 |
|
 |
 |
| |
James A. Hadley, MD, FACS
President, ARS
As the American Rhinologic Society begins to celebrate its 50th anniversary, this opportunity affords some reflection on the Society, its background and a brief history of the ARS and its influence in Rhinology.
The ARS began as an outgrowth of courses in rhinology given yearly by a noted physician, Dr. Maurice H. Cottle. After a course in nasal septal surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1954, Dr. Cottle and other influential rhinologists formed the Society in order to promulgate the teaching and training of nasal function, anatomy, rhinologic physiology and reconstructive techniques. Due to his previous work in establishing the teaching courses, Cottle became the first president of the American Rhinologic Society. He was an inspirational thought leader who at this time developed many of the techniques utilized in contemporary nasal septal reconstruction and rhinoplasty. His ideas on improvement of nasal physiology with reduction of airway obstruction continue to serve as a basis for functional surgical techniques.
"The American Rhinologic society was organized for the accumulation and dissemination of scientific knowledge in the field of Rhinology, and to engender original investigation and to stimulate interest in all phases of this branch of medicine." Prior to the teachings of Cottle and others, surgery of the nasal septum had fallen into disrepute following poor results. Through the teachings, research and innovative procedures established by the Society, Rhinology was raised from obscurity to an equal level with the fields of otology and laryngology.
Not unlike other medical societies, the American Rhinologic Society began slowly in number of members and influence on its sister societies. In 1957, after the 6th International Congress of Otorhinolaryngology in Washington, DC, the American Rhinologic Society gave its first course in nasal surgery at Yale University. Over the subsequent years, the Society continued to give courses in postgraduate reconstructive surgical procedures of the nasal septum and external pyramid.
These courses were given in many different cities around the US and also internationally. After a meeting in Kyoto, in 1964, Cottle and others established the International Rhinology Society. This brought together numerous rhinologists from throughout the world.
Continuing on its mission of education, the American Rhinologic Society grew slowly until the mid-1980s. However, with teachings of Dr. David Kennedy along with the introduction of physiologic principles of sinonasal disorders, there was a shift in the scientific focus of the Society. A dramatic resurgence of rhinologic interest occurred at this time paralleling the development of endoscopic techniques and establishment of physiologic principles of sinus.
The scientific and educational emphasis of the ARS changed from surgery of the nasal septum and pyramid to physiologic principles of the paranasal sinuses and new endoscopic surgical techniques. These new principles based on endoscopic evaluation brought from Europe to the US by Dr. Kennedy radically changed the focus of the Society. The comprehension of these newer scientific principles gave Rhinologists insight into the improvement of the patient's symptoms with a better understanding of how the sinuses function. Endoscopic evaluation opened the door to improved research in rhinologic disorders as rhinologic physicians could now "see" the reasons for their patient's complaints.
The ARS grew rapidly in membership during the early 1990s as more otolaryngologists witnessed the educational endeavors of the scientific meetings in conjunction with the other societal meetings. Under the tutelage of Kennedy and others in his footsteps, the American Rhinologic Society had continued to grow and prosper and now represents the premier international rhinologic medical society.
As President, I have had the distinct honor to serve this year and to enjoy the collegiality of the other Directors of the Society in addition to the many members. I sincerely wish that all who read this will participate in the excellent educational forum planned by the Program Committee for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the American Rhinologic Society.
|
|
|
|
|
