"The AAO-HNSF is a fantastic resource for advocacy related initiatives that affect not only my practice but every Otolaryngologist in the country. Although we represent only a small percent of total physicians, our Academy's voice is strong and well respected. I am proud to be an active member of the Academy and an active participant in the Board of Governors." – Peter J. Abramson, MD

"The Academy plays a major role in research, education, and advocacy for otolaryngologists. The Academy’s support for research performed by residents, fellows, and junior faculty has been a critical part of launching research careers, including my own. The Annual Meeting is just the most visible aspect of the Academy’s educational activities, although there are many other efforts. In the current era of health care reform, the Academy’s role in advocating for our patients and otolaryngologists is essential." – Eric J. Kezirian, MD

"Participation in our Academy has given me the great opportunity to know and connect with other members who are not in my subspecialty. Over the years I have continued to enjoy the social and professional interactions with other members through meeting participation, committee work, and simply staying connected across our respective institutions to maximize how we serve our patients and enhance education." – Julie L. Wei, MD

"The AAO-HNS has been an advocate for me personally, and my patients. By being involved with the academy I better serve my patients and their families. I am a better otolaryngologist with the many continuing educational opportunities offered. I am very thankful for the friendships developed by working with the academy." – Joseph E. Hart, MD

"As a resident I was surprised how easy it was to get involved with the Academy. I became the resident representative from my training program to the Section for Residents and Fellows (SRF), and was later chosen as the delegate to represent the SRF at the American College of Surgeons. There are many ways to get involved, such as running for office in the SRF, applying for committee memberships or for appointed positions, or simply attending meetings of the Board of Governors. It's easier than you might think to get involved and make a difference!" – Frank G. Garritano, MD

"I consider the academy my professional home. They provide a broad array of services that assist me in every part of my job…whether its continuing medical education, advocacy training and representation, or assistance with insurance coverage issues. They have been responsive to members input and used that to initiate programs such as the I-go program to improve our local contact with our federal representatives. Moreover, the organization’s vision of the critical need for effective quality and safety initiatives has helped make Otolaryngology a leader in the medical guideline and quality fields despite our relatively small size."  – Stacey L. Ishman, MD

"Our Academy provides the world’s best educational and vocational resources for today’s otolaryngologist. I am lucky to be part of an organization that consistently protects my interests in an ever-changing health care economy." – Sanjay R. Parikh, MD

"We are a tiny specialty with a big voice thanks to the Academy.  While I am hard at work taking care of patients the Academy, with the help of physician volunteers and staff, is advocating on my behalf, working on education and research, creating best practices and guidelines, and building resources and communities for our members. " – Wendy B. Stern, MD

"Together we can generate ideas and paths to lead one another and, in time, the specialty. By serving the Academy's committees, I've had the chance to meet colleagues and understand their perspectives as we use our energy for progress. I am very grateful for the opportunity." – Peter G. Volsky, MD

"During my residency and since, I have found the Academy to be a welcoming environment which looked to mentor and promote young physician leadership and advancement. Through my interactions, many relationships with colleagues and academy personnel were sparked which at a minimum can be described as symbiotic. In these times of changing healthcare and efforts to reduce reliance on corporate support I gave back to the Academy so that other residents and young physicians can have the same opportunities with which I was provided." – Spencer C. Payne, MD

"As a member of the AAO/NHS for almost 20 years, the Academy staff has always been very responsive to its membership myself included in a number of areas. However, I’m not sure that all the membership is aware how quickly the staff surveys the country for legislation in all 50 states and organizes the needed response. These seemingly mundane and difficult to read legislative acts can and do greatly impact our daily lives and individual work experiences. The Academy staff has done an exceptional job in defeating legislation that is bad for our patients and us, as doctors. " – Marcella R. Bothwell, MD