expertise, there is a spot for you. AAO-HNS Honor and Distinguished Service Awards The AAO-HNS has two programs that recognize member voluntary contributions to otolaryngology, the AAO-HNS, and their community. The Honor Award is the first award a member can obtain for participation in specific AAO-HNS activities. The Distinguished Service Award is recognition of volunteer service beyond the level of an Honor Award. Members receive honor points for participation in a variety of activities and leadership roles. Nonmembers can receive honor points, but are not eligible for Honor Awards or Distinguished Service Awards. However, points earned as a nonmember convey if the individual becomes an AAO-HNS member. The Honor Award is the first award a member can obtain for participation in certain activities. A member can earn only one Honor Award in a lifetime. To receive an Honor Award, a member must earn 10 volunteer service points during a minimum of five years. The Honor Award point system is constructed to promote recognition not only for the quantity of service, but also for the variety and longevity of service. A maximum of two points, each of which must come from a different category of service, can be accrued each year. The DSA is a recognition of volunteer service beyond the level of an Honor Award. Members who attain 50 honor points, including the 10 points received for an Honor Award, receive the Distinguished Service Award. There is no limit on the number of Distinguished Service Awards a member may receive. All honor points, regardless of quantity earned in each category in a year, are credited toward the DSA. As of 2012, the AAO-HNS has bestowed 1,627 Honor Awards and 291 Distinguished Service Awards.
In the history of our Academy, three members have won the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) three times. Each describes what membership means to him below:
I have been attending AAO-HNSF annual meetings since 1976, when I first went as a resident. The annual meeting is like a three-ring circus, where just about everything in our specialty is reviewed through lectures, posters, exhibits, and courses. I had the opportunity to sit and listen to the masters in our field review their new science or technical expertise. Under one roof, I was able to learn a wide variety of new thinking relevant to my practice, from the very best. As the years went by, I became more involved in Academy activities and committees. I served on a number of educational committees, chaired the SIPac (Self Instructional Packages) committee for six years and served on the Instruction Course Advisory Committee for 15 years, including six years as coordinator. Aside from the joy of being able to give back to a specialty that I feel so privileged to be a member of, I was able to meet otolaryngologists from across the United States, and around the world and share discussions about topics and research we have in common. I also served on the Foundation Board of Directors, and witnessed how the Academy serves the needs of all otolaryngologists. No other organization provides for education, practice administration advice, political action, and research opportunities in otolaryngology. I have spent half of my career in full-time academic medicine, and the other half in private practice, and still find the Academy the most complete resource available for the otolaryngologist. I am still thrilled to be a part of my specialty—to teach, to provide patient care, to participate in clinical research, and to learn from others. The AAO-HNS still represents the best otolaryngology resource for me.
William Osler proposed that “The very first step toward success in any occupation is to become interested in it,” and what better way than through the AAO-HNS? I have attended 20 consecutive annual meetings, along the way advocating with colleagues on Capitol Hill, presenting countless courses and miniseminars, chairing numerous research and quality committees, and serving as editor-in-chief of the Academy journal. The personal growth and satisfaction gained through these endeavors is dwarfed by the joy of working with colleagues and hyper-talented Academy staff to make a real and lasting difference in patient care, on a national and international stage. Osler also wrote that a medical society “…keeps the mind open and receptive, and counteracts that tendency to premature senility, which is apt to overtake someone who lives in a routine.” Unless you crave premature senility it’s time to get out of your routine and get involved with the AAO-HNS. Success will inevitably follow.
I first participated in the Academy as a resident. I was amazed that I was able to listen to, and learn from, those who were leaders in the field. Following my training, I realized that nowhere else could I encounter such a diverse offering of otolaryngologic expertise, and for so little. The annual meeting was a fantastic venue to learn from the leaders in the field, get expert opinions in a flash, visit the exhibit hall to learn about new technology, and visit friends. As my career progressed, I wanted to pay back and contribute to the field. No other venue allowed me to contribute in so many ways. The AAO-HNS was always receptive to any type of volunteer activity. They were open-minded and continued to foster learning, no matter what level. The Academy is active in so many aspects that influence otolaryngologists. No matter what your area of interest or expertise, there is a spot for you.
AAO-HNS Honor and Distinguished Service Awards
The AAO-HNS has two programs that recognize member voluntary contributions to otolaryngology, the AAO-HNS, and their community. The Honor Award is the first award a member can obtain for participation in specific AAO-HNS activities. The Distinguished Service Award is recognition of volunteer service beyond the level of an Honor Award. Members receive honor points for participation in a variety of activities and leadership roles. Nonmembers can receive honor points, but are not eligible for Honor Awards or Distinguished Service Awards. However, points earned as a nonmember convey if the individual becomes an AAO-HNS member.
The Honor Award is the first award a member can obtain for participation in certain activities. A member can earn only one Honor Award in a lifetime. To receive an Honor Award, a member must earn 10 volunteer service points during a minimum of five years. The Honor Award point system is constructed to promote recognition not only for the quantity of service, but also for the variety and longevity of service. A maximum of two points, each of which must come from a different category of service, can be accrued each year.
The DSA is a recognition of volunteer service beyond the level of an Honor Award. Members who attain 50 honor points, including the 10 points received for an Honor Award, receive the Distinguished Service Award. There is no limit on the number of Distinguished Service Awards a member may receive. All honor points, regardless of quantity earned in each category in a year, are credited toward the DSA.
As of 2012, the AAO-HNS has bestowed 1,627 Honor Awards and 291 Distinguished Service Awards.