WATCH: Meet the 2023 IAB Chair Sheng-Po Hao, MD
New IAB chair talks about his goals in the role and the value of membership and involvement.
AAO-HNSF is honored to have Sheng-Po Hao, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Otolaryngology of Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, serve as 2023 International Advisory Board (IAB) Chair. Take a moment to watch the video below to learn more about Dr. Hao, the IAB, and how the Academy supports the specialty’s international community.
AAO-HNSF: How did you first get involved with the AAO-HNSF International Advisory Board (IAB)?
Dr. Hao: My association with AAO-HNSF’s international programs expands decades. While the International Advisory Board (IAB) launched seven years ago in 2016, I was involved with the AAO-HNSF International Committee, the predecessor of IAB, since its establishment in 1997.
I was fortunate enough to work as a fellow with Eugene N. Myers, MD, FRCS Edin (Hon), AAO-HNS/F Past President, at the University of Pittsburgh from 1992 to 1993. Dr. Myers was a driving force behind the launch of AAO-HNSF’s International Affairs Program and served as the Academy’s first International Coordinator, a position he held from 1996 to 2002. With the influence of Dr. Myers, I inherited an interest in international affairs, in particular global education, and my involvement with the Academy’s international programs has been pivotal to both my career and leadership journey. Truly, I am honored to serve as the 2022-2023 IAB Chair.
AAO-HNSF: What value does the IAB bring to the Academy and the global otolaryngology community?
Dr. Hao: The IAB plays a vital role in bridging the international community, specifically the network of International Corresponding Societies (ICS) and AAO-HNSF, to generate mutual benefits and promote the highest standards in clinical care through collaboration with education, research, and communication.
Currently, there are 77 country or regional societies included in the ICS network. Year after year, many international physicians, both in and outside of the ICS network, attend the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO Experience. The IAB provides a platform to ensure the voices of these international participants and the larger international otolaryngology community are heard.
The IAB advises the AAO-HNSF International Steering Committee regarding working plans of the Academy, especially in terms of the Academy’s international program. Because the IAB takes suggestions from the ICS network, it acts as a connection between the international community and the AAO-HNS/F.
AAO-HNSF: What are your goals for the IAB in 2023?
Dr. Hao: The emphasis of the IAB this year is to strengthen bonds between the AAO-HNSF and the international otolaryngology community. We are working to enhance two-way communications and outreach with our ICS partners and international members to best be able to advise the International Steering Committee regarding the global otolaryngology community’s perspectives and needs.
AAO-HNSF: How can international physicians get involved with the Academy and the IAB?
Dr. Hao: There are many reasons international physicians should join the Academy and/or attend the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO Experience. At the forefront is education. The Academy provides incredible education that is easily accessible to members worldwide, aimed at helping young physicians grow their careers and keeping seasoned physicians at the top of the specialty. The Annual Meeting is the ideal venue for international physicians to present data and share research as part of the International Symposium program. And, by joining the Academy, members receive significant savings on Annual Meeting registration.
International members are also encouraged to get involved with Academy committees. The AAO-HNS/F has over 60 committees that engage a vast range of topics and focus within the otolaryngology specialty. Committee service provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to collaborate with colleagues globally to advance the specialty and impact the future of patient care. The 2024 committee application process will open on November 1, 2023.
Additionally, I strongly encourage international members to get involved with the IAB. Members are invited to attend the IAB General Assembly and other international meetings and events during the Annual Meeting! Leadership is working hard to create a dynamic international program at the 2023 Annual Meeting, September 30 - October 4, in Nashville, Tennessee. We hope you’ll join us!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at shengpo747@gmail.com.
