The Opening Ceremony is one of the most exciting events of the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, with its pageantry, passing the torch of leadership, addressing the current events and the latest trends in the specialty, medicine, and healthcare, and honoring member accomplishments and contributions.

Festivities of the Opening Ceremony from 8:00 am–9:30 am, Sunday, October 4, will include the stirring presentation of colors, a delightful presentation of classical music by world-renowned guitarist Richardo Cobo from Colombia, speeches, and awards. A key moment in the Opening Ceremony will be the official passing of the Presidential Medallion from the 2008-2009 AAO-HNS President David W. Kennedy, MD, to 2009-2010 AAO-HNS President Ronald R. Kuppersmith, MD, MBA.

Among the key addresses delivered during the Opening Ceremony will be the John Conley Lecture on Medical Ethics presented by Arthur Caplan, PhD, voted one of the "50 Smartest People on the Planet" by Discovery magazine. Dr. Caplan is the Emanuel and Robert Hart Professor of Bioethics, Center for Bioethics, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

In addition to Dr. Caplan, Drs. Kennedy and Kuppersmith and AAO-HNS Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer David R. Nielsen, MD, will highlight Academy achievements in the medical field, including the advancement of otolaryngology research, continued development of clinical guidelines, and major successes in the policy arena. Academy speakers will emphasize how the Academy carries a big voice in the medical community despite its small numbers because of the steadfast, dedicated advocacy work on the behalf of the specialty.

This advocacy work comes from the contributions of Academy member volunteers whose achievements will be recognized during the Opening Ceremony. These achievements will be recognized through the presentation of the Goldstein Public Service Award, the Holt Leadership Award, the Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Efforts, and Distinguished Service and Honor Awards.