Passing the Torch: A Year of Achievements at the ABA

Hello! It is my hope that you are finding some ways to rest and recharge this summer. Here in Phoenix, we are facing another weekend of 115-degree temperatures, so we are just looking for ways to cool off! As an educational audiologist, I am just heading back to school, energized and ready to get back to a job that I love, making sure the students hear their teachers.

I also hope that you have had some time in the past couple of weeks to follow some of the pageantry, excitement and competition of the Olympic Games in Paris! I always appreciate the way the nations come together to embrace and celebrate these incredible athletes. One aspect of the Olympics that I enjoy is watching the torch be passed from country to country, well before the games begin, symbolizing the transition from the previous host city to the current one.

At the ABA, the summer also marks a transition of leadership, as our new year of service on the board begins in October. Therefore, this will be my last chair message to you, as I “pass the torch” to the very capable hands of my friend and colleague, Carrie Meyer, AuD. You will enjoy and appreciate her energetic and thoughtful leadership.

I am pleased to reflect on all that was accomplished by the ABA this past year. We were approved by the Academy Board of Directors to move forward with the development of a much-anticipated vestibular certification program, and we continue to improve upon our pediatric certification as well as the tinnitus management and preceptor certificates. A team of ambitious board members developed a series of “baseball cards” which highlight the requirements for audiology practice in each state. Also included are cards that help an individual present these requirements to preceptors and employers. Dr. Meyer and I had the pleasure of debuting these cards at the SAA Conference in Atlanta, and you can find a link to a digital version of each card on our website. Finally, we had the absolute pleasure of celebrating the 25th anniversary of the ABA Certified credential with some delicious treats and a lot of good friends at the Expo Hall in Atlanta in April 2024.

Thank you for remaining committed to the highest level of care in audiology. Together we are better, as we strive daily to improve the quality of life for the patients we serve. I look forward to another year on the ABA Board, as immediate past chair, beginning in October.

Best regards,

Kristin Samuelson, AuD, ABAC
Chair, American Board of Audiology