AAO-HNS/F Strategic Plan

Updated April 2021

Our Strategic Plan sets the overall direction of the organization by defining specific goals and objectives that guide resource management.  It is a living, breathing document that can be adapted as necessary to reflect the needs of our organization and provides the flexibility to maximize member benefit through operational adjustments. Practically, this allows objective review of existing programs, identifies new opportunities, and prioritizes specific areas while maintaining financial stability.

Our current plan adds two new areas of focus, “Business of Medicine” and “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” While not specifically listed as an area of additional focus, Education remains a top priority for our organization.  The Strategic Plan is not an exhaustive list of services we engage in and day-to-day operational services will continue to be provided.

Our Core Purpose (Our Mission) 

We engage our members and help them achieve excellence and provide high-quality, evidence-informed, and equitable ear, nose, and throat care through professional and public education, research, and health policy advocacy. 

Our Core Guiding Principles 

  • Prioritize and deliver timely, high-quality, high-value programs 
  • Continuously improve organizational performance 
  • Leverage internal and external relationships 
  • Match stable funding to the mission we aspire to accomplish 
  • Promote inclusive diversity and equity in ENT patient care and throughout our specialty and organization 
  • Provide a forum to provide support for providers and guide best practice and patient care 

Our Vision 

The global leader in optimizing quality ear, nose, and throat patient care. 

Our Goals and Objectives (3 to 5-year horizon) 

Advocacy 

Goal Statement: AAO-HNS is the leading advocate for legislative, regulatory, and payor issues for otolaryngologists in the United States. 

Goal Objectives: 

  1. Identify and promote bi-directional communication of member needs regarding advocacy issues on a local/regional basis. 
  2. Collaborate proactively with otolaryngology specialty societies to define care and standardize payor policy. 
  3. Expand grassroots engagement programs, such as the I-GO (In district- Grassroots Outreach) to enhance legislator education on AAO-HNS issues. 
  4. Augment relationships with state medical societies to advocate for state legislative and regulatory issues. 
  5. Improve ENT PAC participation by Academy membership. 

Business of Medicine 

Goal Statement: AAO-HNS works to support and to improve the efficiency and success of otolaryngology practice. 

Goal Objectives: 

  1. Advocate for appropriate reimbursement and diminished administrative burdens. 
  2. Promote awareness of existing practice management resources through collaboration with our practice administrator colleagues. 
  3. Develop an active forum for collaboration on practice management support. 
  4. Develop strategic models for incorporating advanced practice providers (APPs) into team-based otolaryngology care. 

Global Outreach 

Goal Statement: AAO-HNSF leads and collaborates with the global otolaryngology community to advance otolaryngology through education initiatives. 

Goal Objectives: 

  1. Increase participation of the global community in the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO Experience and major international scientific meetings. 
  2. Expand engagement with global residents and young physicians. 
  3. Increase the dissemination of education resources and content to the international community. 

Inclusive Diversity and Equity 

Goal Statement: AAO-HNS/F aspires to achieve inclusive diversity and equity for members, patients, and the global community. 

Goal Objectives: 

  1. Enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within our specialty by supporting efforts to attract and retain groups underrepresented in medicine. 
  2. Educate members on cultural competency and humility, implicit bias, and healthcare disparities. 
  3. Provide education programs specific to addressing socioeconomic determinants of health, access to care, and healthcare disparities. 
  4. Promote the value of inclusive diversity in otolaryngology. 

Quality 

Goal Statement: AAO-HNS/F defines and promotes quality related to otolaryngology. 

Goal Objectives: 

  1. Develop resources to efficiently meet members needs in providing the highest quality care through evidence informed best practices. 
  2. Achieve the full capabilities of Reg-ent℠. 
  3. Increase development and adoption of specialty-specific MIPS value pathways. 
  4. Increase participation in Reg-ent. 

Wellness and Resiliency 

Goal Statement: AAO-HNS/F cultivates member well-being and resiliency to enhance quality of care and sustainability of our community. 

Goal Objectives: 

  1. Better understand the elements that contribute to and detract from the wellness of our community. 
  2. Keep wellness and resiliency at the forefront and as a lens through which we evaluate decisions. 
  3. Identify and disseminate best practices and resources that promote wellness and resiliency. 
  4. Establish the AAO-HNS/F as a valued and trusted resource for education about wellness for our community. 

 (APPROVED April 2021) 

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