AAO-HNSF 2021 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience: Presidential Citations 2021

The Presidential Citations are given to individuals who have had a profound influence on the AAO-HNS/F President’s life and otolaryngology. President Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, has selected these individuals for their outstanding contributions. 

Gregory T. Wolf, MD

Gregory T. Wolf, MD

Gregory T. Wolf, MD, serves as professor emeritus in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School. A dedicated academician, he has served the tripartite mission throughout his career. He served as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan from 1992 until January 1, 2009, when I had the privilege and honor of succeeding him as chair. 

I have always felt that I stand on the shoulders of the giants who led before me, and Greg was definitely the embodiment of this. Greg served as chair of the department from my first day as a faculty member until I took over as chair 17 years later. I have fond memories of the annual departmental Fourth of July picnics held at his home where we welcomed new faculty and residents. It is a tradition that I continued when I became chair. 

Greg was deeply committed to my success and served as an inspiration as well as a mentor for my career as a surgeon–scientist. When the going got tough regarding garnering extramural funding, Greg continued to support me and my research. Shortly thereafter I received my R01 grant and was fortunate to benefit from grant funding throughout my time at Michigan. Greg built a legacy of caring deeply for patients, families, learners, and colleagues. Always a gentleman and a scholar, I would not be standing before you today as President of the AAO-HNS/F were it not for the support, sponsorship, and mentorship of Dr. Greg Wolf. 

James C. Denneny III, MD

James C. Denneny III, MD 

James C. Denneny III, MD, serves as the Executive Vice President and CEO of the AAO-HNS/F, a role he has held since December 2014. In addition, he served as the President of the AAO-HNS/F for the 2007-2008 term. Jim’s work ethic and commitment to the Academy is unmatched. 

As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt it was critically important for me, on behalf of all our members, to show our gratitude for Jim’s ongoing efforts to bring the global otolaryngology community together. The role that the Academy has played during these turbulent times is truly remarkable and demonstrates the fortitude of our specialty.

Jim led the way in providing timely guidance on safety of our workforce, offering practices information on how to apply for payroll protection program loans, articulating vaccine prioritization for otolaryngologists to state governors, endorsing the importance of inclusive diversity, equity, and wellness for our entire society, planning a celebration of our 125th anniversary and honoring our rich history, and leading the renewed strategic plan. 

He did all of this while also engaging the AAO-HNS/F in the virtual meeting space so that the crucial work continued, including our first-ever AAO-HNSF Virtual Annual Meeting in 2020. Not only were the programs and services maintained under his leadership, but they thrived with innovation and collaboration, a standard in the way Jim has approached his role as EVP/CEO throughout his tenure. 

We are so lucky to have a leader who has our backs and works tirelessly to secure our future as a specialty society. 

David Bradford

David Bradford

Dave and I have been married since June 12, 1982, which was just before I entered medical school. I would not be standing before you as your President were it not for the amazing support of my husband of 39 years. We met my freshman year of college at the University of Michigan. Dave is an engineer who worked for an Ann Arbor-based heating and cooling company. 

We are blessed to be the parents of two amazing children: Taylor (28), a computer science engineer who worked in Information Technology for Boyne Resorts and lives with his wife, Katy, in Big Sky, Montana; and Morgan (25), a second-year medical student at the University of Michigan. 

Dave held down the fort during years of long hours in medical school, residency, faculty, and my many leadership roles. His unwavering support and encouragement for me and our family in this way has allowed all of us to shine, propel, and achieve our personal aspirations. 

Dave shares much of what the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg shared of her late husband, “I have had the great good fortune to share life with a partner truly extraordinary for his generation, a man who believed at age 18 when we met, and who believes today, that a woman’s work, whether at home or on the job, is as important as a man’s.” 

Thank you, Dave, for your calm leadership and somehow figuring out how to make our household a home.