American Academy of Otolaryngology

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is one of the largest of the world's many professional associations for medical specialists, with nearly 12,000 specialists in the area of otolaryngology (otorhinolaryngology) (caring for the ears, nose, and throat) and surgery of the head and neck.

The organization began in 1896 as the Western Ophthalmological, Otological, Laryngological and Rhinological Association ("Western" referred to the Western United States). In 1898, the association became known as the Western Ophthalmologic and Oto-Laryngologic Association. In 1903, it was renamed again to reflect its nationwide membership as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology (AAOO).

By 1962 there was recognition that the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology were diverging enough to warrant separate professional associations. By the early 1970s, some separation of offices and functions was in place.

The AAOO was incorporated in 1978, and was dissolved the following year after the membership voted to create an American Academy of Otolaryngology and an American Academy of Ophthalmology in its stead. The American Academy of Otolaryngology existed for 2 years before adding "Head and Neck Surgery" to its name, yielding the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery in 1980.

In 1981, the American Council of Otolaryngology (ACO), which had formed in the 1960s for purposes outside the scope of the original educational organization (such as lobbying), merged with the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

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