BOG 2021 Practitioner Excellence Award

The BOG Practitioner Excellence Award recognizes the prototypical clinical otolaryngologist that one wishes to emulate. In addition to his or her clinical skills, the nominee possesses civic leadership; charitable activity; leadership involvement with local, state, regional, or national medical organizations; community education; or engagement in local civic and/or community activities. 

Richard V. Smith, MDThis year’s awardee is Richard V. Smith, MD. He is chair and attending physician in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center and the director of the Head and Neck Service for the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care. He is also professor of clinical otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery, pathology, and surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, New York. 

Dr. Smith is recognized for his dedication to patient care and to physician education. His nomination notes that he is an extremely principled person who does not waiver in his commitment to serving his patients. He also is passionate about supporting education of residents, medical students, and colleagues. He served as AAO-HNSF Coordinator for Education and Chair of the AAO-HNSF Education Steering Committee, worked to usher in a new era of AcademyU^®, and laid the groundwork for FLEX. 

Not only is he committed to patient care and service within the Academy, but Dr. Smith also is recognized as an exemplary leader and an admired mentor. As a leader, he shows respect for all of his colleagues—from physicians to ancillary staff. As a mentor, he takes time to teach residents and medical students and is invested in their professional success.