60 years of the Colombian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery

Abstract

This year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Colombian Association of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, a milestone of great importance for our organization and an opportunity to remember and honor the leading figures and founders of this society.

The current Association was originally established under the name “Colombian Society of Otolaryngology and Bronchoesophagology,” founded on September 26, 1961, in the conference room of UNIDIA (Unit for Diagnosis and Treatment) in Bogotá. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Jorge Suárez Hoyos, and during this gathering the first Board of Directors was elected. The otolaryngologists who spearheaded this initiative were:

Dr. Carlos Cleves Cucalón, President

Dr. Jorge García Gómez, Vice President

Dr. Gustavo Galán G., Secretary General

Dr. Edmundo Lozano C., Secretary General

Drs. Octavio Archila M., Fernando García E., and Félix E. Lozano D., Board Members

These physicians also established the Journal and Publications Committee, composed of Drs. Elpidio Posada, René Álzate, Enrique Cáceres, and Sergio Alvariño, as well as the Committee for International Scientific Relations, formed by Drs. Jaime Gaitán M. and Hernán Reina R. Thanks to their efforts, in August 1962, the first issue (Volume I, Number I) of the journal was published under the title Acta Otorrino-laringológica de Colombia. In 1982, it adopted its current name, Acta de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello, which remains in use today.

Prior to the establishment of this society, otolaryngologists in the country belonged to a joint organization with the specialty of Ophthalmology, as both fields were historically part of a single specialty known as sensory organs. It was through the initiative and vision of these specialists that our independent association was created.

The Colombian Association of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery began with 15 founding members; today, we are proud to have 642 members. Since its inception, our society has aimed to bring together all physicians practicing in this field, defend shared professional interests, develop and unify clinical criteria, and—most importantly—disseminate scientific knowledge and advances to other specialists and physicians in training through academic production and publication.

As otolaryngologists, we face the ongoing challenge of working together to maintain the strong positioning of our specialty, uphold the academic excellence that defines us, and continue building a distinguished national and international reputation.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite all members and otolaryngologists across the country to continue contributing their scientific articles, research, and clinical experience to our journal, in order to honor the legacy entrusted to us, foster its continued growth, and help it achieve greater international reach and recognition.