Member Perspective on AAOA Value

by Dole Baker, MD, FAAOA

Having been a long-time member of the AAOA, recent upgrades in the AAOA member benefits make me pause to consider the value. 

Most medical societies offer journals and CME.  It is par for the course.  What I like as an AAOA member is how they augment the standard member value.   As a long proponent of including the Annual Meeting registration as part of the dues, I have been pleased to see how much the rest of you also value that.  While for some it may seem like a shell game, the numbers show it has helped to increase engagement.  Engagement with peers is what drives me to get on a plane to go to meetings.  So, I definitely appreciate this benefit. 

The newest member benefit is an affinity program with USENT. Skeptical at first, I was curious to see what this new affiliation got me as an individual AAOA member. Like many of you, I was not keen to review my prior year invoices to see where I fall in the affinity program.  We are all busy, and this seemed like yet another administrative task. 

Let me tell you, it was definitely worth my time.  Based on projections, my practice will save just over 25% in my allergy and antigen expenses. Plus, through the AAOA Affinity program, I can participate with any of the USENT vendors I choose. So my overall savings will translate into tremendous cost savings.   As a solo practitioner, this is huge. 

I want to thank the AAOA for thinking outside of the box as it considers how best to support us as members.  This was not something I was looking for, but the opportunity has given me something I could not achieve on my own. 

Look forward to seeing many of you in Las Vegas for the Annual Meeting!