Dear AHNS Members,

I hope this message finds you well. As my presidential term comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made together and share some notable achievements during this past year.

First and foremost, I am pleased to announce that we have successfully renewed our journal contract with JAMA-Oto, reaffirming it as the official AHNS journal. This partnership ensures continued dissemination of high-quality research within our society.

In an effort to foster support and connection among AHNS members, we launched the Peer Support Network. This invaluable resource provides a platform for members to engage in meaningful discussions, seek advice, and share experiences with their peers. Please view the Peer Support Network here: https://www.ahns.info/ahns-peer-support-program/

I am thrilled to inform you that we have confirmed the appointment of six highly accomplished individuals to the Advanced Training Council (ATC). Their expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our society and contribute to our already high standards of accreditation in our fellowship programs.

During the past year, we initiated two virtual Town Halls dedicated to the year in review and the FPD for Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery. These interactive sessions allowed for insightful discussions and knowledge exchange, furthering our collective understanding in these areas.

If you are a member of the AHNS Endocrine Section, you have already seen the Call for Nominees for the Adult Complex Thyroid/Parathyroid FPD Exam Committee. As a reminder, if you want to be considered to be a part of this committee, please complete the online form by July 10th, found here: https://www.abohns.org/call-nominations-thyroidparathyroid-exam-council

Recognizing the importance of career opportunities, we launched the AHNS Job Board exclusively for our members and training programs. This platform aims to facilitate connections and provide valuable career resources within our community. Please view the job board here: https://www.ahns.info/post-a-job/

The AHNS responded to a request from ABMS following the ABOMFS application to ABMS. By submitting our comprehensive response, we ensured that our society’s voice was heard and that our members’ interests were well represented.

In our ongoing commitment to evidence-based practice, we approved and collaborated with the AHNS Research and Education Foundation to fund a new White Paper initiative. This endeavor will focus on developing formal, evidence-based treatment guidelines, further advancing the field of head and neck surgery.

Lastly, we have worked towards enhancing the International Advisory Board (IAB) and launched a new fellows section. These initiatives aim to foster global interactions among trainees and promote knowledge sharing across borders.

It has been an honor to serve as the President of the American Head and Neck Society. Together, we have accomplished significant milestones, furthering our mission to advance education, research, and patient care in head and neck oncology. I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication.

I hope to see as many of you as possible at the upcoming conference in Montreal, July 8-12, 2023. If you still haven’t registered, please do so by visiting https://www.ahns2023.org/.

Thank you, again, for your membership and your active participation in this inspiring society!

Sincerely,

Brian Burkey, MD, MEd
President, American Head and Neck Society