Dear AHNS Members,

I trust this message finds you well. It is with great humility and honor that I assume the role of President of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS). As I step into this position, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of head and neck surgery alongside the remarkable individuals that make up our membership.

First and foremost, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my predecessor, Dr. Brian Burkey. His leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the AHNS have paved the way for our society’s continued success. I am truly honored to follow in his, as well as Executive Committee’s, footsteps and build upon the foundation they have laid.

I would also like to take a moment to congratulate Dr. Eben Rosenthal and Dr. Dan Deschler for orchestrating a resounding success with the 11th AHNS International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer held last month in Montreal. Their exemplary efforts and the enthusiasm of all who participated have showcased the incredible potential of our collaborative endeavors.

Looking ahead, I am thrilled to share the exciting news about our upcoming 2024 Annual Meeting at COSM in Chicago, May 15-16. Under the leadership of Program Chair Dr. Patrick Ha, along with Co-Chairs Dr. Nicole Schmitt and Dr. Sid Puram, we anticipate another extraordinary scientific meeting that will further elevate our field and foster meaningful connections among our members.

As we embark on this journey together, I am keenly focused on our goals for the upcoming year. I am pleased to announce the formation of several task forces that will drive our efforts forward. These initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the AHNS. Key areas we will be focusing on include education and training, publishing, strengthening our collaboration with other surgical specialties and broadening our membership with non-surgeons. All of these initiatives will help further influence the reason we all entered into this field…to improve patient care.

As we embark on these ambitious endeavors, I invite your active participation, innovative ideas, and dedicated engagement. The journey ahead is both challenging and exciting, and I am confident that together, we will create a lasting impact on the field of head and neck surgery. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

With great enthusiasm and anticipation for the year ahead,

Robert Ferris, MD, PhD
AHNS President