The award recognizes the accomplishments of an audiologist who has made significant contributions to the profession by promoting the transformation of audiology to a doctoral profession with the Au.D. as its distinctive designator. The award also holds as core values the importance of setting an example for future audiologists as well as excellence in providing quality patient care.
The award honors Dr. David Goldstein, founding chair of the AFA, for his devotion to the improvement of education for future audiologists and the promotion of the Au.D. degree. Goldstein is professor emeritus, audiology, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
Dr. Cieliczka has served as an AFA director as well as an Academy of Dispensing Audiologists (ADA) secretary and president. His committee work for the Conference on Professional Education held by the ADA in 1988 launched the Au.D. movement, the model Au.D. curriculum, and, in turn, the AFA. Cieliczka was also instrumental as a leader among New Hampshire practitioners in obtaining state licensure for audiology for the first time in that state in the late 1990s. He, along with Dr. Peggy Sheets, succeeded in having the Au.D. degree included in that licensure, making it the first state ever to incorporate the Au.D. degree.
"I couldn't be more honored to have Dave Cieliczka win this award," said Goldstein. "He's done wonderful work for our profession and is truly dedicated to giving his patients the best in quality care."
