Conley Lecture: James L. Netterville, MD

James L. Netterville, MD, AAO-HNS/F Past President and 2021 Hall of Distinction Inductee

Saturday, October 11 , 8:00 – 9:00 am (ET), presented during the Opening Ceremony

The Discouraging Maze of Medical Ethics: How Can We Make a Difference?

James L. Netterville, MD, has been with the Department of Otolaryngology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center since 1986. As the Mark C. Smith professor of otolaryngology and director of the Division of Head and Neck Surgery, he promotes education and research in both voice disorders and head and neck oncologic surgery, his specialty. In addition, he is the associate director of the Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences.

After graduating from Lipscomb University, Dr. Netterville attended the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, where he became “extremely inspired by the depth and breadth of otolaryngology.” Later during a fellowship at the University of Iowa, training under senior professors in the specialty, he focused on a career in academic medicine.

Dr. Netterville has dedicated his life and career to educating and training future otolaryngologists and serving in humanitarian efforts. He organized many humanitarian missions during his career and was awarded the AAO-HNSF Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service in 2004. He served as an At-Large member of the Boards of Directors and was subsequently elected and served as President of the AAO-HNS/F from 2012 to 2013 where he was involved in global education, the Choosing Wisely® campaign, and the “Community of Otolaryngology” promotion.

In addition to the Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service, Dr. Netterville has received numerous honors throughout his career, including the 2009 AAO-HNS Board of Governors Practitioner Excellence Award, the 2009 Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine; the 2012 Joseph H. Ogura, MD, Lecturer from the Triological Society; the 2013 deRoaldes Fund & Award from the American Laryngological Association; the Candle Award for Teaching and Mentoring from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; and the 2010 5-Star Patient Satisfaction Award for Overall Quality of Doctor Care from Professional Research Consultants. He has been an honored guest and medical consultant in countries around the world, including Australia, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, Mexico, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.

About the lecture

The John Conley, MD Lecture on Medical Ethics is based on Dr. Conley’s passion for head and neck surgery and dedication to the highest standard of ethical behavior from physicians. Past lecturers include heads of state, government leaders, and prominent medical leaders.