How do I join a committee?
The online committee application process opens on November 1 and close on December 31 each year. During this time, please visit our website to access the online form.
Who can join a committee?
All applicants must be members in good standing and have paid Academy dues for the following year no later than January 15 to be considered for appointment to a committee and have an active email address which is used regularly.
The following member types are eligible to participate as voting or non-voting members of a committee and include both U.S. and international categories: Fellow/Member; Resident/Fellow-in-Training; Retired, and Lifetime. Administrators, Affiliates, Associates, and Student Members are not eligible to serve on committees.
When can I apply?
On November 1, the committee application cycle will begin. Notifications announcing the start of the application period will appear in OTONews, the Bulletin, and the Academy website. The application period will close on December 31.
When will I be notified regarding a possible committee appointment?
Applicants are notified by email in late-May/early-in June, whether they have been appointed or not appointed. All terms begin October 1 or immediately following the conclusion of the AAO-HNS/F Annual Meeting & OTO Experience, whichever is later.
Do I have to complete a disclosure/conflict of interest form?
All applicants must complete the AAO-HNS Financial and Intellectual Relationship Disclosure Form as part of the application process to be considered for appointment on a committee.
All potential conflicts are reviewed before appointments are finalized.
What type of commitment is involved?
Committee members must attend all committee meetings and participate in conference calls. In-person meetings are usually held during the AAO-HNS/F Annual Meeting & OTO Experience.
Members must also be able to devote the time and effort required to accomplish the committee’s objectives and fulfill committee assignments on a timely basis as delegated by the committee chair.
Do I have to attend the meeting of a committee I was just appointed to if I do not officially begin until after that meeting?
Newly appointed members are not required, but are encouraged to attend the meeting as an invited guest to be given an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the committee’s objective.
How many years in a term?
Committee members serve two-year terms.
How many terms can I serve on a committee?
Academy and Foundation Committee members may serve a maximum of six years (three 2-year terms), regardless of position, and then must rotate off for two years before reapplying to serve on the same committee. Consultants are appointed for one two-year term. Residents and Fellows-in-Training serve one two-year term before rotating off.
How many committees can I serve on at one time?
AAO-HNS/F policy allows no more than two committee appointments at one time. Service on Board of Governors (BOG) or Women in Otolaryngology Section committees does not count towards the two committee maximum.
How are members selected to serve on AAO-HNS/F committees?
Applications must go through an extensive approval process before selections are approved.
Committee chairs review all applications and make recommendations to the President-Elect. The President-Elect, with the counsel of the Chair of the Ethics Committee, makes preliminary appointments and submits his/her recommendations to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for final review and approval.
Is it hard to get on a committee? Do I need to know someone on the committee?
Members are appointed based on background and interest in a particular field. Because membership on a committee is limited, some committees are very competitive but the majority of committees have openings. No, you do not need to have a personal connection in order to be selected for committee service. Please keep in mind that the broader your scope of committee interest, the more likely you will be placed on a committee that is both personally and professionally rewarding.
What are the benefits of joining a committee?
Appointment to a committee offers members the opportunity to strengthen and influence the Academy while building a network of valuable professional contacts and friendships. Committee work also helps members stay on the cutting edge of research and issues affecting the body of medicine, and earn honor points for service.
Have a question that was not answered here?
Download the Committee Member Handbook or contact [email protected] for more information.
