ANDREW BLITZER, MD

Receiving the James E. Newcomb Award will always be a treasured moment in my life. I thought that being elected to the prestigious American Laryngological Association was the highest honor, but to be recognized by this elite group for my work is the pinnacle of my career.

I need to thank several people who have helped to shape and mold my career: Dr Melvin Moss, dean emeritus of the School of Dental and Oral Surgery of Columbia University, who taught me the glory of scholarship and research; Dr Max Som, who intrigued me with the functioning of the larynx and voice; Dr Hugh Biller, my program director, who taught me how to operate efficiently and how to think logically; Dr William Lawson, who shared his unending intellectual curiosity and tireless work ethic; Dr John Conley, who shared with me many things, including the finesse and art of head and neck surgery; and Dr Maxwell Abramson, who taught me how to critically read and write, and how to be a clinical research scientist.

I would like to thank each and every member of the ALA for this distinguished honor, and I cherish all of the friendships I have made with other ALA members.