Become a Member  

Application Process
The AAOA Secretary reviews all membership applications and makes recommendations for consideration to the AAOA Board of Directors and, subsequently, the AAOA voting members.

During the AAOA's Annual Meeting, the AAOA voting members convene to vote on new member candidates. In order to be considered, applications must be complete 45 days prior to the annual business meeting (estimate July 31st).

Once a complete application is processed, new member candidates will be eligible for member discounts while the application is under consideration.

Application fees are non-refundable and must be received (US dollars only) prior to consideration.

Call 202-955-5010 or email (membership@aaoaf.org) for more information on the AAOA and membership benefits or download and complete the membership application form.

Membership Categories

Fellow (Dues: $375/year)
In order to attain the status of Fellow, a candidate must pass a rigorous oral and written exam, demonstrating his/her competence in the field of immunology and otolaryngic allergy. To be eligible to sit for the exam, one must be Board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology or other American Otolaryngology Boards as determined in the AAOA’s Rules & Regulations; be a member of the AAOA for a minimum of one year; have a practice limited to otolaryngology; and have completed 1 AAOA Basic Course, 1 AAOA Advanced Course, and 40 hours additional hours of AAOA – sponsored continuing medical education within the previous five years. The Fellow Exam Application Deadline is April 1st annually.

Associate (Dues/Application Fee: $375)
Open to American Board of Otolaryngology certified/eligible otolaryngologists or other American Otolaryngology Boards as determined in the AAOA’s Rules & Regulations, who have an active practice in otolaryngology.

Academic Associate (Dues/Application Fee: $225)
Open to American Board of Otolaryngology certified/eligible otolaryngologists or other American Otolaryngology Boards as determined in the AAOA’s Rules & Regulations. In addition, the applicant must verify full-time Academic status at an ACGME accredited Otolaryngology or Osteopathic training program.

Military Associate (Dues/Application Fee: $225)
Open to American Board of Otolaryngology certified/eligible otolaryngologists or other American Otolaryngology Boards as determined in the AAOA’s Rules & Regulations. In addition, the applicant must provide documentation of active military status. A letter from the applicant’s superior officer is required with the application.

Resident (One-Time Dues: $45 /lifetime of residency)
Open to residents currently enrolled in an ACGME/American Board of Otolaryngology-approved or American Board of Osteopathy-approved otolaryngology residency program or other approved training programs as outlined in the Rules & Regulations. A letter of recommendation from the training program director is required with the application. After graduation, we encourage our Resident members to upgrade to Associate-level membership, which comes with additional benefits.

Resident Members can apply for travel grants for the Basic Course, Advanced Course, and the Annual Scientific Meeting. For more information on Resident Travel and Research Grants, please click here.

Allied Health (Dues/Application fee: $175)
Open to individuals who currently work for an active AAOA physician member as an otolaryngic allergy physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse, technician, administrator, or other paramedical personnel at the time of their application and every year there after.

Discounts & Benefits
As a member, you will be eligible for registration fee discounts on all AAOA CME functions and all of our patient education and practice management resources. These savings alone can offset most or all of your dues.

All AAOA Members can also apply for Research Grants, applications are due on a bi-annual cycle of June 30th and December 31st. For more information on AAOA Research Grants, please click here.

Publications
Members of the AAOA receive the AAOA Today newsletter quarterly. This communication tool updates members on issues related to the specialty, both socioeconomic and educational; actions by the Board of Directors; research grant funding; and educational course opportunities and registration materials.

International Forum on Allergy & Rhinology is the official journal of the AAOA and its Foundation. This new journal launched in 2011. As an AAOA member, you will receive print issues of this journal and have online access as part of your dues.

Professional Development
Connect with a network of over 2700 otolaryngic allergy healthcare providers to share knowledge and experience to help advance your skills in patient care.

The AAOA offers several CME programs yearly:
  • Basic Course in Otolaryngic Allergy & Immunology (Summer)
  • Core Basic Course/MOC Review Course (Winter)
  • Advanced Course in Otolaryngic Allergy & Immunology (Winter)
  • Resident Education Forum (Winter)
  • Annual Scientific Program, which includes scientific papers, AAOA Foundation-funded research, panels, workshops, and instruction courses, among other offerings (Fall)

Our courses are strategically placed to allow easier access from all parts of the country. Members presenting papers at the annual meeting are eligible for the Sam Sanders Award in either Basic or Clinical Science.

Residents are eligible for travel grants for both the courses and the annual meeting. Residents who are presenting papers at the annual meeting received prioritized eligibility considerations for travel grants.  These resident presenters are considered for the Resident Research Award, as well.

Advocacy
Yearly, the AAOA expends an enormous amount of volunteer-leader and staff time and expertise promoting and defending the scope and practice of otolaryngology, recognizing allergy as a core component.

Limited to active members, the AAOA will make every effort to assist on reimbursement, scope of practice, and other payer-related issues affecting the practice of otolaryngology and patient access to care. The AAOA has been successful in modifying how carriers interpret and reimburse common allergy diagnostic and therapeutic techniques such as IDT and in vitro testing, as well as working directly with CMS on Medicare issues.  As members of the AMA House of Delegates, the AAOA has a seat on the AMA CPT panel, opportunities to participate in the Relative Value Update and Practice Expense Advisory panels, and serves on the Physician Consortium on Practice Guidelines (PCPI).  This voice helps us to work on behalf of our members and their patients.

The AAOA took lead role in creating the Sinus and Allergy Health Partnership (SAHP). As an otolaryngic advocacy campaign, the AAOA is joined forces with the American Rhinologic Society and the American Academy of Otolaryngology –Head and Neck Surgery to promote the unique expertise otolaryngologists have in treating patients with sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and related disorders.  Concluding its activities in 2010, the SAHP was successful on many advocacy fronts, and undertook several key initiatives to educate primary care of the role of otolaryngology in managing upper respiratory disease.

Patient Education
To assist you with your patient education and marketing outreach to patients and potential patients, the AAOA has several patient education brochures available for download.
Membership