Candidate Statements – Nominating Committee: Academic
How will you select candidates for Academy leadership that best represent our diverse membership? What experience do you have that will aid in selecting leaders that will advance the mission of the Academy?
Q: How will you select candidates for Academy leadership that best represent our diverse membership?
What experience do you have that will aid in selecting leaders that will advance the mission of the Academy?
FOR TWO
PER PRACTICE
TYPE OF FOUR
C.W. David Chang, MD
Leadership selection for such a large eclectic organization should be focused on seeking those with visionary outlook, the ability to bridge and connect amongst our diverse membership, and who advocate equitably, ethically on behalf of providers and patients. Embracing diversity means valuing the multiplicity of perspectives in our membership. However, professional identities are too often simplified into labels of gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, social economic status, education/training pedigree, geography, subspecialty, and practice organization. While it remains important to appreciate shared experiences in such groups, compartmentalization can also lead to assumptions that downplay the complexity of influences.
As a residency program director, the resident selection mirrors the task of the Nominating Committee. I believe that quantifying characteristics into neat boxes and algorithms fails to faithfully and holistically evaluate candidates. I strive to keep this in mind in all leadership roles I served, ranging from president of my state society to co-chairmanship of the PSQI Committee. Through my associations with the Academy—BOG Region 7 Representative, member of committees, and associate editor for the Academy’s journal—I continue to meet differently talented individuals in our society, reminding me that our unity does not require uniformity.
Umamaheswar Duvvuri, MD, PhD
It is my honor to have the opportunity to serve on the AAO-HNS Nominating Committee, which has the critical responsibility to select our Academy’s leaders. I have served on the Program Committee for the Academy and on the Board of Directors for the Society of Robotic Surgery. My breadth of experience in service to the Academy, AHNS, and various search committees at my own institution has helped me to understand the characteristics of great leaders.
An effective leader is an approachable team player, is forward-thinking, and has integrity. Many of our Academy members embody these attributes, and I look forward to recruiting such members to serve our Academy in leadership. The best leaders build teams and encourage these teams to challenge the status quo, thereby mobilizing others to be ahead of the changes in healthcare policies. Great leaders accomplish this goal with integrity and by encouraging inclusiveness. They encourage diverse views and cherish different perspectives. These are the attributes that I would value in our future leaders. If chosen to be on the Nominating Committee, I will work to select individuals who will lead boldly with integrity and inclusiveness. I thank you for considering me for this opportunity.
Stella E. Lee, MD
My vision for the leadership role in the Nominating Committee is to provide new perspectives in the selection and consideration of the future AAO-HNS leadership with careful thought, commitment to excellence, and motivated by the desire to elevate the organization to a new level.
The expectation continues for the leadership of the Academy to be comprised of an ethical, diverse, and forward-thinking community. We need leaders versed in a diversity of areas including health care policy, reform, negotiation with managed care, research, international outreach, the development of evidence-based guidelines, and ultimately with the ability to provide a cohesive vision to provide the best care for our patients.
I have had the opportunity to serve the AAO-HNS spanning workgroups to committees and guideline review and understand the insight and dedication required of the Academy leadership. Serving on a variety of task forces and program committees for the American Rhinologic Society, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, and the American Board of Otolaryngology, I have had the opportunity to work as a team to accomplish important educational, research, and policy goals. My goal will be to facilitate the development of a dynamic team to lead our organization with integrity, vision, agility, and wisdom.
Charles E. Moore, MD
This Committee is charged with selecting candidates for critical positions who have both knowledge and experience in all aspects of otolaryngology. Candidates from diverse backgrounds offer a range of experiences, skills, and talents that, when working together, can lead innovation. To select candidates that best represent our membership, it is critical to ensure each search has a diverse candidate pool. If it is not diverse then it is imperative to reach out to diverse candidates for participation. As a result, we will continue to position the specialty to be at the forefront of patient care, provider wellness, and technological advancement.
The positions I have held have provided me with experience in selecting leaders. I am a professor at Emory University, Otolaryngology Chief of Service at Grady Hospital and Director of the Urban Health Initiative. I have been a member of the Academy Slide Lecture Committee, Otolaryngology Resource Committee, and Board of Governors as a Barnes Society Legislative Representative. I am also Founder/President of HEALing Community Centers (FQHCs). Through these roles, I have actively participated in selecting leaders within the Academy, university, hospital, and community settings. If given the opportunity, I would be honored to serve on this committee.