Published: May 1, 2019

Events and milestones

May kicks off two of our most important events of the year: our Annual Meeting and our elections. In September, the Annual Meeting returns to New Orleans for the first time since 1999. That year, Harold C. Pillsbury III, MD, was President, and I was Chair of the Board of Governors.


James C. Denneny III, MD AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEOJames C. Denneny III, MD
AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO
May kicks off two of our most important events of the year: our Annual Meeting and our elections. In September, the Annual Meeting returns to New Orleans for the first time since 1999. That year, Harold C. Pillsbury III, MD, was President, and I was Chair of the Board of Governors. New Orleans was the home of the inaugural meeting of the newly formed American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Historically, New Orleans has been one of our most popular venues, and we expect this year to be no different. For those who have not been to New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, you will be amazed at the extensive renovations that have taken place around the convention center. Attendees will be able to enjoy some of the most unique dining opportunities in the United States as well as the historic and cultural areas familiar to all. This year, we will highlight our theme “Where Experts and Science Converge” with a superb program and a more favorable schedule. This year’s President’s Reception will be a Mardi Gras extravaganza. We welcome the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) back into our meeting footprint this year and look forward to its contribution.

The April Bulletin introduced an outstanding slate of candidates for our 2019 election cycle. It is imperative that the strong leadership that the organization has enjoyed over the last several years continues as we navigate through the rapid evolution of healthcare delivery. Read the candidate’s statements carefully in the April Bulletin or on our website, https://www.entnet.org/content/official-slate-candidates-2019-aao-hns-annual-election. Most importantly, cast your vote. We have seen the difference that dedication and leadership make in an organization. Don’t waste an opportunity to identify and support our future leaders who have volunteered their time to contribute to our mission. The online process should take less than five minutes and only a couple of clicks.

The excitement created through the formation of the International Advisory Board (IAB) to govern the International Corresponding Societies has continued to grow. Last year marked the first election for Chair, and this year we have seen a number of world-renowned global leaders submit applications for the election. Last year’s election stimulated a record attendance at the IAB meeting, and we anticipate much the same this year.

Boston was the first host city for our recently launched “student initiative” designed to engage both undergraduate and medical students in order to develop an understanding and interest in our specialty. Medical students from four schools in the Boston area gathered in a common location for a wonderful program led by Gregory W. Randolph, MD, and Greg A. Grillone, MD, along with the medical student interest groups and our Membership and Global Affairs Senior Director, Elise Swinehart. Eighty-one of the 123 registered attended and had an incredible experience. The success of this event certainly justifies expanding this program into additional geographic areas. We are confident that this and our undergraduate “observerships” will stimulate additional interest in otolaryngology. You can view the program on our student landing page at https://www.entnet.org/content/student-programs.

I would like to recognize and thank two of our most outstanding staff members as they retire and leave the organization. These individuals represent years of sacrifice and exemplary service to our membership and mission. They are a prime example of the huge difference individuals can make when they believe in a cause and work with others to achieve it. Jeanne McIntyre (CAE), Director, Communications and Publications, began working for the Academy in 1990 and has worked under 30 presidents and six EVPs. She is best known for her oversight and innovations of the Bulletin but she also oversees our OTO Journal activities, working closely with a great string of editors. This year, the Journal received its highest impact factor, and our recently launched OTO Open was accepted by Pub Med for inclusion in its system. She was also instrumental in the recent launch of our patient-focused website, ENThealth.org. Joy L. Trimmer, JD, started working as Senior Director of what is now Advocacy in 2006 and quickly became the face of our legislative and PAC activities. Her strategic thinking and writing skills have served the organization well in her additional roles as American Medical Association liaison and overseeing regulatory and private payer initiatives. She has brought a number of new programs aboard, most recently the Project 535 network. Both will be missed!


More from May 2019 – Vol. 38, No. 4