Published: September 29, 2015

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.


By James C. Denneny III, MD, AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO

dennenyI have just returned from a most exciting AAO-HNSF 2015 Annual Meeting and OTO EXPOSM 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. There was more than a 100 percent increase in Instruction Course attendance relative to the 2014 meeting in Orlando. The preliminary response from attendees indicates that changes to the format of the Annual Meeting were well received. Our inaugural Coding Workshop with our new partner AAPC was well attended. As we transition into implementation of ICD-10, the in-person and online AAPC resources should prove to be of significant value to our Members.

Immediately following the Opening Ceremony, a Miniseminar, “The Power of Data: Creating a Data Registry for Otolaryngology,” introduced RegentSM, our clinical data registry, which will be a game changing event for otolaryngologists. While the concept of specialty-based registries is not new, it is clear that physicians will need to participate in quality-related metrics both in the government-related payment models as well as the private payers. This introduction culminates more than a year of intense study, planning, and research of both the payer and quality arena with significant input from like organizations’ experience. I would particularly like to thank David W. Parke II, MD, and William Rich III, MD, of the American Academy of Ophthalmology for their contributions. Our feature article gives a comprehensive review of our registry program including expected benefits and a proposed timeline for implementation.

I commend the tremendous amount of work done by the task forces that were active during this year. Richard W. Waguespack, MD, chaired the Election Review Task Force that recommended moving our elections to the spring and clarified issues related to campaigning. Karen T. Pitman, MD, chaired the Committee Review Task Force, which reviewed committee structure, committee terms, committee charges, and committee contributions. The task force recommended changes both in committee structure as well as composition. Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, chairs the Performance Measures Task Force, which oversaw the development, maintenance, and stewardship of our performance measures that we assumed from the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement. They also oversaw the National Quality Forum endorsement process for several measures. Lisa E. Ishii, MD, MHS, chairs the Registry Task Force that researched registries in general and then formulated a plan and timeline for establishment of the otolaryngology-specific registry, RegentSM. Sonya Malekzadeh, MD, chairs the Curriculum Task Force, which is in the process of constructing a comprehensive curriculum for otolaryngology. She has assembled a team that includes representatives of our specialty societies who will contribute to this valuable project. Finally, Gayle E. Woodson, MD, chairs the International Task Force, which is in the process of a complete review of the AAO-HNS International Program. This review will include international meetings, educational programs, governance, and humanitarian opportunities.

All Academy Members should congratulate and thank Dr. Woodson for the remarkable year she has had as president of the Academy. I particularly appreciate her contributions during my first year as EVP. Her thoughtful and wise decision-making skills and support have been instrumental as we embarked on a “specialty unity” pathway, brought forth significant changes to our election cycle, introduced a new Learning Management System, underwent significant operational changes, and fast-tracked our registry project bringing it in ahead of schedule and below budget. I especially value the leadership she displays as chair of the International Task Force. Our international colleagues are integral parts of our educational and humanitarian outreach as well as valuable Members of our Academy. Dr. Woodson is helping to develop an overarching plan to maximize participation and collegiality across the globe.

Join me in welcoming Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD, as your incoming president of the AAO-HNS/F. Dr. Chandrasekhar brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the position and is a great promoter of otolaryngology. She’s already been very active in several areas as president-elect, particularly development. I would also like to congratulate Gavin Setzen, MD, who has just completed a four-year term as treasurer. During his tenure his budgetary oversight has been vital to our ongoing fiscal health. Scott P. Stringer, MD, will be replacing Dr. Setzen as treasurer and chair of the Financial and Investment Subcommittee. We look forward to working with Dr. Stringer over the next four years.

 

 


More from October 2015 - Vol. 34, No. 09