CEO Update, August 2026

Seems all my social media feeds are about finding balance, nature, and hobbies or creative outlets. Perhaps it is just my algorithm. Even so, there is definitely something to find balance in life.

In considering these wise suggestions, I also realized our AAOA leadership—from our Board to our faculties and committees— contributes a lot of their time outside of “work” to the AAOA.  Given the positive impact of hobbies, hopefully we are their hobby. More importantly, it reminds me how lucky the AAOA is to have so many talented otolaryngologists sharing their skills, talents, and wisdom for the benefit of the AAOA.  For that, we cannot thank you all enough!

Culture seems to be the unifying theme.  Pundits argue humans are social creatures who like to belong.  But they want to belong where they fit in, where they are part of the bigger whole, where they feel they can contribute. Members often cite their reason for engagement is the AAOA community. That community is built on not just the contributions each of you brings, but on how you bring it. AAOA is a collective. All levels of contribution are welcome with folks engaging where they can.  And, as we result, the AAOA community is a trusted resource.  Shared experience go a long way, and everyone benefits.

Our community comes together is multiple ways.

We have the live component of our Annual Meeting in Tucson in 2 weeks.  Members thrive in this open learning format. It is a great way to share challenges and successes to stay abreast of the latest in clinical care and practice management

Challenges in healthcare have us rallying you to share your voice with Congress and CMS on proposed edits for modifier -25 and more.   With the private payers, we use your challenges shared through our advocacy support to argue for better reimbursement.  Hot topics are immunotherapy, dose definitions, and dose limits, as well as PNN coverage. 

And, we continue to develop tools and resources to help you in your practice.  The most impactful is our Affinity program, giving members group purchase pricing on a plethora of supplies, including antigens.  Our USP General Chapter <797> tools help assure your practice is in compliance and your staff can master sterile prep.   Our Educational Stacks offering members easy core content review, CME, and Continuing Certification credit options.  They also offer great staff training tools. Our 3 Stacks cull core content from our CME programs to help you avail out content when you need it.

Coming soon! We will launch our new Adding Allergy Playbook. This tool will help any member by adding or expanding their allergy service line with all the tools packaged together.

While we continue to evolve to meet your needs, thanks for contributing, engaging, and building our AAOA community.  You are an integral part of our success!

See you in Tucson!