Trio Transitions: The outgoing and incoming presidents share their goals for the society

Q: What do you think members should know about you?

A: My career has been in academic medicine from the very beginning; I’d like to think I’ve lived fully the traditional triad of patient care, education [and] discovery and innovation. Trying to inspire students to enter the field of otolaryngology, that’s been my passion. I’ve tried to establish myself as a role model and surgical educator so I could look back and feel that I have achieved a legacy of leadership and succession, which is something that my mentors taught me represents a benchmark of a successful career.

I also have a number of loves outside of medicine. My son is a second-year medical student at Loyola [University], and my daughter, a senior in college, is planning to be a history teacher. I live in Music City USA, Nashville, Tenn., and I try to take advantage of all it offers, from country to classical as well as opera. I’m an avid sailor, but, living in Nashville for the last 25 years, I’ve become enamored with powerboating as well. I am a huge sports fan and love going to Predators (NHL) and Titans (NFL) games as well as working out on a regular basis.

Q: What kind of feedback are you looking for from members?

A: I want people to share their ideas with me and give me their thoughts on how I might help to facilitate the work of the society. There are some areas where I can help and other areas where my hands and those of the executive council may be tied, but I want feedback! I want to reach out and think of myself as the whole society’s president in the truest sense of the word. I answer my e-mails, I answer telephone calls, I do get back to people!