Abstract
The Michigan Oto-Laryngological Society (MOS) is this year's recipient of the Board of Governors (BOG) Model Society Award. This society and its 200 members, led by current President Carol Bradford, MD, have effectively worked to address issues that affect their patients and the specialty. In the past year, MOS has exemplified a BOG model society by its advocacy, education, and carrier relations activities.
MOS leadership was instrumental in passing SB 206, Michigan's new audiology licensing law. This more than two-year collaborative effort resulted in legislation that balanced the overdue need for audiology licensure with appropriate patient protection to ensure quality care. MOS Past-Presidents Michael Seidman, MD, and Jeffrey Weingarten, MD, were the driving force behind this grassroots legislative initiative, dedicating countless hours developing and promoting a model bill for the best interests of patients. On May 7, 2004, this hard work culminated with Governor Jennifer Granholm enacting SB 206 into law.
MOS is also involved in furthering its members' continuing education. The Society holds quarterly meetings that offer attendees up to eight CME credits. These meetings update members on new developments in the specialty and allow participants to cultivate professional relationships with colleagues. In addition to its continuing education programs, MOS works to educate its members and their office personnel about ever-changing reimbursement procedures by offering a coding seminar at its annual meeting. Through efforts spearheaded by Arthur Rosner, MD, MOS has also facilitated a dialogue to discuss reimbursements with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Through these programs, MOS meets the critical needs of its members.
The Michigan Oto-Laryngological Society's achievements are a testament to its commitment to exhibiting effective leadership, instituting AAO-HNS programs, and furthering AAO-HNS goals through active participation in the BOG. The Model Society award will be presented to MOS during the 2004 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO's Opening Ceremony in September 2004, New York, New York.