American Head & Neck Society

Advancing Education, Research, and Quality of Care for the Head and Neck oncology patient.

Published on by AHNS Office

AHNS Message From The President

  Dear AHNS Members,

As 2024 comes to a close, I am excited to share updates on our society’s progress over the last seven months and highlight upcoming opportunities to engage with AHNS initiatives.

Presidential Task Forces: Driving Innovation and Improvement

Our newly established presidential task forces have been hard at work advancing key priorities for the society:

  • Artificial Intelligence Task Force: Exploring the integration of AI technologies into head and neck care to enhance diagnostics and outcomes. Watch for offerings about ways to utilize AI in head and neck and a discussion of Ethics in AI.
  • Oral Surgery Task Force: Examining future pathways for involvement by oral surgeons in the AHNS.
  • Revenue Task Force: Identifying new revenue streams and ensuring the financial sustainability of our society.
  • Quality and Value of Fellowships Task Force: Assessing and enhancing the quality, value, and structure of fellowship programs.
  • Behavioral Health Task Force: Promoting mental health awareness and support for practitioners and patients alike.

These task forces reflect our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and addressing the evolving needs of our field.

Advanced Training Council Applications Now Open

The Advanced Training Council application process is now open for fellows and institutions. Visit the link below to learn more and apply: Apply Here

Save the Date: COSM 2025 in New Orleans

Complementing the work of our task forces, the 2025 AHNS Annual Meeting will focus on the theme:

“Mind, Machine, and Medicine: Mobilizing Behavioral Health, AI, and Education to Advance Head and Neck Care.”

  • Dates: May 14-15, 2025 with premeeting courses on May 13, 2025.
  • Location: COSM, New Orleans
  • Program Chairs: Drs. Susan McCammon, Aru Panwar, and Andrew Shuman

This meeting will highlight the collaboration of our sections and the incredible engagement of our membership, reflected by over 900 submitted abstracts! This record number for a COSM meeting has prompted us to purchase an additional 200 slots for posters to accommodate this burst of activity. Registration opens in January. Be sure to mark your calendars for this exceptional meeting.

Virtual Education: A Robust Resource

Our virtual education offerings continue to provide accessible, high-quality learning opportunities for members. Explore the latest resources here: Explore Virtual Education

Happy Holidays

As we celebrate this season, I want to thank you for your dedication to advancing head and neck care. Your efforts and engagement make AHNS the thriving organization and community it is today. A gift of membership in the AHNS is a wonderful way to welcome new members into our society. Please consider encouraging your colleagues to join by directing them to https://www.ahns.info/member-central/

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season!

Warm regards,

Bill Lydiatt, MD

President, American Head and Neck Society 

Published on by AHNS Office

AHNS Fellowship Match FY2026-27 Now Open!

Applications are now being accepted for the AHNS FY2026-27 Fellowship Match. The AHNS currently accredits over 60 fellowship positions from 54 surgical programs in the U.S. and Canada. The application timeline is as follows:
For Fellowships beginning: July 2026
Application Period: Monday, December 16, 2024 – Monday, March 3, 2025
Interview Period: Monday, March 3, 2025– Monday, June 23, 2025
Ranking list opens for Programs and Applicants: Monday, June 23, 2025
Ranking list closes: Monday, July 7, 2025
Match results announced: Friday, July 11, 2025

Applicants who completed their medical education outside the US or Canada are eligible to participate in the match as International Track applicants; more information can be found on the AHNS website.

Applicants: For submitting recommendation letters – letters can be uploaded to your application directly, or can be sent to the AHNS office by the authors using the LOR submission form. Please share the link below with the authors of your letters.
Letter of Recommendation Submission Form www.ahns.info/atc-letter-of-recommendation-submission/

Start Your FY2026-27 Fellowship Application

Published on by AHNS Office

Important Message About Focused Practice Designation for Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Exam – Registration Now Open!

The American Board of Surgery has provided updated information about registering for the examination to obtain a Focused Practice Designation in Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery. Registration for the April 2025 examination is now open and due by December 13, 2025. Please follow this link for instructions on how to register:
https://aaes.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/ABS%20Applications%20Now%20Available%20-%20ACTPS%20FPD%20Exam.pdf

If you meet the requirements for this designation as defined above, you may access the application through the Apply & Register page in your ABS portal:

  1. Log in to the ABS surgeon portal.
  2. Using the left-side menu, navigate to the Apply & Register page.
  3. On the title Labeled 2025 FPD – Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery (ACTPS) Exam, click the link to Complete your Exam Application.

Applications must be submitted by December 13, 2024. Following the approval of your application, you will be able to complete registration, submit payment for the examination, and schedule a testing center location.
All messaging the AAES has received from the ABS about the FPD may be viewed at https://endocrinesurgery.org/learn-more-about-fpd

Published on by AHNS Office

AHNS YMCP Episode 09 – Geoffrey Young, MD, PhD, Simon Best, MD

The AHNS Podcast has just released its ninth episode. We’re excited to share insights on the use of systemic Bevacizumab to treat Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP). Dr. Geoffrey Young and Dr. Simon Best explore RRP’s connection to HPV, its potential for malignant transformation, and the latest targeted therapeutic advancements. Tune in for a comprehensive look at this innovative treatment landscape!  

Dr. Geoffrey Young
Dr. Simon Best

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