The International Society for Otitis Media (ISOM) is a
non-profit organization that provides an international forum to
advance the frontiers of research, education, and patient care
as they relate to otitis media. ISOM achieves this mission
by (a) disseminating information about otitis media, (b)
supporting, coordinating, and enhancing efforts to improve
communication and collaboration among Society members, related
disciplines, and related societies, (c) facilitating otitis
media research by creating and exchanging knowledge, (d)
sponsoring meetings at which those interested in otitis media
can present new research, identify research needs, and work
collaboratively to promote optimal clinical management, and (e)
expanding the otitis media research community through outreach
and training.
P
I am extremely honored to serve as President
for ISOM from 2023-2025. Otitis media is the most common disease
of childhood, and according to the WHO is the world’s leading
cause of disabling hearing loss.
It is a complex and multifactorial disorder, involving
many etiological factors, diverse global geographic and cultural
regions, as well as several medical specialties.
ISOM was therefore founded to provide a unifying forum
for research innovation, scientific interaction and
cross-specialty pollination.
It serves not only clinicians and investigators but, more
importantly, children from across the globe who suffer from this
condition.
A major function of
ISOM is the organization of biannual international otitis media
symposia. These
symposia unite leaders in otitis media diagnosis, treatment and
research from all medical fields and corners of the world into a
single, highly interactive, and collegial scientific forum.
The meetings provide the ability to learn and to engage
in scientific exchange between different otitis media research
and clinical groups.
The Society regularly surveys research in various aspects of
otitis media and publishes reports on important advances and
future opportunities. Committees of ISOM foster research and
educational opportunities in the field.
ISOM is, and will continue to be, a place where a wide
range of individuals learn from each other and work together to
improve the care of children with otitis media.
ISOM has served this purpose throughout my own
professional life. As President I will work to repay the Society
for this critical support, and to enhance our mission of
advancing otitis media knowledge and care.
Additional information about ISOM
leaders can be found on our website:
With best regards,
Allen F Ryan, PhD
ISOM President
Professor and Director of Research
Department of Otolaryngology
The University of California, San Diego
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