Every Voice Matters: Especially Yours!
Annual Meeting Program Coordinator Cecelia Damask, DO, addresses how you can make your voice heard by submitting to the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting Call for Science.
Cecelia Damask, DO, AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting Program Coordinator
The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting serves as a pivotal moment for the entire otolaryngology-head and neck surgery community to come together, exchange ideas, and reflect on the latest advancements in our field. However, this meeting can only reach its full potential when it represents the true diversity of our specialty and the patients we serve.
Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter
The AAO-HNS membership spans a diversity of lived experiences (race, age, ability, ethnicity, professional status, gender identity, practice types, and geography). Our collective diversity is not only a reflection of the broader medical landscape but also mirrors the diverse patient populations we serve. Whether we work in the military, academic centers, private practice, or underserved areas, our differences make us stronger and more adaptable in addressing the complex health needs of patients from every sphere of life.
As otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons, we must actively reflect the diversity of our patient populations—ensuring that our voices, practices, and solutions are inclusive and representative of everyone. The Annual Meeting provides a platform for these voices to be heard, and it is a moment for us to share not only research and innovation but also the challenges, needs, and aspirations of all otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons.
A Call to Action: Submit Your Proposals
The diversity of perspectives at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting doesn’t just happen—it requires active participation. We encourage the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery community to submit education session proposals as well as Scientific Oral and/or Poster abstracts that reflect the unique experiences, challenges, and expertise that make our specialty so vibrant. Your proposal could be on any topic that matters to you, whether it's related to clinical practice, the business of medicine, emerging technology, or a topic that addresses social determinants of health.
Our goal is to ensure that the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting reflects the full spectrum of voices within our specialty. But this can only be achieved with your involvement.
Why Your Voice Matters
Equity in Care
The AAO-HNSF is committed to promoting equitable care for all patients. We believe that diverse perspectives will guide us in addressing the needs of all patient populations.
Inclusive Representation
Whether you are a comprehensive otolaryngologist, a subspecialist, or a resident, your experience and expertise are essential in creating a program that meets the needs of the entire otolaryngology-head and neck surgery community.
Your Meeting, Your Program
Help shape the content of the meeting by submitting your proposal. This is your chance to directly influence the topics, speakers, and sessions that will be featured, ensuring that the meeting reflects what matters most to you.
How You Can Contribute
Submit Proposals
Whether you are an academic leader, a community-based practitioner, or a resident, your perspective is crucial. This is your opportunity to shape the conversation that will advance our specialty. Submit proposals on topics that resonate with you, your practice, or your patients.
Share What Matters to You
The meeting's agenda and the topics covered must reflect the realities of today’s medical practice. Let us know what is important to you—whether it’s a new technique, a cultural consideration, or an innovative approach to patient care.
Encourage Your Peers
Inclusivity is a collective effort. Encourage and invite others from underrepresented groups to share their perspectives. Amplify voices that may be overlooked and help ensure that all viewpoints are heard.
Attend and Engage
Participation doesn’t end with proposals. When the meeting takes place, engage actively with sessions, panels, and workshops. Ask questions, share your insights, and be part of the dialogue that moves our specialty forward.
Together, We Make a Difference
The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting is a celebration of our shared knowledge and collective efforts, but it’s also a chance to make a lasting impact on our specialty. Only by ensuring the representation of all voices can we build a truly inclusive community—one that values diversity and is committed to meeting the needs of the patients we serve.
We look forward to seeing the wealth of perspectives that will be shared at this year’s Annual Meeting. Together, we can foster a more inclusive, innovative, and patient-centered future in otolaryngology.
