American Head and Neck Society

On May 13, 1998, The American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) became the single largest organization in North America for the advancement of research and education in head and neck oncology. The merger of two societies, the American Society for Head and Neck Surgery and the Society of Head and Neck Surgeons, formed the American Head and Neck Society.

The contributions made by the two societies forming the AHNS are significant in the history of surgery in the United States. Dr. Hayes Martin conceived the Society of Head and Neck Surgeons in 1954, a surgeon considered by many to be the "father of modern head and neck tumor surgery." The purpose of the society was to exchange and advance the scientific knowledge relevant to the surgery of head and neck tumors (exclusive of brain surgery) with an emphasis on cancer of the head and neck. Two years later, The American Society for Head and Neck Surgery was organized with the goal to "facilitate and advance knowledge relevant to surgical treatment of diseases of the head and neck, including reconstruction and rehabilitation; promote advancement of the highest professional and ethical standards as they pertain to the practice of major head and neck surgery; and to honor those who have made major contributions in the field of head and neck surgery, or have aided in its advancement".

The new Society remains dedicated to the common goals of its parental organizations.