November 2010

As we near the holidays, I am in disbelief that we are about to put a cap on 2010.   It has been an honor to serve as academy president this year.  Your SCAA board has finalized a new scholarship and the Tony Whitson clinical award.  We will introduce the first recipients at our annual meeting in January.   Our appreciation for all of those who contributed to these programs.

It is well known by this time that the Tax Realignment Commission (TRAC) has included hearing aids in proposed state legislation for taxation.  We were aware of this possibility earlier this year and have attended meetings and monitored  the issue as it progresses.  Despite all efforts, this legislation is likely to be introduced in January.  Nevertheless, it is our intent to block the taxation of hearing devices as it would limit access of care to our patients.  I encourage all members to download and use the petition on our website and contact your legislators to let them know your position.

We have continued to introduce audiology as a career to those in middle and high school.  I know that we have been represented at various career fairs in the state.  If you are interested in promoting our field, SCAA has a display board and handouts from our national academy that can help to get you going.

Brian Curtis is your incoming SCAA president in 2011 and has organized a great program for our annual convention.  You will notice a wider variety of presenters this year.  Please see the SCAA 2011 brochure on this website for presentation times and other details.  He has also instated a private practitioner forum on Friday evening by request.   Please note that all members are welcome to attend that function.

I hope that all is well and look forward to seeing you in a couple of months. 

Best regards,
Todd Gibson, Au.D.
SCAA 2010 President

3/16/2010

Hello All,

Well, the past year flew by and we already have the first part of 2010 under our belts.  SCAA convention 2010 was a success and I would like to thank our featured speakers Dave Fabry and Gloria Garner once again for their interesting and creative presentations.    In addition, I would like to congratulate Ginny Corley as this year’s recipient of the Betsy Wade award.  She is truly deserving of this distinction.  Of course, thank you to Kelly Payne for her role as SCAA president this past year and the others who will be rotating off the board.  We appreciate your hard work.

The SCAA board will continue to work on various issues this year.  We are currently near completion on a scholarship program and will provide details on this project in the near future.  Also, we have added an award of clinical excellence this year to honor our first president, Tony Whitson.   He will surely be missed.    

Looking ahead, President-Elect Brian Curtis continues to plan for our 2011 meeting and welcomes any suggestions or comments that can help to improve our conference to meet the needs of our members and all who attend.  Brian already has some new ideas to make it a unique learning experience for all.  To this end, the board is also considering other measures to make it a more cost effective event.

As a profession, we have seen considerable changes in the past few years.   With continuing population changes, audiologists are poised to be an important part of the healthcare landscape.  I encourage all members, regardless of setting, to continue to be involved and make your voice heard.  This year we will continue to encourage students to choose audiology as their future profession through the South Carolina Junior Academy of  Science and the mentoring program initiated by the American Academy of Audiology.  To find out how you can become involved please contact me through this site.

I look forward to a productive year.   Stay up to date via our website.  Lets continue to grow SCAA.

Todd Gibson, Au.D.
SCAA President 2010