In Memoriam: David R. Nielsen, MD

It is with profound sadness that we mark the passing of David R. Nielsen, MD, on March 15, 2025. Dr. Nielsen was a collaborative leader in otolaryngology whose visionary work as Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and its Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) left an indelible mark on the Academy, its members, and the specialty.

“David possessed the rare combination of being both unfailingly kind, yet never a pushover. Ego played no role in David’s world; he genuinely wanted what was best for the Academy and membership,” said M. Jennifer Derebery, MD, who expressed great gratitude for working with Dr. Nielsen during her tenure as AAO-HNS/F President from 2002 to 2004. 

“His counsel and friendship were invaluable during a year that was as challenging as it was memorable to me. I was so fortunate to have counted David as a friend as well as a professional colleague. Whether or not it’s apparent, every otolaryngologist has benefited in some way by David’s accomplishments as EVP/CEO of our Academy.”

Richard W. Waguespack, MD, who worked with Dr. Nielsen during his formative years in Academy leadership and then in executive leadership as BOG Chair, a Coordinator on the Board, and during his Presidential cycle from 2013 to 2014, shared, “I worked closely with Dr. David Nielsen. He always exemplified the highest qualities of a physician leader and, in doing so, most positively changed the Academy’s culture to one strategically driven. These positive attributes appeared to me mirrored in his personal life as well.” 

Upon learning of the passing of Dr. Nielsen, the tributes, such as those above, came pouring into the Academy and were shared throughout the otolaryngology community. And with them, a clear and consistent theme emerged about Dr. Nielsen's character and leadership: Dr. Nielsen embodied servant leadership characterized by genuine humility, kindness, and empathy. 

Gregory W. Randolph, MD, AAO-HNS/F Past President from 2016 to 2017 said, “In my work with him over the years, I trusted his sage council and always felt he was a moral presence in our discussions. He will be missed.”

K.J. Lee, MD, AAO-HNS/F Past President from 2001 to 2002 also shared those sentiments, “David Nielsen led our Academy with distinction, compassion, and empathy. He is selfless. He always listened to others in the room. He will be sorely missed.” 

Cherie-Ann O. Nathan, MD, current AAO-HNS/F Board member, offered her fond memories. “I had the honor and privilege of getting to know Dr. Nielsen first during the Cherry Blossom Meeting in 1991 when I went to Hill Day, and then later when I got my CORE grant in 1998. He came up to me before the awards ceremony and in his kind and gentle manner encouraged me to always pursue research and innovation. As I continued in my leadership roles in research in the Academy, I was always impressed by his genuine concern for people and his ability to be a good listener. He was always forward thinking, but more importantly, he went out of his way to build relationships with everyone he met. Our Academy is where it is today thanks to his leadership.”

Dr. Nielsen’s professional legacy includes formalizing the strategic planning process for the organization, building the foundation of the Academy's quality and evidence-based programs, elevating otolaryngology's stature across the house of medicine, advocating for the specialty and public health issues, and developing leadership skills in others through training and mentorship.

Specifically, it was the establishment of a strategic planning framework that created both immediate direction and long-term sustainability for the Academy, effectively laying down a clear roadmap that would guide his successors in the Executive Vice President and CEO role for years to come.

James C. Denneny III, MD, served in the position of AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO immediately following Dr. Nielsen from 2014 to 2024. “I first met Dr. Nielsen when we were both in the leadership track of the Board of Governors in the early 1990s. His passionate interest and advocacy skills in public health issues, particularly tobacco-related patient education, were inspirational. Dr. Nielsen was a very spiritual man and great communicator, both within otolaryngology and across the house of medicine.

“During his tenure as the EVP/CEO of the Academy, he was responsible for formalizing the strategic planning process still in place today and built the foundation of the Academy’s quality, evidence-based program that has been so critical to our specialty. His leadership roles in medical associations significantly elevated otolaryngology’s stature and influence in key areas. He was a great mentor to me while we were in the BOG and again as I prepared to assume the role of EVP/CEO of the AAO-HNS. I will miss him,” said Dr. Denneny.

Current EVP/CEO Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, also shared the long-lasting impact of Dr. Nielsen on his own career path into otolaryngology and leadership within the Academy. “I would not be here without him; his passion for the next generation of otolaryngologists was clear in how he mentored us, invited us to a seat at the table, and was always available to guide us through our early careers. I have heard from dozens of prominent otolaryngologists regarding his legacy, and we all say, ‘We would not be here without Dr. Nielsen.’”

As the Academy started to receive more tributes and memories of Dr. Nielsen, what stood out most is how his personal character—described repeatedly as kind, humble, wise, and generous—directly informed and shaped his effectiveness as a leader, leaving a lasting impact on both the Academy and the individuals who worked with him.

Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, Editor in Chief for the AAO-HNSF journals, shared the following thoughts and memories that inspired her: “Dr. David Nielsen was a remarkable leader whose kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication left a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His leadership of our Academy was marked not only by his expertise but by his deep appreciation for others.

“One of my earliest memories of Dr. Nielsen speaks to his true character. As a new attending serving on CORE, I was struck by his willingness to fly all the way to Dallas just to say ‘thank you’ to our group. That simple act of presence and gratitude made it clear how much he valued the contributions of others. In doing so, he inspired all of us to give our best. Years later, while attending a committee meeting in Washington, DC, I witnessed another hallmark of Dr. Nielsen’s leadership. Throughout the day, he consistently allowed others to speak first, offering his insights only when needed—an example of his servant leadership in action. His wisdom, humility, and generosity of spirit were impactful.”

“Dr. Nielsen was a gifted and kind gentleman who left our profession—and our patients—better for having known him. His legacy of leadership and grace will continue to inspire for years to come,” Dr. Schmalbach concluded.

Lee D. Eisenberg, MD, AAO-HNS Coordinator for Practice Affairs from 1993 to 1997, Coordinator for Government Affairs from 2007 to 2011, and Coordinator for Development from 2015 to 2019, shared: “Dr. Nielsen had a wonderful skill in getting the most from everyone involved in a specific project. He was passionate about quality and outcomes to improve patient care through developing guidelines among other areas. This all started with a weekend meeting in Alexandria in which he brought together a diverse group of experts from the Academy, staff, and physicians, as well as outside experts in these areas. The AAO-HNS would not be in the position it is in if it were not for his vision.”

In his profile in Legacy of Excellence, one of Dr. Nielsen's greatest sources of satisfaction during his tenure was developing the AAO-HNS/F staff, and that commitment is reflected in the memories and tributes offered by some of the current staff who had the honor and privilege to work with Dr. Nielsen.

Harry Biddle, Senior, AMS – Business Intel and one of the Academy’s longest tenured staff, shared a lasting impression he holds dear of Dr. Nielsen: “When Dr. Nielsen retired and we learned of his illness soon after he left, I sent words of encouragement and prayers for his health. A few weeks later, I received a letter in the mail from him thanking me for my kind words. I never expected that, but his words back to me were so inspirational and touching. That is how he treated the employees at the Academy. He lived by his faith, and he showed his kindness and support to everyone at the Academy.”

Theresa Nicely, who is on the front line of member services as the Senior Manager of Member Relations, recounts his investment in staff and approachable leadership style: "It was a true pleasure working with Dr. Nielsen during my first three years at the Academy. He was a gentle giant—both a fair and firm leader. His commitment to providing employees with objective leadership skills was evident in everything he did. Dr. Nielsen always greeted us with a warm smile, and his signature Hawaiian shirts became a fun topic of discussion at every event he attended."

Kevin Philips, Senior Web Developer, who worked with Dr. Nielsen for two years shared the following memories: “The moments we shared revealed the remarkable person he truly was. I'll never forget watching him thoughtfully engage Dr. Michio Kaku, a world-renowned theoretical physicist, at the 2013 Digital Now conference with a question so carefully constructed that even the brilliant physicist needed several minutes to formulate a response. Yet it was during our day as partners in Fierce Conversations training that I saw his most admirable quality: an exceptional ability to identify the positive aspects in even the most challenging scenarios—a quality that truly reflected his outstanding character and leadership. He will be truly missed.”

In recognition of his outsized contributions to otolaryngology and its patients during his 13 years of service, the AAO-HNS/F established the David R. Nielsen, MD, Endowment in 2014. This endowment stands as a testament to his legacy of leadership and enduring impact on the specialty.

These tributes are just a small sampling of the conversations happening around the otolaryngology community in recognition of the work, commitment, and impact of David R. Nielsen, MD. His legacy lives on in the quality-focused, patient-centered approach that now guides otolaryngology. His vision and leadership transformed not just the Academy but an entire specialty, elevating the standard of care for countless patients and establishing a model for other medical specialties to follow.

For more information about the work of Dr. Nielsen, see his profile from the Legacy of Excellence, “The Everyman Leader: Enabling the Vision of Quality.”