AAO-HNS Legacy of Excellence 2021

79 A young resident named David R. Nielsen, MD, found himself face-to-face with some of the giants in otolaryngology when he delivered a report to theAcademy Board of Directors for the very first time. The very fact that he was there before them foretold what was yet to come as he became a transformational leader and passionate voice for the specialty, patients, and quality care. On that day back in the early 1980s, he had come to the meeting as the liaison representing a soon-to-be defunct committee tasked with advising the Board on the feasibility of offering financial services and benefits from the Academy to its members. He had no similar experience from which to draw comfort. As he rose to deliver his report, he recalled, “… my voice quivered so much, and I was shaking so violently that one of the senior leaders interrupted me just to calm me down and relieve my discomfort.” Few who came to know Dr. Nielsen later in his career would recognize this nervous young man as the future confident, polished speaker and effective leader he became while guiding the Academy. What was recognizable was his commitment and willingness to put himself out there despite personal inexperience and discomfort to express a fresh and well-considered perspective on the subject at hand. And he was a quick study, who was prepared to persevere. The resident—being very tall, athletic, and of a naturally affable expression—stood out in a room. He exuded sincerity and trustworthiness. In an informal group, it would be easy to gravitate in his direction and having done so, be rewarded with thoughtful conversation and interesting perspectives. Growing up in a large Mormon family, he had been schooled in participation and striving for the communal good. These traits were ultimately of great importance that contributed significantly to his success. The Path Taken Dr. Nielsen had not considered medicine as a career profession until he was about 21 years old and had already completed a year of college and a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Observing the satisfaction and experience of family members and close friends caused him to take a closer look at the medical profession. He had an older brother who applied to medical school, a fiancé whose father was a pediatrician, and a friend who was an orthopedic surgeon who offered him a job working DAVID R. NIELSEN, MD EVP/CEO FROM 2002 -2014 THE EVERYMAN LEADER: ENABLING THE VISION OF QUALITY