About AOA

The AOA is dedicated to facilitating professional development, networking and education in otolaryngology practice management.

AOA aspires to be the association of the most visible, valued, and trusted otolaryngology practice management experts, fostering excellence in the professional achievement, leadership in practice management, and information to enhance the quality of otolaryngology practice throughout America.

AOA’s core values are:

1. Integrity and honesty

2. Excellence driven

3. Open communications

4. Respect

5. Innovation and creativity

6. Responsiveness

In 1982, Patrick Connolly, PhD, an Administrator in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Iowa saw the need for an organization that would facilitate communication between administrators from across the country to solve otolaryngology practice management issues. He proposed to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery(AAO-HNS) board that creating an organization of otolaryngology practice administrators for networking and continuing education opportunities was needed. His proposal to the AAO-HNS was approved and he proceeded to form the AOA.

Patrick Connolly invited five administrators from Baylor University, The Mayo Clinic, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine and the practice of Dr. Michael Glasscock to work on the new organization. Since then the organization has flourished by increasing membership and offerings.

In recent years, a strong relationship has been forged with the AAO-HNS. The two organizations seek to identify common areas of purpose and to cooperate in their endeavors.

AOA has over 950 members and an ongoing membership drive to exceed 1,000 members in the near future. AOA continues to be the leader in otolaryngology practice management and will serve the membership through the successful services offered while striving to keep pace with future opportunities.