WIO’s work is carried out through five standing committees. Each committee welcomes members who want to contribute their time, expertise, and perspective to advancing women in otolaryngology.
Communications
The Communications Committee keeps WIO members informed and engaged by developing timely, relevant communications across AAO-HNS platforms. The committee ensures that WIO’s activities, initiatives, and accomplishments are represented in Academy publications and member-facing channels.
Endowment
The Endowment Committee is responsible for developing, overseeing, and implementing fundraising strategies to maintain and grow the WIO Endowment Fund—the financial foundation that makes annual grants possible. Committee members play a direct role in sustaining WIO’s ability to support research and professional development for women in the specialty.
Leadership Development and Mentorship
This committee works to establish and sustain meaningful mentorship opportunities for women across all career stages within the AAO-HNS. It also identifies and implements programs that provide leadership skills training and create pathways for emerging women leaders—both within WIO and in the broader medical profession.
Program and Awards
The Program and Awards Committee develops high-quality programming for the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting, plans the annual WIO General Assembly, and administers WIO’s award programs—including the Helen F. Krause, MD Trailblazer Award and the Exemplary Senior Trainee Award. The committee is also responsible for identifying new ways to recognize outstanding contributions to WIO and the specialty.
Research and Survey
The Research and Survey Committee monitors priorities and issues identified as important by women AAO-HNS members, conducts surveys, and reports on the status of women in otolaryngology. This committee’s work provides the data and evidence base that informs WIO’s advocacy and programming decisions.
