By Patricia Gaffney
This article is a part of the March/April 2025, Volume 37, Number 2, Audiology Today issue.
President | American Academy of Audiology
Volunteering for professional organizations has been incredibly rewarding throughout my career. People often ask me about my volunteer service and what motivates me to stay involved. My path to becoming president of the American Academy of Audiology began during my time as an AuD student. I first became engaged by joining the national board for the National Association of Future Doctors of Audiology (NAFDA). Serving on that board allowed me to build relationships with students from programs across the country and with professional advisors. This experience sparked a lasting desire to remain actively involved in the Academy and other professional organizations.
One of the primary benefits of volunteering has been the opportunity to network. My time on the NAFDA board created the foundation to my professional network that supported me throughout my entire career. Many of the colleagues I served with are still part of my professional life today. Over the years, I’ve served on various boards, committees, and task forces, each of which introduced me to new audiologists. These experiences continually expand my network, connecting me with professionals who have diverse roles, interests, and specialties within audiology. This network has provided me with opportunities to ask questions, learn specialized knowledge, and form lasting friendships across the country.
Another significant benefit of volunteering has been the chance to develop new skills and gain a deeper understanding of the audiology profession as a whole. Through my volunteer work, I’ve learned how to plan conferences, build websites, manage budgets and investment reports, create and evaluate Current Procedural Terminology codes, and advocate for audiology services. Additionally, I’ve gained invaluable interpersonal skills, such as understanding and working with different personalities, delegating tasks, leading committees, and listening openly to diverse opinions and perspectives.
It’s important to acknowledge the time commitment involved in volunteering. Free time is precious, and volunteering often requires sacrifices, such as spending evenings or lunch breaks on calls or completing committee work. Recognizing this, many organizations, including the Academy, have been assessing the time demands of volunteer roles. While some positions, such as serving on a board of directors or chairing a conference, require significant time investments, others are short-term “micro-volunteer” opportunities that may last only a couple weeks, such as reviewing abstracts.
I wholeheartedly recommend volunteering with professional organizations, whether at the local, state, or national level. For students and early-career professionals, it’s an invaluable way to learn, network, and help shape the future of audiology. My volunteer experiences have been overwhelmingly positive, and the Academy offers numerous opportunities to contribute to areas you’re passionate about or wish to explore further. Volunteering not only enriches your professional life but also strengthens the audiology community as a whole.
