Priorities Shape Our Choices

By Patrick Gallagher

If you were able to have the power to make one change to the audiology profession, what would be the top priority for you, and your profession?

As executive director of the American Academy of Audiology, what matters most to you, is what matters most to me.

Thanks for clicking on this first video update, where I will provide you with regular updates on our strategic priorities, accomplishments, and issues affecting the audiology profession.

Two weeks ago, we sent an email to Academy members asking if the Academy strategic priorities were aligned with your goals as audiology professionals and audiology students. Thirty percent (30%) of you who responded said you weren’t familiar with the strategic priorities, so allow me to briefly explain.

Last year, the Academy initiated a new strategic plan to help us focus on the core priorities that benefit you, the member. The priorities are designed to DELIVER VALUE to all Academy members and are as follows:

1. ADVOCATE for appropriate valuation and payment of all audiology services for optimal patient-audiologist driven care.
2. INCREASE member connection within the Academy to foster an inclusive community.
3. BE the nationally recognized experts for evidence-based guidance in hearing and balance health care.
4. DIVERSIFY the Academy’s financial opportunities to enhance value-added member benefits

We are carefully reviewing the comments from each of you, and plan to touch on your areas of interest in upcoming videos as many of your comments are reflected in the Academy’s strategic goals. For example, we heard from several of you that you’d like to see more involvement in ensuring reimbursement for audiology services or better recognition that audiologists are the most knowledgeable hearing healthcare providers, and also the need for greater adherence to providing evidence-based care. 

In future videos, I will provide you with context for each priority, and resources to learn more and get involved, and also solicit your input on what you want to see from your Academy. Thank you for your Academy membership.

See you next time!