CANDIDATE STATEMENTS | DIRECTOR AT LARGE: ACADEMIC | VOTE FOR ONE EACH TYPE OF TWO Sonya Malekzadeh, MD
Effective legislation demands a strong and unified voice. Although the Academy boasts a solid grassroots foundation, increasing Member support is critical to ongoing successful advocacy.
How would you strengthen our grassroots activities to protect our specialty from legislation that would undermine our mission?
How would you engage all Members to be more active in the Academy?
Effective legislation demands a strong and unified voice. Although the Academy boasts a solid grassroots foundation, increasing Member support is critical to ongoing successful advocacy.
The residents, fellows, and young physicians offer perhaps the greatest untapped opportunity to improve awareness and engagement. By actively involving and nurturing the next generation of otolaryngologists, we can demonstrate their voices will be heard, their opinions are valued, and they can transform the organization. A determined and systematic outreach approach targeting our valuable colleagues will enhance buy-in and strengthen commitment to the Academy. Similarly, it is essential to invigorate the current membership. Building on the success of ENTConnect and growing social media presence, we can communicate regular updates with relevant information and share policies shaping our profession. A well-informed membership will realize the value of our organization, resulting in greater involvement and investment in the present and future of otolaryngology.
As AAO-HNS/F Education Coordinator and Chair of WIO, I gained valuable insight into opportunities and challenges facing our specialty, while forming excellent working relationships with colleagues both within and outside of the organization. With these experiences in hand, I will strive to represent the interests of all otolaryngologists, engage Members, and foster continued growth of the specialty toward shared goals.