The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Foundation (AAO-HN/F) selected the following individuals for the 2022 class of the “Hall of Distinction.”
Pioneer Inductees
Bobby R. Alford, MD
Bobby R. Alford, MD, was a renowned, national leader whose dedication to excellence permeated all facets of his career, leading to an amazing legacy that expanded the specialty’s scope of practice to include head and neck surgery. In 1981, he simultaneously served as the President of both the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Council of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (ACO-HNS) and was instrumentational in the unification of the two organizations into the Academy we know today. During Dr. Alford 40+ year tenure as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, he imbued generations of physicians with a deep commitment to leadership and public service. He believed strongly in the link between research and patient care. Among his many achievements, he played a significant role in the creation of the Neurosensory Center of Houston for The Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine and was a founder of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute.
Jack R. Anderson, MD
Jack R. Anderson, MD, was a visionary and dedicated leader with a passion for increasing the public visibility and understanding of otolaryngology and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, qualities that were assets to the many organizations he served, including the American Council of Otolaryngology as President (1975-1976); American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery as President (1980); and American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as the first Secretary (1964-1969) and President (1971-1972). Dr. Anderson championed the addition of “head and neck surgery” to “otolaryngology,” noting that otolaryngology did not encompass the entire practice of the field. He was a proponent of public relations and public education and was an outspoken advocate and pioneer of the right of otolaryngologists to perform facial plastic surgery. His efforts in the 1970s and 1980s in this arena have had a long-lasting impact that is present today in defining the scope of practice for the specialty.
Reginald F. Baugh, MD
Reginald F. Baugh, MD, dedicated his life’s work to advancing the field of otolaryngology. His reach was far and wide as a physician, mentor, published author, colleague, collaborator, and more. His undoubtable passion and tireless pursuit for quality, patient care, and education was contagious and had a long-lasting impact on the countless lives who crossed his path throughout his remarkable career. The AAO-HNS/F was the honored recipient of his volunteerism. Dr. Baugh dedicated his time, expertise, and diplomacy to advancing the AAO-HNSF’s clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Specifically, his leadership led to the development of the Tonsillectomy CPG in 2011 and the Bell’s Palsy CPG in 2013, both of which he served as Chair, as well as the Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo CPG in 2008 when he served as Assistant Chair. He also served on the AAO-HNS/F Voice and Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Committees and on the Editorial Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Linda S. Brodsky, MD
Linda S. Brodsky, MD, is lauded for her dedication to and advocacy for the equitable treatment of all who practice in the specialty and was a driving force behind the creation of the Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section. She was also one of the major supporters of the AAO-HNSF WIO Endowment and one of the first to pledge a Millennium Society Life Member commitment to help seed the endowment. This action set an example of her philanthropic leadership, which inspired others to contribute to provide funding for research activities that supported the advancement of women in the specialty. Dr. Brodsky also founded Women MD Resources, an organization dedicated to helping women physicians navigate the medical work environment and offering mentorship to early-career women in medicine. Throughout her life, Dr. Brodsky strived for excellence in her commitment to quality patient care. She established the “Brodsky Classification” of tonsillar disease, a diagnostic tool utilized by medical professionals throughout the globe.
William Wayne Montgomery, MD
William Wayne Montgomery, MD, a world-renowned professor at Harvard Medical School and a surgeon at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, had a major influence on the development and transformation of the specialty through his ingenuity and innovation, writing, mentorship, and teaching. The breadth of his scientific contributions and illustration is demonstrated in his two-volume book and atlas, Surgery of the Upper Respiratory System. These works helped shape contemporary otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and displayed his broad portfolio of seminal contributions to otology and neurotology; cranial base surgery; head and neck surgery and reconstruction; laryngology; rhinology, especially frontal sinus surgery; and pediatric otolaryngology. Dr. Montgomery was the inventor of the tracheal T-tube, the laryngeal keel, a facial nerve stimulator, and one of the first stapes prostheses. He introduced the frontal sinus obliteration procedure in the United States and was an early advocate of the use of closed suction drains in head and neck surgery.
Joseph H. Ogura, MD
Joseph H. Ogura, MD, whose surgical innovations forever changed the treatment of laryngeal cancer, was chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, and a legend in the field. Dr. Ogura helped change the direction of the specialty by serving as a national pioneer progressing otolaryngology into more advanced head and neck surgery. Dr. Ogura developed many surgical techniques in head and neck cancer surgery, especially conservation surgery of the larynx. During a distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, he did more than improve surgical technique and patient care. He was a prolific researcher, writer, and lecturer. The extent of his legacy also reaches the lives he touched during his professional career—the patients who benefited from his surgical brilliance, his residents who were inspired to pursue excellence through his mentorship, and his colleagues who achieved more supported by his strength and encouragement.
Living Legends Inductees
Charles D. Bluestone, MD
Charles D. Bluestone, MD, is a pioneering leader in the formalization and recognition of pediatric otolaryngology as a subspecialty, particularly for his contributions as founding chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Pediatric Otolaryngology Section, which provided an educational venue between otolaryngologists and their pediatric colleagues that continues today; as a charter member and past president (1990-1991) of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology; and as a founder of both the Society for Middle Ear Disease and the NIH-funded Pittsburgh Otitis Media Research Center. Dr. Bluestone in collaboration with Sylvan Stool, MD, also created the first formal pediatric otolaryngology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1975-1976. Additionally, he, David J. Lim, MD, and Ben H. Senturia, MD, organized the first of 10 quadrennial international symposia in 1975 on advances in otitis media. Dr. Bluestone’s distinguished career and leadership earned him the first University of Pittsburgh Eberly Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology.
Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD
Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD, is a dynamic influencer in leadership and an extremely effective ambassador for the specialty. She was instrumental in transforming the Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Committee into the WIO Section. And through her collaboration and determination, helped to establish the WIO Endowment, raising over $400,000 in pledges and gifts in four days. Dr. Chandrasekhar served as the Chair of the AAO-HNS Board of Governors (2012) and then was elected to serve as the AAO-HNS/F President (2015-2016). She brought an energy level and excitement to her presidency and leadership in general and instilled a vision that put diversity and inclusion at the forefront of the Academy’s Strategic Plan. Her contributions to the Academy and specialty continue to flourish and expand. In her commitment to patient care, Dr. Chandrasekhar served as Chair to the Guideline Development Group for the Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss, and she has worked as a content expert for ENThealth.org, among many other contributions.
James C. Denneny III, MD
James C. Denneny III, MD, is an innovative visionary who has contributed decades of service to the specialty and patient care. He served as both AAO-HNS/F President (2007-2008) and AAO-HNS Board of Governors Chair (1998-1999). Immediately prior to his appointment as Executive Vice President/CEO (2014)—a position he currently holds—he was simultaneously the Coordinator of Socioeconomic Affairs, Co-chair of the Physician Payment Policy Workgroup, and Chair of the Ad Hoc Payment Model Workgroup. He has been instrumental in prioritizing specialty unity to maximize the Academy’s effectiveness in education, research and quality, advocacy, and member services. His leadership has positioned the Academy at the forefront of the global otolaryngology community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increased international presence and collaboration; has focused on enhanced value for members, their practices, and their patients through varied mechanisms, such as Reg-entSM; and has strengthened the voice of the specialty within the house of medicine and with decision-makers in the ongoing climate of healthcare reform.
Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA
Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA, is a trailblazer in research and quality patient care, having substantial impact on the implementation of evidence-informed research and measures in the specialty. His notable contributions are significant, demonstrated by being only one of two individuals to have received five AAO-HNS Distinguished Honor Awards in the Academy’s history. His leadership is demonstrated by his service as Editor in Chief of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (2006-2014); Senior Advisor for Quality and Guidelines; and Chair of the Research Committee (now CORE), Guidelines Task Force (GTF), Science and Education Council (SEC), Cochrane Scholars Program, and the Subspecialty Advisory Council (SSAC). Dr. Rosenfeld has been a driving force behind the AAO-HNSF clinical practice guideline (CPG) program. He is the lead author of the “AAO-HNSF Guideline Development Manual,” and he has authored or co-authored a considerable number of CPGs. Among other leadership roles, Dr. Rosenfeld founded the Guidelines International Network North American Community.
Pablo Stolovitzky, MD
Pablo Stolovitzky, MD, is a dedicated champion of the international otolaryngology community who has contributed decades of service to the Academy and the specialty. Among many leadership roles, he served as Chair of the AAO-HNS Board of Governors (2007-2008), Coordinator for International Affairs (2017-2021), and President of the XXXVII Pan American Congress of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2022). During his term as Coordinator, he had a profound influence in enlarging the Academy’s international footprint leading to increased membership and expanded global partnerships. His vision and work toward a more collaborative global otolaryngology community has resulted in expanded education opportunities with the International Corresponding Societies through joint meetings and the creation of the Global Grand Rounds—both in person and virtual—as well as for individuals with the International Visiting Scholars program and the AAO-HNSF journals. His contributions toward weaving the international otolaryngology community into the threads of the AAO-HNSF International Affairs Program is significant with everlasting impact.
M. Eugene Tardy, Jr., MD
M. Eugene Tardy, Jr., MD, is a proactive, pioneering leader who identified and addressed several significant issues facing the specialty and helped guide the Academy onward after the merger with the American Council of Otolaryngology. During his term as AAO-HNS President (1985-1986), the Academy drafted and formally approved its first code of ethics. He also initiated a fundraising campaign to support the building fund for an Academy-owned headquarters, providing financial stability to support enhanced programs and services. Dr. Tardy has demonstrated a commitment to encouraging specialty unity to preserve the highest level of quality in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and was able to integrate that vision as President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (1982) and President of the American Board of Otolaryngology. Dr. Tardy’s dedication to education and the advancement in quality patient care has defined his professional life and influence on the specialty and those who had the opportunity to learn from him and work with him.
William Harry Barnes, MD
William Harry Barnes, MD, was truly a pioneer in American medicine throughout his career and clearly a man of great determination. He attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania in his hometown of Philadelphia after receiving the first scholarship awarded to an African American. After receiving his medical degree, he became the first African American to be board certified in any specialty in 1927. He subsequently studied bronchoesophagology under Dr. Chevalier Jackson and moved to Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC. He then became president of the National Medical Association in 1936. His career has been a true inspiration to many that followed after him.
John J. Conley, MD
John J. Conley, MD, was a true giant in otolaryngology in all respects. He was known as a great surgical innovator in head and neck surgery as well as facial plastic surgery, and his artistic drawings of new procedures are legend. A genuine Renaissance man, he lectured internationally and promoted ethics in medicine, endowing the John Conley, MD Lecture on Medical Ethics at the AAO-HNS. He served as president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Otolaryngology in 1974, as well as president of the American Society of Head and Neck Surgery and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He received innumerable awards from major medical organizations worldwide.
Antonio De la Cruz, MD
Antonio De la Cruz, MD, was the first President of Hispanic origin in the history of the AAO-HNS when he presided from 1997 to 1998. He moved from his native Costa Rica and received his medical training at the University of Miami. As a member of the prestigious House Ear Institute as a private practitioner, he was also well respected in academic circles as an author, educator, researcher, and mentor in otology and neurotology and lectured extensively worldwide. He was an ardent supporter of the expansion of the AAO-HNSF international program and particularly active in the Pan-American Association of Oto-Rhinolaryngology. He was known as a consensus builder who could get things done.
Hal Lovelace Foster, MD
Hal Lovelace Foster, MD, is considered the founder of the precursor organization to the AAO-HNS. In 1896 he invited over 500 otolaryngologists and ophthalmologists to a meeting of the Western Ophthalmological, Laryngological, Rhinological Association in Kansas City, Missouri. He personally covered the $400 expense of the meeting and later stated, “The money I spent in calling those specialists together was the best investment I ever made.” He remained a driving force in the organization until 1941 even though he never agreed to serve as President. He was known as a quiet man who worked behind-the-scenes but was instrumental to AAO-HNS/F’s continual development. He was also a charter member of the American College of Surgeons.
Chevalier Jackson, MD
Chevalier Jackson, MD, has a profound legacy in laryngology. Through his leadership, innovation, and educational efforts, laryngology advanced significantly during his career. Thousands of lives were saved through his work with foreign bodies and caustic poisons. His work resulted in the Federal Caustic Poison Act of 1927. He was also ahead of his time in training female physicians in a specialty field and became president of the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. In addition to his scientific expertise, he was an accomplished artist. Some of his works are displayed at Academy headquarters, and his extensive foreign body collection is housed at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Helen F. Krause, MD
Helen F. Krause, MD, was an exemplary, energetic leader in otolaryngology for more than 40 years who was always there when you needed her. As a private practitioner, she was very active in the Board of Governors (BOG) as well as in her field of expertise, allergy. She was Chair of the Allergy and Immunology Committee and president of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. In 2003, she received the BOG Practitioner Excellence Award. She was also an exceptional advocate for women in the specialty, which was commemorated by the WIO Trailblazer Award being named after her. Her dedication and persistence elevated all those around her. She also particularly liked to get involved with advocacy efforts and patient education.
M. Jennifer Derebery, MD
M. Jennifer Derebery, MD, is a true trailblazer in otolaryngology beginning with her innovative combination allergy and otology practice at the House Ear Institute. Her clinical and advocacy expertise led to her election as president of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy from 1999 to 2000. She subsequently was elected President of the AAO-HNS/F and served as the first woman President in the 113-year history of the organization from 2003 to 2004. During her presidency, federal and private payer advocacy was at the forefront. She continues to be a strong advocate for the promotion of women in otolaryngology and equality in pay for the same work.
K.J. Lee, MD
K.J. Lee, MD, emigrated from Malaysia at age 17 and from there prepared himself to embark on a remarkable medical career taking him through Harvard under the tutelage of Harold F. Schuknecht, MD. He then entered private practice with the renowned Howard W. Smith, MD, in New Haven, Connecticut, where he honed his skills in practice management and the socioeconomics of medicine and technology and became an effective advocate for all in these areas. He was elected Secretary-Treasurer, At-Large Board of Directors member, and then served as President of the Academy from 2001 to 2002. Dr. Lee has always been a great advocate of international collaboration and has been instrumental in the Academy’s international efforts.
Eugene N. Myers, MD, FRCS Edin (Hon)
Eugene N. Myers, MD, FRCS Edin (Hon), dedicated his career and life to advancing otolaryngology-head and neck surgery on a global basis. Dr. Myers has given hundreds of presentations around the world promoting education, as well as being a prolific author. He served as President of the AAO-HNS/F from 1994 to 1995 and was president of the American Board of Otolaryngology in 1996. He was responsible for creating the Academy’s international program and served as its first coordinator from 1996 to 2002. His advice has led to expansion of the Academy’s international efforts on two occasions. The Eugene N. Myers, MD International Lecture on Head and Cancer remains the premier yearly event in head and neck cancer education.
James L. Netterville, MD
James L. Netterville, MD, is a humble man who has dedicated his life and career to education, training future otolaryngologists, and humanitarian activities. In addition to his extensive contributions in laryngology and head and neck surgery, he is never too busy to help a patient, resident, or community-based colleague in need. He has organized many humanitarian missions during his career and was awarded the AAO-HNSF Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service in 2004. He served as an At-Large member of the Boards of Directors and was subsequently elected and served as President of the AAO-HNS/F from 2012 to 2013 where he was involved in global education, the Choosing Wisely® campaign, and the “Community of Otolaryngology” promotion.
Gavin Setzen, MD
Gavin Setzen, MD, has spent his career advocating for better practice conditions for academic and private practice otolaryngologists both at the state and national levels. His activity in the AAO-HNS Board of Governors propelled him to be elected Chair from 2009 to 2010. He was then elected AAO-HNS/F Secretary-Treasurer where he continued to demonstrate his proficiency in advocacy enabling the Academy’s relationship with the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Computed Tomography Laboratories that allowed office-based CT scanners to be paid for in physician’s offices. He then served as President from 2017 to 2018, where he started the Future of Otolaryngology Task Force that was so critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has continued to work actively for the specialty after completing his term.
Gayle E. Woodson, MD
Gayle E. Woodson, MD, stayed in Texas to train at Baylor University under Bobby R. Alford, MD, AAO-HNS/F Past President from 1980 to 1981, and a giant in the specialty. He served as a role model and mentor leading Dr. Woodson to a great career of her own, both clinically and as a leader of our specialty. She served as chair of three different otolaryngology departments. She was elected AAO-HNS/F President and served from 2014 to 2015. She was instrumental in expanding the international program as well as promoting specialty unity. She and her husband K. Thomas Robins, MD, started a residency program in Tanzania for otolaryngology during this time period as well.
