Dr. Michael Stewart
Physicians in each of the diverse specialties of medicine rely on communication between colleagues at national meetings to learn of the key basic science and clinical research advances that will lead to better practices. For academic otolaryngologists, one of those groups is the Society of University Otalaryngologist–Head and Neck Surgeons.
SUO-HNS, as it is often referred, is more than four decades old and has a membership of more than 500 physicians. The Society addresses issues pertinent to academic otolaryngology all over the country. This year, Dr. Michael Stewart, chairman of Weill Cornell Medical College's Department of Otorhinolaryngology, is serving as the president of SUO-HNS, and is responsible for planning the society's annual meeting, which is to be held this fall in Chicago. The focus of this year's meeting will be on excellence in education, from students and residents to practitioners.
"There is a lot of work involved in putting together a meeting, but it's quite an honor to be elected," Dr. Stewart said.
The Society's annual meeting is popular and well-attended with frequent repeat attendees, because the meeting focuses entirely on issues that are currently most critical to academic medicine. A typical meeting will incorporate a great deal of audience participation in the proceedings, as well as panel discussions and presentations. For more than 12 years, Dr. Stewart has actively participated in the discussion and debate as a member of the SUO-HNS. Dr. Stewart also served at one time on the organization's council, helping to provide leadership and direction.
Dr. Samuel Selesnick
"People bring their best practices and other doctors learn from that and take it home and adapt it," Dr. Stewart said. "It is not a scientific meeting where faculty present basic and clinical research. Rather, it's a meeting where people discuss education and research and administration."
Joining Dr. Stewart as the president of his specialty's professional society is Dr. Samuel Selesnick, vice chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Weill Cornell, and the next president of the American Neurotology Society.
"Dr. Stewart and Dr. Selesnick have always served as both leaders in their field and as a source of great pride for Weill Cornell Medical College," said Dr. Antonio M. Gotto, dean of the Medical College. "That they have been selected to lead their respective professional organizations is further evidence of their impressive and distinguished careers."
Neurotology, a subspecialty within otolaryngology, encompasses lateral skull-base surgery and surgical and medical treatment for patients suffering from complex ear-related problems such as hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo.
As president, Dr. Selesnick will oversee both the fall meeting and the spring annual meeting and reception. The fall meeting, which will be held in September, is a half-day meeting on a specific set of topics. The program features several lectures and panel discussions. The annual meeting, which will be held in May, consists of two half-day sessions. Investigators submit their work for a blinded peer review selection process. In addition to accepted submissions, several panels as well as invited lectures will be given. Each year, the annual ANS symposium is the largest gathering of neurotologists–skull base surgeons in the country.
Photography by Weill Cornell Art & Photography.