The American board of otolaryngology, 1924-1999 75 years of excellence

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the American Board of Otolaryngology ("the Board" or ABO). It has been a productive and innovative 75 years as the Board has strived to elevate the standards of otolaryngology, certify qualified practitioners, protect against unqualified practitioners, and advance the cause of the specialty. Along with American ophthalmologists, otorhinolaryngologists should have considerable pride for the role their specialty has played in introducing board certification to American medicine. The ABO established and maintains a successful certification process that enhances the professional life of its diplomates and provides health care organizations and patients with confirmation of the education, training, and continuing education of practitioners. Otolaryngologists should also be grateful to the ABO for its foresight and tenacity in preserving the specialty's scope of practice against possible diminishment.