EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE | Forging a United Path: The Academy’s Role in Audiology’s Bright Future

By Patrick E. Gallagher

Much like the characters in John Ford’s iconic westerns, we stand at a crossroads, facing challenges that demand grit, determination, and a strong sense of community. To succeed in this new era, we must work together—not just advancing individual specialties or practice settings, but lifting the entire profession. That’s where the American Academy of Audiology comes in—as your partner in blazing new trails for audiology.

Much like sweeping movie epics, the Academy takes a big-picture approach to advancing the profession. Membership in the Academy isn’t just about paying dues—it’s about gaining tools, connections, and opportunities to succeed, while supporting collective action that advances the profession.

Here’s a snapshot of key Academy activities for 2025:

• AAA 2025+HearTECH Expo: The Academy’s annual conference is more than an event—it’s an investment in your professional growth. Attendees gain cutting-edge insights, hands-on experience, and strategies to implement immediately. One attendee shared, “This was an amazing conference! The educational sessions, exhibits, posters, and labs were carefully selected to cater to various levels of expertise. It drives you to continue and strive to provide best practices at all times.” Think of the Academy’s educational programs as your partner to gain the skills to navigate evolving health-care systems and provide evidence-based care. 
  
• Advocacy: The Academy isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, much like when the townsfolk stand up to the corrupt cattle baron. Whether it’s fighting for equitable reimbursement, advocating for recognition of audiologists as hearing and balance care experts, or shaping health-care policies, the Academy is ensuring your voice is heard.
  
• Clinical Practice Guidelines: The Academy’s evidence-based guidelines are your roadmaps for defining what best practice looks like, elevating patient care while giving audiologists a clear goal to rally around.

Here’s a scene you might find familiar: you’ve just provided detailed counseling to a patient, and instead of recognition—or reimbursement—you get the equivalent of a tumbleweed blowing across the clinic floor. It’s a script you’ve been handed too many times, and frankly, it’s time for a rewrite.

If you’ve watched John Ford films, you know it is not uncommon that a family, group, or community will band together to face challenges, proving that strength lies in unity. Audiology is no different. Alone, we face significant barriers. But just like in the movies, where victory depends on the townsfolk banding together, your membership in the Academy allows us to lead the charge to change this narrative. And when we work together, we can bring about real change. 

As a member, you’re part of a community that understands your struggles and works tirelessly to solve them. You’re also contributing to a movement that’s redefining what it means to be an audiologist—one that prioritizes practicing at the top of your scope and securing the recognition audiologists deserve.

Audiology’s future is bright, and the Academy is your partner on this journey. So, what’s your role in this epic tale? To stand with your colleagues, engage with the Academy, and help write the next chapter for your profession. Together, we can ensure that audiology is synonymous with expert care, that every audiologist practices at the top of their scope, and that your profession earns the recognition and reimbursement it deserves.  

By the way, for those not familiar with John Ford, I highly recommend his 1941
classic film How Green Was My Valley—and it’s not even a western.  

Happy Trails!