Dr. Gantz suggested a letter be sent to the ANS membership asking if they were politically active in their states and would be interested in working with the BOG on otology issues in the states. The fact that this is a state by state issue was reiterated and also the need to monitor the laws. Dr. Harner said it is necessary to work with the medical society lobbyists who are paid to keep the medical community informed. This slate will be presented to the membership at the Business Meeting. Dr. Gantz indicated the ABO now has a database of residents completing programs, and the RRC for otolaryngology has been given this information for program directors.
Data includes the residents' previous surgical experience.
The impact on future programs in otology was discussed as well as the residents actual involvement in the surgery. Dr. Wiet indicated this is an opportunity for private practitioners to work with universities to increase otologic cases. A concern of the ABO is that numbers can be used against otolaryngologists. Dr. Jackler indicated the AJO would be interested in editorials regarding this subject. Next issue for discussion was the ENG course.