By Patricia Gaffney
This article is a part of the September/October 2025, Volume 37, Number 5, Audiology Today issue.
President
If you don’t know me yet, this is my last opportunity to say hello (and goodbye) as the president of the American Academy of Audiology. I am from the suburbs of Philadelphia, a city known for many things, including being the birthplace of American independence. It is a place steeped in history and “firsts,” and that legacy holds a special place in the hearts of many Philadelphians. But Philly has not stayed stuck in its past. Surrounding its historic landmarks are modern skyscrapers, symbols of progress and reinvention. I see parallels in our profession. The history of audiology is meaningful and deserves reflection, but we cannot remain anchored in the past. The audiology of the 1970s and 1980s is not the audiology of the 2020s and beyond. We face new challenges that demand we stay agile: rapid technological advances, shifting public perceptions of health care, funding cuts, and research limitations. To thrive, we must face these challenges together.
The other thing about Philly is that you’ll find Philadelphians are loyal like no other (just ask any Eagles fan). That fierce loyalty is exactly how I feel about audiology. I am grateful that I chose this profession. Like many of you, I’ve ridden its highs and lows, but I’ve never doubted its value. Audiology offers so much: meaningful patient care, diverse specialties, growing job opportunities, and the chance to shape the next generation through teaching and research.
Over the past year, one of the biggest privileges I’ve had during my presidency is the time and opportunity to connect with leaders from other audiology organizations, state academies, and members from across the country. Those conversations were grounded in trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to lifting the profession. I saw firsthand what can happen when we listen more, collaborate more, and assume good intent. But then I log into my email or scroll through social media posts and see something different: distrust, finger-pointing, and fearmongering. The work of fellow audiologists is questioned, organizational efforts are dismissed, and valuable ideas are ignored simply because they came from someone not “well-known.”
We talk a lot about how much we want patients to trust us, but do we trust each other?
Progress requires unity. We will not be effective in our endeavors unless we are working together. Differences in opinions can generate stronger outcomes, but this requires us to trust and work together. We grow stronger when we recognize that our shared purpose is greater than any single perspective. We all want what’s best for our profession and our patients. Let us extend to each other the same trust and respect we seek in return.
As I pass the torch, I remain fiercely loyal to this profession and deeply hopeful about where we can go together. Every day is a new reminder for me to take a moment to pause before reacting to what is in front of my eyes, process the information, and try to find a strategic path forward. I look forward to continuing my service to the Academy and to the profession in various roles. This experience is something I will never forget, and I am profoundly grateful to the Academy membership for giving me the opportunity to serve as your president.
Patricia Gaffney, AuD, MPH
President
