Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service:
Richard Wagner, MD

Dr. Wagner received his MD from the University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1983, completed an internship in general surgery at Huntington Memorial Hospital, Pasadena, CA, a residency in general surgery there, and a residency in otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, NY. For many years he practiced general otolaryngology in Las Vegas, NV, until he retired to pursue humanitarian work in 2001. In 2000, he helped found Global ENT Outreach (GEO), a humanitarian organization that treats ear disease in underserved populations around the world. Director of GEO since 2003, Dr. Wagner has performed surgeries in Ethiopia, and most recently has directed his efforts to South America. He has established temporal bone laboratories in Honduras, and has made trips to El Salvador, Ecuador, Peru, and American Samoa to perform and teach surgery. Recently his organization has partnered with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), a German foundation that is helping to fund a new temporal bone laboratory in Lima, Peru. He has also been working with the CBM to establish a national hearing screening program and ear clinic for underserved people in this region. Dr. Wagner has lectured extensively on clinical and academic topics and contributed to articles in numerous publications. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes Dr. Wagner's tireless efforts to deliver medical care to those who would not otherwise be able to receive it.

Jerome C. Goldstein, MD, Public Service Award:
G. Paul Doxey, MD

Dr. Doxey is the president and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Doctors' Volunteer Clinic in St. George, UT. Since founding the multidisciplinary clinic in 1999, Dr. Doxey and his team have worked tirelessly, keeping the clinic open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to provide free care and medication to uninsured local residents. In addition to running the clinic, Dr. Doxey is a past president of the Utah Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the Washington County Medical Society. For his public service efforts, he has received awards that include "Community Service Volunteer of the Year (1999)," "Doctor of the Year" (2000 and 2003), and "Distinguished Service" Utah Medical Association (2002).  He was recognized in 2009 by Utah's Governor in the "State of the State" address for his work in providing healthcare to the uninsured residents of Utah.  After ENT training at the University of Utah, Dr. Doxey has been in solo practice for 24 years—nine years in Salt Lake City and 15 years in Saint George.  He is also known throughout the community as the founding member and guitarist in the "Rok Dox," a rock band of local physicians. Dr. Doxey is being recognized with the AAO-HNS Public Service Award for his commitment and achievements in service to improve public welfare. 

Holt Leadership Award:
Spencer C. Payne, MD
 
Dr. Payne graduated from SUNY at Stony Brook School of Medicine in 2001, and has shown strength as a young leader throughout his career. Acknowledged during medical school for his contribution to the improvement of student life, he actively participated in student government and his school's admissions committee. As a resident in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, he chaired House Staff Council and regularly met with the hospital's administration to work on improving multiple aspects of its health system. Dr. Payne has also remained involved with his state medical society and the American Medical Association. His involvement in the Academy began early in his residency through his participation in the Section for Residents and Fellows (SRF). He initially served as the information officer, was later elected chair of the SRF, and in the following year, provided valuable guidance and support to the section as immediate past chair. Dr. Payne continues to be involved with resident education and research by contributing to peer-reviewed publications, taking part in studies, presenting lectures, and belonging to numerous professional societies. Currently, he is an assistant professor of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. He will be recognized at the 2009 annual meeting for exemplifying the attributes of a young leader—honesty, integrity, fairness, advocacy, and enthusiasm.