Our Town: Philadelphia, Part III
Philadelphia has a rich history that meets the Forward Together theme. Meeting co-chair, David M. Cognetti, MD, offers advice for attendees both while at the meeting and while exploring Philadelphia.
David M. Cognetti, MD, The Herbert Kean, MD Professor and Chair Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
How does Philadelphia encompass this year’s Forward Together theme?
Philadelphia has a rich history that meets the Forward Together theme. Nearly 250 years ago, delegates from the then British Colonies met here for the First and Second Continental Congresses, which resulted in the Colonies moving forward together to create our great nation. Since the 1700s, Philadelphia has been a global medical hub with one out of every six doctors in the United States doing part of their training in the Philadelphia region. The many great medical institutions in our city have helped move our field forward together. The other chairs and I look forward to welcoming everyone to Philadelphia!
Why are you excited to host #OTOMTG22 attendees in Philadelphia?
I am most excited to host #OTOMTG22 attendees as they experience this great city and to welcome back the many alumni of our region. Whether it is a first or return visit, there are many wonderful things to enjoy in Philadelphia, and September is an outstanding time to visit. The weather is gorgeous in September so come early and stay past the meeting to have extra time to appreciate all that Philadelphia has to offer.
What do you love most about Philadelphia?
I love the people! People in Philadelphia are passionate and hardworking. Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love (literally, from the Greek philos and adelphos), and Philadelphians are good people who have deep pride in their city, which makes it an inspiring place to live. “Yo Adrian, I did it!”
What advice do you have for first-time attendees? Why is the Annual Meeting special to you?
The Annual Meeting has a robust educational offering coupled with outstanding networking opportunities. First-time attendees should be sure to take full advantage of both. The Annual Meeting is special to me for the way it has connected me to our great otolaryngology community and provided opportunities to advance my career.
How would you complete this sentence: Don’t leave Philly before you have a chance to …
Enjoy the food! The restaurant scene is one of the best in the country, and everybody loves Wawa hoagies. While you can’t go wrong with a cheesesteak, you should not leave Philly without having a DiNic’s Roast Pork Sandwich and some pignoli cookies from Termini Brothers Bakery (both in Reading Terminal Market).
