The AAO-HNSF Otolaryngology Private Practice Section (OPPS), Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF), Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section, and Young Physicians Section (YPS), are offering supplemental, high-value engagement and learning opportunities during the Annual Meeting, providing the opportunity to learn about the work and initiatives that support you, your practice, and patient care.
The General Assemblies held during the Annual Meeting are open to all attendees and create the perfect opportunity for you to learn about the work and initiatives of the BOG, IAB, and the Sections.
Learn more about each below and plan to attend! (Listed in order of occurrence at the Annual Meeting)
Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section General Assembly
Saturday, September 18
General Assembly: 10:30 am – Noon | Location: MBCC, Grand Ballroom C
WIO Lunch: Noon – 1:00 pm | Location: OTO EXPO special section
Yelizaveta (Lisa) Shnayder, MD, WIO Chair shares, “We have a packed agenda for the General Assembly including the WIO business meeting and awards, reflecting on the productive 2023-2024 year. This will be followed by the lecture and an interview with our WIO Distinguished 2024 speaker Gilda Pedraza, the Executive Director of the Latino Community Fund (LCF Georgia).
All are invited and welcome to attend, please come and join us!
Board of Governors (BOG) General Assembly
Saturday, September 28 | 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Location: MBCC, Grand Ballroom C
The BOG represents all otolaryngologists in all modes and types of practice and at any stage of their career and includes YPS and SRF representatives on each BOG committee. The BOG provides support, mentorship, and leadership development for all members of our diverse specialty and has found rapid efficient communication possible via ENT Connect.
“After collaboration with the OPPS for the first OTO FORUM and after a very successful virtual BOG Spring Meeting, we would like to invite everyone to attend the BOG General Assembly,” shared Steven T. Kmucha, MD, JD, BOG Chair.
The schedule is full with the following program:
- An introduction of the incoming AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA
- A keynote presentation from Bruce A. Scott, MD, the current AMA president who is a private practice otolaryngologist from Louisville, Kentucky
- A presentation of the winners of the BOG Model Society and Practitioner of Excellence awards from the numerous nominations that our BOG societies have submitted
- The elections for BOG offices and voting on BOG bylaws amendments
- A presentation of long-range planning goals for the BOG
“The BOG is where physicians can engage, contribute, and develop leadership skills. It is no longer enough to simply pay dues and contribute to the ENT PAC;* we need to hear your voices. We look forward to seeing (and hearing) you on Saturday afternoon,” said Dr. Kmucha.
Section for Residents and Fellows in Training (SRF) General Assembly
Saturday, September 28
General Assembly: 3:30 – 4:30 pm | Location: MBCC, Grand Ballroom AB
SRF / YPS Joint Reception: 4:30 – 6:00 | Location: MBCC, Grand Ballroom Outdoor Terrace
As a resident or fellow-in-training, the General Assembly is an ideal venue to learn ways to engage with AAO-HNS initiatives and activities, celebrate award recipients, and welcome SRF newly-elected officers.
“I am thrilled to welcome residents and fellows to the SRF General Assembly,” shared Hannah Kuhar Morrin, MD, SRF Chair. “The session will be centered on topics pertinent to residents and fellows. We will review the past year’s resident and fellow annual survey findings as well as introduce the upcoming annual survey. These surveys are critical to capture resident and fellow current state and concerns, in order to communicate these with national leadership. We will celebrate resident awards, new leadership positions, and opportunities to get more involved in Academy leadership.
SRF has also organized an exciting panel during the session, “Early Career Transitions: What I Wish I Knew,” with AAO-HNS/F President Doug D. Backous, MD, OPPS Chair David E. Melon, MD, Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH, and Zainab Farzal, MD.
Those who attend the SRF General Assembly will receive a special wristband to attend the SRF/YPS Networking Reception immediately following, “Mojitos, Margaritas, and Mingling.” The event will provide an opportunity to meet fellow SRF. and YPS members.
Young Physicians Section (YPS) General Assembly
Saturday, September 28
General Assembly: 3:30 – 4:30 pm | Location: MBCC, Grand Ballroom C
SRF / YPS Joint Reception: 4:30 – 6:00 | Location: MBCC, Grand Ballroom Outdoor Terrace
During the YPS General Assembly, learn about the work of YPS over the past year and new opportunities to enhance your ENT journey, engage with other early-career physicians, celebrate award recipients, and welcome newly-elected officers.
“We have a lot to cover during the General Assembly to review work from the past year, including our annual YPS survey. We are excited to present a special guest speaker this year at the YPS General Assembly. The renowned Dr. R. Murali Krishna will be giving an incredible speech on mindfulness and unlocking your full potential,” shared Manan Shah, MD, YPS Chair. “We are excited for young physicians and others to attend!”
Otolaryngology Private Practice Section
Sunday, September 29 | 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Location: MBCC, Grand Ballroom C
OPPS serves as a vital link between community practitioners and the Academy, advocating for member concerns and fostering collaboration. During the OPPS General Assembly, members will hear from Academy leadership, including the incoming and outgoing EVP/CEO and the incoming and outgoing AAO-HNS/F President about collaboration opportunities and ongoing initiatives. Attendees will also hear from a diverse panel about the Future of Private Practice.
“I am proud of what the OPPS has achieved and how it has revitalized enthusiasm, leadership, and networking within the private practice community of the AAO-HNS,” said David E. Melon, MD, OPPS Chair. “The OPPS provides a wealth of practice data for benchmarking and analysis, while acting as an impartial gatekeeper for resources related to reimbursement, contracting, and business best practices. “The strength of the OPPS is its members themselves. Having a structured support system that fosters a transparent exchange is crucial for preserving the future of private practice, but this requires active participation from its member base.”
International Advisory Board (IAB) General Assembly
Monday, September 30 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm | Location: MBCC, Ocean Drive EFG
During the IAB General Assembly learn how the global ENT community can reach across borders to face the common challenges shared by physicians in different countries. International awards recipients are also recognized.
Reflecting on his time as IAB Chair, Professor Piotr H. Skarżyński, MD, PhD, MSc, shares, “This prestigious position in IAB allows us to shape the direction of international cooperation with centers from around the world, enables the exchange of experience among the most outstanding ENT specialists involved in head and neck surgery, and provides a real opportunity to promote the achievements of Polish otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery in the world.”
* Note: Contributions to ENT PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery have the right to refuse to contribution without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ENT PAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ENT PAC may use your contribution only to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ENT PAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ENT PAC, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ENT PAC use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. ENT PAC is a program of the AAO-HNS which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code.
