2016 Committee Highlights

Committees are the lifeblood of the AAO-HNS/F and a great way for Members to contribute meaningfully to the organization and the specialty. At the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO^SM in San Diego, CA, Academy and Foundation committees met and discussed achievements during the past year and planned for 2017. The following pages contain brief summaries of actions taken by the committees over the 2015 to 2016 committee term.

To view a list of current committee members, please visit www.entnet.org/committees.

To join a committee, visit www.entnet.org/committees and fill out an application before the January 1, 2017, deadline.

Standing Committees

Audit Committee
Jerome W. Thompson, MD, MBA, Chair

• The audit committee met via conference call in July 2016 to discuss audit planning with the independent accounting firm and will meet again in late October 2016 to review the FY16 audit with staff and the independent auditors.
• The audit of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2016, (FY16) was completed after the Annual Meeting and a “clean opinion” was provided by the independent audit firm.
• The audited financial statements and annual tax returns are available to anyone requesting access. Contact Carrie Hanlon (chanlon@entnet.org) for requests.

Ethics Committee
Susan D. McCammon, MD, Chair

• Completion of a comprehensive review of the Academy’s experience with the Expert Witness Testimony Policy and presented a white paper to the Boards of Directors at the spring meeting.
• Collaboration with ACS leadership to provide feedback and discussion of the ACS draft statement on sequential and concurrent operative cases.
• Contribution of research and information on the ethical issues related to the designation of surgical instruments as “single use” and the policies and procedures guiding current practices.
• Four proposals were accepted for presentation at the Annual Meeting on genetic testing, HPV counseling, and physician disability, as well as the third annual presentation of the Clinical Fundamentals: Ethics and Professionalism instructional course.

Finance & Investment Subcommittee of the EC (FISC)
Scott P. Stringer MD, Secretary

• At the end of 2015, the FISC recommended a change in investment advisors to LVW Advisors, LLC, who took over management of the portfolio in January 2016. Under new management the investment return has met or exceeded the AAO-HNS/F Investment Policy Statement performance goals.
• At the start of 2016, the FISC began working with staff to develop an FY17 budget (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017). A balanced FY17 budget, which reduces dependency on reserves and investment interest and dividends to fund on-going operations, was approved by the BOD’s in May 2016.
• On a quarterly basis, the FISC met to review financial statements, forecasts, and budget to actual variances and reviewed the annual audit and report of the Audit Committee.
• In an effort to identify non-dues revenue streams, the FISC worked with staff to analyze the revenue potential of converting the ground floor of the AAO-HNS/F headquarters building to retail space that could be leased. After reviewing a business analysis, the FISC recommended, and the BODs approved in September 2016, the proposal to begin the necessary build-out of the ground floor of the headquarters building, expected to begin in early 2017.

Academy Committees

Airway and Swallowing Committee
Joel H. Blumin, MD, Chair

• Sponsored three Miniseminars at the 2016 Annual Meeting:
  • Integrative Approaches to Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Beyond PPIs
  • Strategies to Manage Chemoradiation-Associated Dysphagia
  • Tough to Swallow: Dysphagia for the General Otolaryngologist
• Reviewed a new Draft Policy for “Injectable Bulking Agents for Vocal Cord Insufficiency”
• Reviewed Anthem’s draft medical policy on Diagnostic Fiberoptic Flexible Laryngoscopy
• Reviewed Issues Relating to In-Office Sterilization Procedures Affecting Otolaryngologists
• Reviewed clinical content for the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) for two guidelines;
  • Occupational and Environmental Contributions to Chronic Cough in Adults: Chest Guideline and Expert Panel Report
  • Chronic Cough due to Gastroesophageal Reflux in Adults: Chest Guideline and Expert Panel Report
• Clinical Practice Guideline on Hoarseness (Dysphonia): Committee provided review of Key Action Statements and Action Statement Profiles for relevancy and provided additional feedback regarding additional topics for quality improvement. (October 2015)

Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Committee
James W. Mims, MD, Chair

• Presented two Instruction Courses at the 2016 Annual Meeting: “Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Why and How?” and “Food Allergy 2016: State-of-the-Science.”

Credentials and Membership Committee
Cecille G. Sulman, MD, Chair

• Reviewed the Member Engagement Point system, designed to promote recognition not only for the quality also for the variety and longevity of volunteer service with the Academy.
• Expect to see an upcoming article to explain and better promote the Member Engagement Point program.
• The committee is interested in expanding and promoting the use of mENTorConnect, especially for new Members.
• The committee will be working on targeted correspondence and messaging to different audiences including resident training programs, first-year Members, and new Members to highlight the benefits of belonging and to promote engagement with the Academy.

Endocrine Surgery Committee
Ralph P. Tufano, MD, Chair

• Successfully convinced Anthem to consider SPECT/CT fusion medically necessary as a preoperative anatomic localization study in person with laboratory evidence of hyperparathyroidism.
• Continue to create public awareness through collaborations with ThyCa with the Patient Outreach program presented at the Annual Meeting.
• Developed four patient education videos that can be found at http://www.entnet.org/content/patient-health.

Equilibrium Committee
Joel A. Goebel, MD, FRCS, Chair

• Participated in the assessment of the original BPPV CPG.
• Submitted the topic of Meniere’s Disease to the Guideline Task Force. Approved for future development.
• Collaborated with Penn State to disseminate a Meniere’s survey to the AAO-HNS. Manuscript under development.
• Reviewed the new CPT code for Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) testing for the Physician Payment Policy work group.
• Updated the Micropressure Therapy position statement.
• Presented three Miniseminars at the Annual Meeting:
  • Vestibular Migraine: What Otolaryngologists Need to Know in 2016
  • Challenges and Controversies in Vestibular Testing
  • Assessing Risk and Preventing Falls in Older Adults

Head and Neck Surgery & Oncology Committee
Christine G. Gourin, MD, Chair

• The Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology Committee produced the position statement “Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination for Prevention of HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer,” which has been endorsed by the AAO-HNS and available online for all interested stakeholders and the public.
• The committee sponsored eight Miniseminars at the 2016 Annual Meeting including joint submissions with the Endocrine Committee.
• Reviewed the CPT Code Revision 15732.
• Contributed to the clinical practice guideline Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults that is in progress.

Hearing Committee
Douglas D. Backous, MD, Committee Chair

• Participated in the assessment and external peer review of the following AAO-HNS clinical practice guidelines:
  • Otitis Media with Effusion
  • Cerumen Impaction
  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Represented the AAO-HNS on the following:
  • Acoustical Society of America committees including (1) Accredited Standards Committee S3, Bioacoustics, and (2) Accredited Standards Committee S12, Noise.
  • Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Cochlear Implants Committee, which is developing a voluntary standard that addresses the safety, performance, labeling, and reliability of cochlear implants.
• Reviewed two AAO-HNS position statements:
  • Medical Role in Cerumen Removal
  • Hearing Aids
• Participated in Better Hearing & Speech Month (May) through the development of the “Toning Down Noise-Induced Hearing Loss” Bulletin article, which was published April 2016.
• Assisted the Physician Payment Policy Workgroup with the review of:
  • the new CPT code for Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) testing
  • three Anthem policies including:
    • Air Conduction Hearing Aids (CG-DME-37)
    • Cochlear Implant
    • Implantable Bone-Conduction and Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids

• Provided input into the AAO-HNS comments on the IOM panel on Affordable Hearing
• Provided input on the AAO-HNS comments on the 2017-2021 NIDCD Strategic Plan

Imaging Committee
Christopher Miyamoto, MD, Chair

• Participated in several conference calls regarding insurance carrier policy and coverage determinations, including calls with:
  • Humana and HealthHelp to address their concern that non-radiology specialists are performing imaging services without the proper training;
  • The Society of University Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons, Association of Academic Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Otolaryngology Program Directors Organization leaders to discuss the status of residency imaging education documentation and next steps to address concerns voiced by several payers; and
  • Anthem to discuss SPECT/CT Fusion imaging for the parathyroid.
• Discussed ultrasound training in pediatric otolaryngology fellowship with American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology leaders.
• Nominated Jeff Kim, MD, and Col. Joseph A. Brennan, MD, to serve as Academy representatives for American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria® documents.
• Co-Sponsored two AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO^SM Miniseminars.
  

Implantable Hearing Devices Committee
Craig A. Buchman, MD, Chair

• Development of Minimum Reporting Standards for Cochlear Implants. The standards have been endorsed by the AAO-HNS and are in the process of being submitted to Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery for publication.
• Facilitated the AAO-HNS endorsement of the American Cochlear Implant (ACI) Alliance’s position paper on Pediatric Habilitation Following Cochlear Implantation which defines appropriate speech/language habilitation services for children following cochlear implantation.
• Reviewed three AAO-HNS position statements:
  • CDC Immunization Recommendations
  • Implantable Hearing Devices
  • Minimum test battery
• Dissemination of a Cochlear Implant Candidates Vaccination Survey to the AAO-HNS membership. Manuscript under development.

Infectious Disease Committee
Tulio A. Valdez, MD, Chair

• Published an article entitled “Antimicrobial stewardship in otolaryngology” in the April 2016 issue of the
• Collaborated with Rutgers New Jersey Medical School to disseminate an “Infection Control in Office Settings” survey to the AAO-HNS. Manuscript under development.

Media and Public Relations Committee
Dale A. Tylor, MD, Chair

• The committee worked on public outreach activities and health observances including, Kids ENT Health Month (February); World Voice Day (April 16); Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness (April); and Better Hearing & Speech Month (May)
• The Committee joined the Young Physicians Section in cosponsoring the Miniseminar, “Marketing Yourself and Your Practice in the 21st Century,” during the 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO^SM.

Medical Devices and Drugs Committee
Anand Devaiah, MD, Chair

• Published multiple articles for AAO-HNS membership in the Bulletin.
• Led efforts to coordinate with the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Committee, the Pediatric Otolaryngology Committee, and 3P to provide comments in response to an informal inquiry from FDA regarding Tramadol use after pediatric adenotonsillectomy.
• Finalized FDA Network of Experts program contract and established relationship with FDA leadership.
• Updated the MDDC database for Member expertise. This better enabled the committee to assist the AAO-HNS, government, industry, and others with tasks in alignment with the Committee Charge.
• Miniseminar topics accepted and/or co-sponsored by the committee for the Annual Meeting.

Medical Informatics Committee
Jayde M. Steckowych, MD, Chair

• Analyzed the 440 responses to the Spring 2015 membership survey, conducted to determine the type of Clinical Documentation (EMR) and Billing software used by Members.
• One of the survey outcomes is to finalize a list of Member volunteers to provide assistance/guidance to other Members needing assistance with particular EMRs.
• The committee continues to work on developing summary information on what features to look for and evaluate when choosing an EMR.
• Getting back to the committee’s charge of educating Members on health technology-related topics, the committee will be working on several articles including secure texting, random ware, and HIPAA compliance with credit cards.

Microvascular Committee
Donald T. Weed, MD, Chair

• Submission of four Miniseminar proposals in collaboration with the Humanitarian Efforts Committee, the Head and Neck Committee, the Facial Plastics Committee, the Outcomes Research Committee and Evidence-Based Medicine Committee, the Ethics Committee, and the Geriatric Otolaryngology Committee.
• Presentation of one miniseminar at the Annual Meeting in collaboration with the Facial Plastics Committee on New Technologies in Microvascular Reconstruction of the Head and Neck.
• Sponsorship and initiation of an e-book for residents on microvascular surgery, including harvest, donor site closure, techniques for assisting under the microscope, and post-operative care considerations. This project is supported by the education coordinator and the Head and Neck Surgery Education Committee.
• Proposal of six Miniseminars for the 2017 Annual Meeting with work plans for collaborating with numerous other AAO-HNS committees to optimize some or all of these proposals for final submission later in the fall.

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Committee
Michael J. Brenner, MD, Co-Chair
Julie L. Goldman, MD, Co-Chair

• Collaborated on the development of eight Miniseminars; four presentations were accepted for the 2016 Annual Meeting:
  • Miniseminar: Bringing QI into Clinical Practice: A How-To Guide
  • Miniseminar: Managing Cognitive Bias (Thinking Differently about Thinking)
  • Miniseminar: The Disabled Otolaryngologist
  • Miniseminar: Overlapping/Concurrent Surgery: Definitions, Data, Debate, and Destiny
• Participated on the special task force on reuse of one-time use devices. Dr. Chang was the principal author on the white paper which was developed for publication in the November Bulletin on Appropriate Use of Single Use Devices: Responsible Recycling of Medical Devices.
• Developed a survey on the topic of Concurrent Surgery with close to 1,000 Members responding. In addition to the topic being presented at a Miniseminar in San Diego, a manuscript is under development.
• Patient Safety Event Reporting Tool: Ongoing promotion and analysis of submission trends. A manuscript has been developed and submitted to the white journal.

Pediatric Otolaryngology Committee
David R. White, MD, Chair

• Reviewed UHC draft policy on Site of Service for Certain Outpatient Surgical Procedures (Prior Authorization), including Tonsillectomy and Adenectomy.
• Submitted content for AAO-HNS publications, including: Kids ENT Month, website, and patient information sheets.
• Sponsored three Miniseminars at the 2016 Annual Meeting.
• Anesthetic Neurotoxicity: Impact on Care and Pediatric Patients
• Pediatric Dysphagia: Challenges and Controversies
• Pediatric Otology—More than Just Hearing Loss
• Reviewed CPG re: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty.
• Robert H. Chun, MD, has been named Chair-Elect.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Committee
Donna J. Millay, MD, Chair

• The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Committee co-sponsored a Miniseminar titled: Coding for Functional Procedures in Facial Plastic Surgery at the 2016 Annual Meeting.
• Committee members reviewed and provided comments on the draft research plan of Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer.
• Several committee members volunteered to participate in the external peer review of the Clinical Practice Guideline: Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty.
• Committee members reviewed and provided comments on United Health Care’s draft policy on Rhinoplasty and Other Nasal Surgeries.

Rhinology & Paranasal Sinus Committee
Joseph K. Han, MD, Chair

• Reviewed the AAO-HNS Sinus Cavity after FESS Position Statement.
• Reviewed the AAO-HNS Dilation of Sinuses, Any Method Position Statement.
• Reviewed the AAO-HNS Sinus Endoscopy Position Statement.
• Reviewed United Healthcare’s FESS policy.
• Participated in AAO-HNS FESS Task Force.
• Completed submission of GTF Topic: Migraine Related Sinusitis.
• Reviewed proposed Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) policy re: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis (0.00.00).
• Reviewed a proposed Anthem policy re: Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy (CG-SURG-57).
• Sponsored three Miniseminars and one Instructional Course for the 2016 Annual Meeting.
• Chair-elect: Andrew Lane, MD

Skull Base Surgery Committee
Ivan El-Sayed, MD, Chair

• Sponsored three Miniseminars at the 2016 Annual Meeting: (1) Looking Beyond the Common Causes of Vertigo, (2) A Cost-Effective Approach to the Work-Up of Cranial Neuropathies, (3) Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: Technique, Outcomes, Quality of Life.
• Investigating educational guidelines for Skull Base Surgery
• Developing Position Statement on Skull Base surgery
• Examining the Skull Base Coding Initiative introduced by and in conjunction with the North American Skull Base Society

Sleep Disorders Committee
Kathleen Yaremchuk, MD, Chair

• New position statement on hypoglossal nerve stimulator for treatment of OSA was accepted and adopted on March 10, 2016.
• Associated CPT application resulted in three new hypoglossal nerve stimulator codes available for reporting starting January 1, 2017.

Trauma Committee
Anna M. Pou, MD, Chair

• The Trauma Committee and the Society of Military Otolaryngologists’ Trauma Symposium presented “Terrorism on American Soil: Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned,” September 17, 2016. Meg. S. Femino, HEM, director of emergency management at the Silverman Institute for Health Care Quality and Safety at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, presented “Remembering the Third Monday in April: Reflections of the Boston Marathon Bombings” and Col. Melissa Givens, MD, MPH, CSCS, presented “Leadership Lessons from the Fort Hood Shooting.”
• Submitted three Miniseminars. Robert Eller, MD, moderated “Breathe Now, Speak Later: Acute Airway Trauma Management.” Both the symposium and Miniseminar were well attended.
• Alan W. Johnson, MD, presented a Masters of Surgery on “Minne Ties as an Alternative Maxillomandibular Fixation Technique in the Management of Mandible Fractures (https://youtu.be/1anq9V4M5QY).

Voice Committee
Michael M. Johns III, MD, Chair

• Committee members wrote informative articles for the Bulletin to celebrate World Voice Day.
• Members helped the AAO-HNS respond to several payers’ policies to preserve appropriate indications for flexible laryngoscopy and to support vocal fold injection augmentation.
• The committee is investigating the possibility of creating a voice community on ENTConnect to allow specific and focused discussion on issues in laryngology.
• Several committee members will serve as reviewers of the upcoming Hoarseness CPG revision.

Foundation Committees

Development Committee
Lee Eisenberg, MD, MPH, Chair and Development Coordinator

• Re-branded the philanthropic part of the larger Foundation (“Where dues stop and philanthropy begins”); clarified the avenues for making a donation and added new taglines for each (Annual Fund, “create a tradition of giving back” and Hal Foster, MD Endowment, “ensure the future of the specialty”).
• Implemented changes for inclusion in the Millennium Society to simplify understanding of giving levels and associated benefits; reduced lifetime giving level to $30K for inclusion in Millennium Society as a lifetime member.
• Sponsored inaugural “Legends of Otolaryngology” lecture at the 2016 Annual Meeting featuring M. Eugene Tardy, Jr., MD, who was selected as the first honoree. Making a donation in honor of the selected Legend is the fundraising component of the program.

Humanitarian Efforts Committee
Susan R. Cordes, MD, Chair

• The Humanitarian Efforts Committee was selected as the 2016 model committee and awarded the Academy’s Committee Excellence Award.
• The committee, with Bruce Campbell, MD, as facilitator, organized and presented a Humanitarian Efforts Forum at the San Diego Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO℠, showcasing the breadth and variety of work carried out by Academy Members around the world.
• The AAO-HNSF recognized four humanitarians this year for their tireless work on behalf of underserved populations both domestically and internationally;
  • Wayne Koch, MD, Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service
  • Susan McCammon, MD, Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award
  • Lockman Saim, MD, (Malaysia), Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Public Service Award
  • Nega Kiros Hagos, MD (Ethiopia), Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD, Humanitarian Award
• So far in 2016, AAO-HNSF has awarded 15 residents and fellows-in-training with Humanitarian Travel Grants to offer services in developing countries.

History & Archives Committee
Marc D. Eisen, MD, Chair

• The grand opening of the Academy’s historical museum occurred in the Spring of 2016; the newly renovated historical space displays artwork, historical documents and artifacts.
• The committee presented the first Otolaryngology Historical Forum with presentations of abstracts from three Members at the Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.

International Otolaryngology Committee
Carl H. Snyderman, MD, Chair

• Thanks to the support of the Academy’s generous Members, a total of 10 International Visiting Scholars (IVS) were welcomed in San Diego: Diana Paola Urquijo Tejada, MD (Colombia), Mohit Bhutani, MD, MBBS (India), Kranti Bhavana, MS, DNB (India), Amit Kumar Keshri, MBBS, MS (India), Ashish Chandra Agarwal, MS, MRCS (India), Hassan Paknezhad, MD (Iran), Larissa Santos Perez Abreu (Brazil), Victoria Valentina Tenías, MD (Venezuela),  Leandro Luongo Matos, MD, PhD (Brazil),  and Jamilah Nabukenya, MD (Uganda)
• The committee worked with the Humanitarian Efforts Committee in reviewing application submissions for humanitarian travel grant awards, and the IVS awards.
• Representatives of the Academy and committee attended a number of important international meetings to further the global exchange of medical knowledge and scientific expertise, and to advance the AAO-HNSF’s aim in fostering a global otolaryngology community.

Outcomes, Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Committee
Jennifer J. Shin, MD, SM, Chair

• Collaborated on four presentations at the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO:
  • Miniseminar: Topical Therapy for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Snake Oil or Cure?
  • Miniseminar: Recent Pubs That Could Change Your Practice: Pediatric and General ENT
  • Oral Presentation: National Database Analysis of Single vs. Multilevel Sleep Surgery
  • Oral Presentation: Does an Otolaryngology-Specific Database Have Added Value?
• Gaps analysis of the Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis for the Performance Measures Task Force.
• Initiation of a quarterly Bulletin article entitled “Publications That May Change Your Practice: Spotlight from the OREBM Committee.”
• Reviewed two American College of Chest Physician guidelines for AAO-HNSF endorsement:
  • Chronic Cough due to Gastroesophageal Reflux in Adults – AAO-HNSF “Endorsement”
  • Occupational and Environmental Contributions to Chronic Cough – AAO-HNSF “Affirmation of Value”
• Published and accepted manuscripts:
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Multivariate Population-Level Analysis.
  • Sensitivity, Specificity, and Posttest Probability of Parotid Fine-Needle Aspiration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
  • Oral Antibiotic Use for Otitis Media with Effusion: Ongoing Opportunities for Quality Improvement.
  • Oral Steroid Usage for Otitis Media with Effusion, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, and Tympanic Membrane Retraction.
  • National Practice Patterns of Antireflux Medication for Chronic Rhinosinusitis.
  • Does an otolaryngology specific database have added value? A comparative feasibility analysis.

Panamerican Committee
Juan Manuel Garcia Gomez, MD, Chair

• The Panamerican Committee celebrates its 70-year history!
• Two live webcasts in Spanish launched the inaugural International Symposium at the San Diego Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO℠.
• Held two Joint meetings in the region in 2015-2016: one with the Paraguayan Society of Otolaryngology, and at 2015 National Congress of the Caribbean Association of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery.
• AAO-HNSF leadership and staff participated in the 35th Pan-American Congress on Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, held in Havana, Cuba, June 13-16, 2016.
• The committee welcomed Hernan Goldsztein, MD, Dr. García’s successor as chair.

Education Committees

Education Steering Committee
Richard V. Smith, MD, Chair, Coordinator for Education

• The Education Steering Committee provided leadership on several initiatives in 2016:
  • A new activity development process addressing practice gaps.
  • Repurposed Annual Meeting content with AM webcasts.
  • Offered HSC Online and HSC+ for residents.
  • Published five Faculty Development modules.
  • Created Nerve Monitoring and Advanced Practice Providers Task Forces.
  • Produced 500 questions through the Item Writing Work Group.
  • Published four issues of the Professional Development Newsletter.
  • Finalized a Comprehensive Curriculum Table of Contents.

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Education Committee
Randall Jordan, MD, Chair

• FPRSEC developed a Certification/Recertification Review Course for the Annual Meeting and a Home Study Course on Plastic and Reconstruction Problems.
• A FPRSEC representative served as an Education liaison to the Rhinoplasty CPG Committee.
• FPRSEC also developed two new online courses.

General Otolaryngology Education Committee
Stacey L. Ishman, MD, Chair

• GOEC provided leadership to the fifth ENT for the PA-C conference with record-breaking attendance of over 300 advanced practice providers.
• The committee developed a Certification/Recertification Review Course for the Annual Meeting and developed a Home Study Course on Trauma and Critical Care.
• GOEC also began working on two online courses.

Head and Neck Surgery Education Committee
Alfred Simental, MD, Chair

• HNSEC developed a Certification/Recertification Review Course for the Annual Meeting.
• An HNSEC member served as an Education liaison to the Head and Neck Mass CPG Committee.
• HNSEC began working on two online courses and one Patient Management Perspectives in Otolaryngology (PMP).

Laryngology and Bronchoesophagology Education Committee
Catherine R. Lintzenich, MD, Chair

• LBEC developed a Certification/Recertification Review Course for the Annual Meeting.
• A LBEC representative served as an Education liaison to the Hoarseness CPG Committee.
• LBEC also developed an online course.

Otology and Neurotology Education Committee
Bradley W. Kesser, MD, Chair

• ONEC developed a Certification/Recertification Review Course for the Annual Meeting.
• ONEC also partnered with the American Neurotology Society to develop surgical videos to be produced annually and the Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring Task Force to develop education activities on this topic.
• Two ONEC representatives served as an Education liaison to the Cerumen Impaction and HPPV CPG Committees.
• ONEC also began working on three COOL courses, three PMPs, and five online courses.

Pediatric Otolaryngology Education Committee
Jeffrey Simons, MD, Chair

• POEC developed a Certification/Recertification Review Course for the Annual Meeting and a Home Study Course on Congenital and Pediatric Problems.
• POEC also began working on two COOL courses, two PMPs, and two online courses.

Practice Management Education Committee
Brendan C. Stack, MD, FACE, Chair

• PMEC developed a Home Study Course on Practice Management and recorded a series of online lectures on various practice management topics for viewing on AcademyU.
• PMEC also began working on three online courses.

Rhinology and Allergy Education Committee
Brent A. Senior, MD, Chair

• RAEC received a 2016 Committee Excellence Award.
• RAEC also developed a Certification/Recertification Review Course for the Annual Meeting.
• RAEC also began working on five PMPs and three online courses.

Simulation Education Committee
Ellen S. Deutsch, MD, Chair

• Participated in the Simulation Experience with UC San Diego Simulation Center where attendees had the opportunity to learn and experience simulation.
• Worked on a Simulation Showcase and Reception that provided the opportunity for individuals to present their simulation projects at the 2016 Annual Meeting.
• Continued work on the SimTube Research Project.

Board of Governors (BOG) Committees

David R. Edelstein, MD, Chair

With the leadership and oversight of its Executive Committee, the following are highlights of BOG activities in 2015-2016:

AAO-HNS/F 2016 Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting

• This year’s Forum attracted nearly 200 attendees. The four-day event included the following BOG programming:
  • General Assembly with Presidential candidate speeches;
  • Keynote speakers: Julius W. Hobson, Jr.; Admiral Christine S. Hunter, MD; and Richard M. Popovic, MBA;
  • 21 sessions offering a total of six CME credits;
  • A combined luncheon with the AAO-HNS/F Boards of Directors; and
  • A new mENTorConnect Welcome Reception.

BOG Representative Tool Kits

• Each BOG committee created a tool kit located on the BOG website and ENTConnect for the Governor, Legislative Representative, and the Socioeconomic & Grassroots Representative that includes the history and background of the BOG, the duties and tasks of the representative, a regional map, committee charges, and resources.

Bring Home the Academy

• In an effort to further promote the AAO-HNS’ advocacy efforts and programs to Academy Members and their state/local societies, BOG members are being asked to “Bring Home the Academy.” Under this initiative, staff provides informational materials (e.g. PowerPoint slides, handouts, talking points) to BOG members, and when possible, identifies a representative to speak at state/local society meetings.

SAVE THE DATE – AAO-HNS/F 2017 Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting, March 10-13, Alexandria, VA.

2016 BOG Awards

• The Connecticut Ear, Nose & Throat Society was awarded the Model Society Award.
• The Virginia Society of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery was awarded the Model Society Honorable Mention Award.
• Eiji Yanagisawa, MD, was awarded the BOG Practitioner Excellence Award.

2016 BOG General Assembly

• At the BOG General Assembly meeting held during the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO^SM, Sanjay R. Parikh, MD, was elected BOG Chair-Elect and Daniel L. Wohl, MD, was elected BOG Member-at-Large. On October 1, 2016, Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH, assumed the role of BOG Chair, and David R. Edelstein, MD, became Immediate Past Chair.

BOG Governance & Society Engagement
Steven T. Kmucha, MD, JD

• The committee began hosting online virtual societies via GoToMeeting to assist in launching new societies and improving awareness of AAO-HNS and BOG programs.
• The committee has also created a list of resources to help societies organize and plan their initial meetings.

BOG Legislative Affairs Committee
Susan R. Cordes, MD, Chair

• Promoted increased participation in Academy-related advocacy programs via the PROJECT 535 and Legislative Grassroots work groups.
• Spearheaded creation of a new Advocacy recognition mechanism, entitled “All-Star Advocate.” Members who earn this distinction participate in the breadth of Academy advocacy opportunities, including: PROJECT 535; the ENT Advocacy Network; the In-District Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) program; and annual support of the Academy’s political action committee, ENT PAC.
• Assisted in the advocacy-related content and promotion of the AAO-HNS/F 2016 Leadership Forum & Spring BOG Meeting.

BOG Socioeconomic & Grassroots (SEGR) Committee
Hayes H. Wanamaker, MD, Chair

• The committee conducted two surveys of local, state, national, and specialty society members. The first survey topic was regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the latter discussed the impact of Emergency Room call requirements and received a record number of responses.
• In addition, the committee has two new Regional Representatives: Region 2, Phillip L. Massengill, MD, and Region 6, Lance A. Manning, MD, who both started on October 1, 2015.

Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF)

Meghan N. Wilson, MD, Chair

The Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF) functions to facilitate communication regarding issues of interest to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residents and fellows, as well as promote resident and fellow involvement in AAO-HNS/F activities.

Highlights of SRF activities:

• Published reports in the quarterly SRF eNewsletter on pertinent legislative topics to keep residents abreast of important legislative topics our Academy is actively involved with, e.g., Audiology Patient Care Act, the FIRST trial, Updates from Capitol Hill and GME funding.
• Visited Members of Congress on Capitol Hill to discuss concerns related to the practice of otolaryngology.
• Published a manuscript in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery on fellowship trends in otolaryngology residents.
• Created the first resident-focused podcast for the Academy (to be released soon) as well as posting current information and content on the SRF Facebook page.
• In conjunction with the Endocrine Surgery Committee, presented a miniseminar, “Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring in Thyroid Surgery,” with two resident panelists as well as participation from other leaders in the field.
• Updated the SRF informational brochure.
• At the SRF General Assembly, the following new Governing Council officers were elected:
  • Peter M. Vila, MD, Chair
  • Claire M. Lawlor, MD, Vice Chair
  • Juliana Bonilla-Velez, MD, Information Officer
  • Paul D. Judge, MD, Member-at-Large
  • Carla V. Valenzuela, MD, BOG Governor
  • Matthew Smith, MD, BOG Legislative Representative
  • Jonathan B. Overdevest, MD, BOG SEGR Representative
  • Meghan N. Wilson, MD, transitioned to Immediate Past Chair

Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section

Christine B. Franzese, MD, Chair

The Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section seeks to support women otolaryngologists by identifying their needs, fostering their development, and promoting women as leaders in the specialty.

WIO Section Committees

• Each of the five WIO committees conducted committee meetings to plan and coordinate their activities for the coming year. The 2015-16 committee chairs were:
  • Communications, Erika A. Woodson, MD
  • Endowment, Pell Ann Wardrop, MD
  • Leadership Development and Mentorship, Carol R. Bradford, MD
  • Program, Suman Golla, MD
  • Research and Survey, Jamie R. Litvack, MD
• Section activities are open to all female Academy Members, who are strongly encouraged to participate and apply for membership to WIO Committees or run for an elected office.

WIO Communications Committee
Erika A. Woodson, MD, Chair

• The Section’s Communications Committee connected WIO members via several media outlets including Bulletin articles, quarterly eNewsletters, and an active social media presence.

WIO Endowment Committee
Pell Ann Wardrop, MD, Chair

• The WIO Endowment balance at June 30, 2017, was $444,000 in permanently restricted corpus (cumulative donations, which will never be spent) and $41,000 in temporarily restricted earnings (which will be used for future grants and project funding). Adding these together, the total WIO Endowment balance at the end of FY16 was $486,000.
• Contributions received or pledged in FY16 were $25,400.
• Endowment earnings were a loss of $4,500, however, the average return over the last three years has been a positive return of approximately $5,000.
• Endowment disbursements for grants and awards were $3,353.
• The endowment funding application and award cycle for FY17 will open in October 2016 and close in March 2017. Awards will be made by June 30, 2017.

WIO General Assembly

• At the 2016 Annual Meeting, the Program Committee kicked off the session with a panel presentation entitled, “Pay Differences Among Genders in Academia: Disparity or Discrimination?”
• The Awards Task Force presented the Helen F. Krause, MD Memorial Trailblazer Award to Karen M. Kost, MD. Kara S. Davis, MD, was presented with the new Exemplary Senior Trainee Award.
• The WIO Nominating Committee (Christine B. Franzese, MD,chair; Megan L. Durr, MD, and Lisa C. Perry-Gilkes, MD) reviewed applications and nominations for the 2016 elections. Elections were conducted during the WIO General Assembly with the following results:
  • Erika A. Woodson, MD,Chair-Elect
  • Angela M. Powell, MD,Member-at-Large
  • Nina S. Yoshpe, MD,Information Officer.
• Via roundtable discussions, General Assembly attendees had the opportunity to network with their colleagues and learn more about WIO Section committees and AAO-HNS leadership opportunities.

WIO Leadership Development and Mentorship
Carol R. Bradford, MD, Chair

• Actively worked toward establishing and maintaining a meaningful and effective mentorship program for women in the AAO-HNS.

WIO Program Committee
Suman Golla, MD, Chair

• Offered a jointly-sponsored Miniseminar, “Lessons in Leadership: Secrets to Success,” in a roundtable format. The topics included work/life balance, contract negotiations, personality assessments, peer-reviewed journal submissions and revisions, and conflict resolution.

WIO Research and Survey Committee
Jamie R. Litvack, MD, Chair

• Monitored ongoing evaluation, monitoring, and reporting of priorities and issues identified as important by women Academy Members and studied the status of women otolaryngologists.

Young Physicians Section (YPS)

Samantha Anne, MD, Chair

In its second year as a Section, YPS had a successful year! Some key achievements include:

• The newly created Programming Task Force provided content of interest to YPS physicians at both the Spring Leadership Forum and fall Annual Meeting. In the spring, the Section presented a panel on developing short-term and long-term career plans, as well as hosted the speed mentoring session. At the Annual Meeting, the Section had three co-sponsored Miniseminars accepted, including topics on leadership and social media.
• The newly created Communications and Recruitment Task Forces continued to grow our Facebook and ENTConnect presence. Multiple online roundtable sessions were held, including topics of Physician Contracts and Maintenance of Certification (MOC). The state delegates program was started to identify liaisons with individual state societies, and the program continues to grow.
• New leadership liaison has been created with ABOto with an appointed representative. In addition, nominations of Section members were made for all seven Advisory Clinical Committees for the Regent registry and were accepted by the AAO-HNS/F Board of Directors.
• In San Diego, we had more than 200 attendees at the General Assembly meeting. MOC was a key discussion topic—Robert H. Miller, MD; C. Ron Cannon, MD; and David W. Eisele, MD, were all present to explain the framework and requirements for MOC, as well as answer questions.

In the coming year, we plan to grow the YPS footprint even further by involving additional YPS members in our efforts. We encourage all YPS members to get involved! Please email:  yps@entnet.org, if interested.

Advisory Committees, Workgroups, & Task Forces

Instruction Course Advisory Committee
Sukgi S. Choi, MD, Chair

• The 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO^℠ Instruction Course Program featured 229 Instruction Courses. The San Diego, CA, Instruction Course program included:
  • Program Composition: 9 Business of Medicine; 1 Endocrine Surgery; 15 Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 21 General Otolaryngology; 38 Head and Neck Surgery; 31 Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology; 7 Maintenance of Certification; 41 Otology/Neurotology; 4 Patient Safety & Quality Improvement; 26 Pediatric Otolaryngology; 29 Rhinology/Allergy; and 7 Sleep Medicine.
  • Program Format: 177 sessions were presented in didactic format; 30 were presented using an audience response system; 7 Hands-on; and 15 Mini-courses.
  • Enhancements: Seven Review Courses—“Facial Plastic Surgery,” “General Otolaryngology,” ”Head and Neck Surgery,” “Laryngology/Broncho-Esphagology,” “Pediatric,” Otology and Neurotology,” and “Rhinology and Allergy.” These recertification/certification review courses, were designed to help Members prepare for the MOC Part III cognitive exam.

Program Advisory Committee
Eben L. Rosenthal, MD, Scientific Program Coordinator

• The 2016 Annual Meeting Scientific Program featured 105 Miniseminars, 425 Scientific Oral presentations, 12 Masters of Surgery Video Presentations, and 380 Scientific Poster presentations encompassing all areas of the specialty—from basic/translational science to clinical research and practice. The San Diego, CA, Scientific Program included:
  • Program Composition: 105 Miniseminars comprised of 15 Business of Medicine; 7 Endocrine Surgery; 4 Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 16 General Otolaryngology; 11 Head and Neck Surgery; 9 Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology; 16 Otology/Neurotology; 3 Patient Safety & Quality Improvement; 3 Pediatric Otolaryngology; 15 Rhinology/Allergy; and 6 Sleep Medicine.
  • Program Format: Sixty-five sessions presented in didactic format; 39 presented using an audience response system.
  • Enhancements: Twelve scientific oral presentations designated as ‘Best of Oral’ by the Program Advisory Committee.