Thank you for attending the 2013 OTO Advocacy Summit. This year's Summit was a great success due to the dedicated AAO-HNS members who took time out of their demanding schedules to participate. The meeting provided a unique opportunity for attendees - including more than 30 residents - to network and engage in peer-to-peer interaction with eminent leaders in the field. Member feedback regarding this year’s Summit has been overwhelmingly positive. If you attended the meeting, but have not yet filled out a Summit survey, it would be much appreciated if you could complete the form and email a copy to cronayne@entnet.org.
Social Media Follows the Summit
For the first time, Summit activities were “live tweeted” throughout the various events. AAO-HNS members embraced this new use of social media and provided many of the photographs used on our various social media platforms. Check out the photos online @AAOHNSGovtAffrs and on our Government Affairs Facebook page.
2013 OTO Advocacy Summit Speakers
This year’s OTO Advocacy Summit included an exciting line-up of speakers to brief attendees on Capitol Hill activities and how they could impact AAO-HNS members, their practices, and their patients. Each presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session. 2013 OTO Advocacy Summit speaker included:
- U.S. Representative Phil Roe, MD, lead sponsor of H.R. 351, a bill to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB);
- U.S. Representative Michael Burgess, MD, champion of efforts to repeal the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate formula and Vice-Chair of the influential Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; and
- Ronald Szabat, JD, leader of a coalition to repeal the “Non-discrimination in healthcare” provisions included in the Affordable Care Act.
Capitol Hill Visits
The Academy had more than 130 meetings scheduled for this year’s Capitol Hill portion of the Summit. Participants met with their Members of Congress and/or staff to talk about issues impacting member practices and their patients. In addition, a small group of AAO-HNS physician leaders visited with key committees in the House and Senate that are directly involved in the drafting of healthcare legislation. If you participated in a Capitol Hill visit and did not submit comments about your meetings to AAO-HNS staff, please fax or email/scan a copy of the Capitol Hill evaluation form to 202-544-8454 (fax) or send to cronayne@entnet.org.
ENT PAC Reception
The Summit’s ENT PAC reception was held aboard the Capitol Elite, a private yacht that provided a scenic cruise on the Potomac River. The Sunday evening event, attended by nearly 60 ENT PAC Leadership Club participants and a number of first-time resident donors to the PAC, raised $18,000.
AAO-HNS Advocacy Does Not Stop Now
Remember – our work advocating on behalf of the specialty does not stop here. We must continue to build relationships with our elected officials and continue to talk about important issues that affect our practices and our patients. Even if you were unable to attend this year’s meeting, consider meeting with your legislators locally during the July 4th holiday or the August recess – your AAO-HNS Government Affairs team can help schedule the appointments! Simply contact us at govtaffairs@entnet.org.
2013 OTO Advocacy Summit Documents:
Highlights from the 2013 BOG Spring Meeting and OTO Advocacy Summit
Legislative Priorities
Conferences & Events 
