Published: September 29, 2015

Of gavels and goals

When Gayle E. Woodson, MD, passed me the gavel at the Annual Meeting Opening Ceremony in Dallas last month, she was symbolically putting our Academy into my hands, which is a solemn trust. The Academy’s many strengths include the strategic plan, responsiveness to external forces affecting otolaryngologists, staff support, and finances.

By Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD, AAO-HNS/F President

sujanaWhen Gayle E. Woodson, MD, passed me the gavel at the Annual Meeting Opening Ceremony in Dallas last month, she was symbolically putting our Academy into my hands, which is a solemn trust. The Academy’s many strengths include the strategic plan, responsiveness to external forces affecting otolaryngologists, staff support, and finances. The obvious role of the president is to ensure, along with our EVP/CEO James C. Denneny III, MD, that actions of the Executive Committee and Boards of Directors remain true to our vision—empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care. The other, more personal, roles of the president involve functioning as the Academy’s face to Members, the greater House of Medicine, legislators and regulators, and the public, and also as a mentor and advisor to, and advocate for, other otolaryngologists.

I have reflected this year on how I got here. It’s a lifelong path with three essentials: showing up and working hard, persevering, and being supported by family and colleagues. My family came to the United States from India in 1969. My otolaryngology residency at NYU was an experience made even richer because one of my professors was Hosakere K. Chandrasekhar, MD, my father. During my fellowship in otology/neurotology at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles, I had the great fortune to work with my friends and mentors Karen Jo Doyle Enright, MD, PhD, the late Antonio De La Cruz, MD, Derald E. Brackmann, MD, M. Jennifer Dereberry, MD, and John W. House, MD. After two full-time faculty appointments in New Jersey and New York from 1994 through 2004, I entered solo private practice in New York City, to which I have now added part-time positions at the VA and the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Along the way, I have been fortunate in having a loving and supportive family: my husband and four children ages 19, 18, 16, and 10. Experiencing healthcare in various types of practices and a growing family has helped me understand the changes, challenges, and opportunities for otolaryngologists.

I began serving on Academy and BOG committees very early in my career. Woody Allen said that 80 percent of life is showing up. I did. The other 20 percent takes a bit more effort, and it is worth it. As BOG Chair, I held a three-year seat on the Academy’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors and one year on the Nominating Committee. There, our Academy’s breadth and depth shines, and is evident in the dedication of the physician volunteers and our outstanding staff, including prior EVP/CEO David R. Nielsen, MD, another mentor of mine.

I lost an election or two as I won some, but I never regretted putting myself “out there.” As a working mother of young(ish) children, adding Academy service to the juggling act is perhaps a bit more challenging. I have made it to as many games, competitions, recitals, and plays as possible, but my family understands my passion for my work. That support has been essential.

I heard this year that a dream told to others becomes a goal, and I believe it. Two years ago, I whispered to Nominating Committee Members Lauren S. Zaretsky, MD, and the late Linda Brodsky, MD, that I wanted to be Academy president. My AAO-HNS involvement and the experience of working with other dedicated physicians gave me confidence that I could make a difference. My goal this year is to further understand the shifting sands in healthcare delivery and physician assessment to help fellow otolaryngologists continue to succeed academically, clinically, financially, ethically, and with peace of mind. As such, I will work with the Registry Task Force to ensure that our new clinical data registry is user-friendly and clear; advocate for otolaryngologists; maintain and strengthen the relationship of the AAO-HNS with our subspecialty society siblings and our international corresponding societies; and champion diversity of all types.

I am the third doctor in my family, I was the third female House Ear Clinic fellow, and I am the third female AAO-HNS president. It is wonderful to have such role models. In the course of this year and onward, I hope to help other otolaryngologists articulate their dreams and reach their goals. I am humbled and proud to hold this gavel with its awesome responsibility to our Members. Throughout my presidency year, I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to keep otolaryngology-head and neck surgery the wonderful field that it is.

 

 

More from October 2015 - Vol. 34, No. 09
mpfs
PROPOSED CY 2016 MEDICARE PHYSICIAN FEE SCHEDULE (MPFS)What does it mean for you?
On July 8, 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted the proposed Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS) for calendar year (CY) 2016. The Academy submitted comments to CMS on the proposed rule on September 8, 2015. The Academy also developed a Member summary, which goes into greater detail of all of the important proposed requirements.
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The power of data raises the bar on patient care
At our spring Boards of Directors meeting, the BOD made the courageous decision to fund an otolaryngology-specific clinical data registry. That decision will “empower our Members to provide the best patient care” as well as satisfy reporting requirements for both CMS and private payers. The BOD charged the Registry Task Force, chaired by Lisa Ishii, MD, MHS, to create a business plan and select both a model and vendor for our registry.
Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD
Thoughts on the June 2015 health policy course at the Heller SchoolExpanded from the print edition
When I applied for the AAO-HNS/ACS Scholarship to attend the Health Policy and Leadership Course at the Heller School, I knew that I had ascended to a high level of leadership in medicine but that I needed more intense and detailed education on various aspects of U.S. healthcare policy, financial assessment, and leadership skills. I was grateful when I received the scholarship, but even more so once I attended the week-long course in June.
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Academy collaborates with Anthem to refine ear tubes medical policy
Thanks to the Academy physician leaders’ comments and clinical recommendations, Anthem has revised the Anthem Medical Policy for Myringotomy and Tympanostomy Tube Insertion. Key changes include a revised pediatric extended otitis media effusion (OME) hearing loss requirement from 30 dB to 20 dB, new medical necessity indicators, and allowance for myringotomy as a stand-alone procedure for select populations.
Liana Puscas, MD
AMA HOUSE OF DELEGATES REPORTIssues impacting otolaryngology
The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD) held its annual meeting June 2015 in Chicago. Representing the Academy were Liana Puscas, MD, Delegation Chair; Delegates Michael S. Goldrich, MD, and Shannon P. Pryor, MD; Alternate Delegates Robert Puchalski, MD, and Academy EVP/CEO James C. Denneny III, MD. Of note, Dr. Puchalski gave a stirring AMPAC speech about the importance of engaging in advocacy in his new role as Chair of AMPAC, the AMA’s political action committee.
AM16logo
CALL FOR SCIENCE Be part of the 2016 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM
We invite you to submit proposals and abstracts to be considered for presentation at the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in San Diego, CA, September 18-22.
The AAO-HNS is looking for volunteer State Trackers in Iowa (Iowa Capitol pictured) and eight other states.
Gearing up for 2016 legislative sessions
During the 2015 state sessions, legislators across the nation introduced a wide variety of bills that would inappropriately expand the scope of practice for certain nonphysician healthcare providers.
Tech assessment of imaging for diagnosing rhinosinusitis
As Members may know, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) paves the way for many public carrier policies across the country through its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) program. The HTA program was designed by the state to ensure medical services paid for by its state entities are safe and effective. This program has created a following with many other states entities looking to it when creating their own policies.
journalcover
Journal showcases young physicians
The October 2015 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery celebrates the achievements of young physicians. The issue comprises 40 articles whose first authors are under 40 years of age. These “40 under 40” submitted their articles in response to the journal’s first-ever young physicians call for papers.
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FROM THE MEDICAL DEVICES AND DRUGS COMMITTEEThe reprocessing of devices so designatedExpanded from the print edition
Reprocessing of medical devices is an important—and largely transparent—part of an otolaryngologist’s practice. Whether it is in the office setting or operating theater, reprocessing of durable devices is essential to our ability to deliver safe, effective care. This has been in evolution and under scrutiny recently.
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Cleft lip and palate surgery in CebuExpanded from the print edition
Although I was not a stranger to large walk-in clinics before arriving in Cebu, our screening day was nevertheless an eye-opening experience. More than 200 patients, plus their families and sponsors, were packed like sardines into the hospital rooftop gymnasium-turned-waiting-room.
2016 Cochrane Scholars travel grants available
Interested in systematic literature review training? SAGE, the publisher of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, will offer two grants of up to $4,000 to help Members attend the October 2016 Cochrane Colloquium in Seoul, South Korea.
2016 G-I-N Scholars travel grants available
Interested in Guideline development, dissemination, and implementation? Through the G-I-N Scholars program, the AAO-HNSF will fund up to five Members to attend the September 2016 G-I-N North America meeting in Philadelphia, PA.
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The value of mentoring relationships
Of all the relationships possible during the lifetime of an individual, mentoring relationships are some of the most formative you’ll ever experience. These relationships can exist for a short period or last a lifetime, but whatever their length, they can change lives forever.
Susan R. Cordes, MD
Gold Humanism in Medicine Award
In 2009, the Arnold P. Gold Foundation selected the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) as one of three medical specialty societies to confer the Gold Foundation’s new Humanism in Medicine Award, with the goal of advocating for the compassion, empathy, and sensitivity displayed by practicing physicians caring for their patients.
Sanjay R. Parikh, MD
BOARD OF GOVERNORSResponding to those who say guidelines don’t make sense
I was recently at an otolaryngology conference in line for lunch with some friends when the topic of tonsillectomy guidelines came up. One of my good friends, Dr. X, explained to me that he was not following our AAO-HNSF guideline recommendation to stop using antibiotics after tonsillectomy. Dr. X explained to me that “Guidelines don’t make real sense. They are made up by a bunch of academicians who don’t grasp what surgery practice is like in the real world.”
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The dawn of a new era
I have just returned from a most exciting AAO-HNSF 2015 Annual Meeting and OTO EXPO held in Dallas, Texas, which showcased a number of initiatives designed to add value to your Academy membership. Our new format and pricing structure allowed most attendees to markedly increase their CME activities at the meeting.