All Things Must Pass

Opinion Editorial by Douglas L. Beck, AuD

Dear Readers:

This is my final assignment as Web content editor for the American Academy of Audiology (Academy).

In 2008, I had the honor of being nominated to assume the position previously held by my dear friend and colleague Dr. Jerry Northern. Talk about large shoes to fill!  Jerry was then, and is now, a luminary and one of my favorite authors and lecturers in our profession. I cannot thank him enough for the inspiration, knowledge, sincerity and humor he’s shared with me (and all of you!) for decades.

But back to 2008…Frankly, I recall some controversy as my nomination for Web Content Editor was debated and discussed—the thought of someone from “industry” filling the shoes of Dr. Northern was a frightening proposition for some. When I learned about the controversy, it became a bit uncomfortable for me, too. I considered withdrawing my name from candidacy for Web Content Editor.

Fortunately, the leadership at Academy held fast to my nomination. My boss at my “day job” (Peer Lauritsen, President of Oticon Inc.) encouraged me to wait it out and stay the course. Peer was confident I would be able to produce the vast quantity of un-biased materials of the caliber and quality the Web content editor position demanded.

I waited.

Eventually the debate was over and I became the Web content editor for the Academy. It was exhilarating and yes, I was more than a little humbled. Since that time, we’ve published some 800 “In The News” abstracts, approximately 175 interviews and many opinion/editorials.

It’s been a great ride.

Nonetheless, I’ve decided to end my tenure as Web content editor at the end of 2015 to free up some time (lots of time, actually!) for family, and to pursue my musical and motorcycle hobbies…and to allow others the opportunity to create content for the Academy, a responsibility which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these past 7 years.

Rather than producing an almost-daily item for Academy publication, I’ll be writing a once-a–month column as senior editor of clinical research at the Hearing Review as of January 1, 2016.

Best wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and joyful 2016, and thanks for allowing me to participate as Web content editor during these pivotal and joyous years.

Doug

Douglas L. Beck,  AuD
Board Certified Audiologist
Web Content Editor
American Academy of Audiology
2008-2015