The ABEA has had another great year, culminating with the scientific program for our spring meeting in Chicago. In addition to this, we have expanded the association’s membership to include resident members and have made outreach efforts to widen our international scope, both in the general membership and on the council.

We continue to work with both the American Laryngological Association and the European Laryngological Society to bring the membership together for scientific programs in Helsinki in 2012, and in Orlando for COSM in 2013.

The Chevalier Jackson commemorative US Postal Stamp project is proceeding well, with our application having advanced to the next round of consideration by the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee. This is a good sign, as the committee receives over 50,000 applications each year before approving approximately 25 new designs.

The program was put together by a new council member, but a longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Karen Zur. She has done a fantastic job in assembling a wide range of material into a tight schedule, and I thank her for all her work.

In addition to the podium and poster presentations, we have two terrific panel discussions (on challenging airway cases and chronic cough). Furthermore, our schedule includes the Chevalier Jackson lecture given by Dr. Jeffrey Laitman, noted anatomist and expert on the evolution of the mammalian upper airway: “Nature's great experiment: The development and evolution of the human aerodigestive tract”.

There is also a special presidential lecture by Professor Mary Cappello of the Universty of Rhode Island, author of “Swallow”, the recent book on the life and work of Chevalier Jackson. This work is a fascinating cultural and historical treatment of our founder, and I recommend it to all members.

I am especially happy to have the opportunity to honor two prominent figures in our field this year – ABEA Guest of Honor Dr. Robin Cotton and Chevalier Jackson award winner Dr. Peak Woo. They are both past ABEA presidents, and through their work in our field they have exemplified the finest professional and personal qualities that reflect such pride on our association.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on the executive council who have worked so hard on the spring scientific program, as well as a number of other ABEA activities. You have all done an amazing job and have certainly made my life easier over the past year.

I also must thank Leora Loy, who has been our tireless administrator for many years, and who is the glue that holds together all the members of the ABEA team.

Finally, I would like to thank the membership and council for allowing me the great privilege of serving as your president for the past year. To stand before you in the position that has been held by so many of my mentors and respected colleagues – let alone the great Chevalier Jackson – is truly to stand on the shoulders of giants. I am humbled and honored by this incredible opportunity.

Michael Rothschild, MD
President, ABEA
2010-2011