Conference Updates from Tracy Swanson, AuD, 2018 Conference Committee Chair Speaker: David Fabry, PhD

One of our conference speakers is David Fabry, PhD, Chief Innovation Officer for Starkey Hearing Technologies.

Dr. Fabry is a Past President of AAA, and also was formerly Chief of Audiology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Auditory Society, and also is the Editor-in-Chief of Audiology Today.

Occasionally when I am scrolling through the eAudiology learning sessions, I run into a real attention grabber. That is just what I felt before I signed up for Dr. Fabry’s presentation on “Disrupt Audiology.” The session was as interesting and thought-provoking as I had hoped.

I’m delighted he was able to join us for our inaugural session. His updated presentation, scheduled for Friday, October 5, 2018, at 8:00 A.M., is titled: Disrupt Audiology: Threats (and Opportunities) provided by the inevitable impact of technology on our future. Disruptive innovation is a term that was first coined by Clayton Christiansen some twenty years ago when he wrote his classic book, “The Innovator’s Dilemma.” This session will begin by providing definitions and examples of disruptive technology, and then focus on how Audiology might be impacted. Specifically, we will discuss the “perfect storm” of technology, changing patient demographics, and changing distribution models on audiological practice. PSAPs, legislative issues, patient engagement, support personnel, and other topics will be included – audience participation is encouraged!

This topic could not be more timely and appropriate for these changing times in Audiology.

See you there! (CEU there)

– Tracy Swanson, 2018 Conference Committee Chair