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The vision is attractive—a single professional organization that meets the educational, economic, legislative, and sociopolitical needs of its member otolaryngologists.
It is clear that the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAOHNS), with a rich tradition of educational excellence that dates back to 1896 and a wide variety of annual meeting formats, publications, and continuing education program, is preeminent in the ongoing instruction of the practicing otolaryngologist.
Equally obvious is the success of the American Council of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ACOHNS) in meeting our needs in arenas of legislative and regulatory activity, in dealing with issues of economic and interspecialty conflict, and in conducting important day-to-day business in a consistently diplomatic and collectively effective manner.
We have an opportunity now to improve this situation by merging these two organizations carefully into one new academy. Why should we do this?