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FEBRUARY 2025
2024 Year in Review
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Transforming Otolaryngology Excellence | |
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José P. Zevallos, MD, MPH, FACS
The Eugene N. Myers Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Interim Deputy Director,
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
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It is a tremendous privilege to share the work of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery over the last year, and to highlight the remarkable advances that we have made in our fight against head and neck cancer, hearing loss, and other related otolaryngologic conditions. This has been a year of continued clinical and research growth for the Department. I am proud to say that with the support of the Eye & Ear Foundation, we have successfully recruited some of the best surgeons and scientists from across the United States to Pittsburgh. Our recruitment reflects key priorities for the Department, including providing world-class clinical care and conducting groundbreaking translational research. The success of the Department is being recognized.
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Research and Clinical Excellence | |
From North Dakota to Pittsburgh: A Patient Success Story
In March 2024, 17-year-old Brecken Peterson was feeling stuffy and having a hard time breathing out of his nose. Determined to get an answer, he continued to take himself to the doctor at the walk-in clinic at least once, usually twice a month. The Williston, North Dakoka resident was treated for allergies and sinus infections.
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PM&R and Otolaryngology Team Publish Research in Muscle & Nerve
Michael C. Munin, MD, physiatrist, UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Libby J. Smith, DO, laryngologist, UPMC Department of Otolaryngology, published “Utility of laryngeal electromyography for establishing prognosis and individualized treatment after laryngeal neuropathies” in the peer-reviewed journal Muscle & Nerve.
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New Device Shows Promise
A medical device disguised as a sippy cup promises to revolutionize treatment for a common childhood ailment. Called the EarFlo, it is on track for approval by mid-2025.
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The 3-Dimensional Temporal Bone Dissection Manual: Operable Stepwise Models for Teaching Otologic Surgery
A study regarding operable models was recently published in the open-access journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. The study was authored by several experts, including Noel Jabbour, MD, from the UPMC Department of Otolaryngology and Anish Ghodadra, MD, from the UPMC Department of Radiology.
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Recent research from the UPMC Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery explores a variety of topics in ototoxicity, oropharyngeal cancer, survivorship, computer tests to assess ear canals, and more.
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Scientists Discover Biological Mechanism of Hearing Loss Caused by Loud Noise – And Find a Way to Prevent It
Anyone who has ever been to a loud concert knows the feeling of ringing ears. Some people experience temporary or even permanent hearing loss or drastic changes in their perception of sound after the loud noises stop. Thanos Tzounopoulos, PhD, director of the Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has focused his scientific career on investigating how hearing works and developing ways to treat tinnitus and hearing loss.
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Use of Patient-specific 3D Printed Models in Preoperative Counseling for Pediatric Skull Base Surgery
A study was recently published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology that assesses the use of 3D models in preoperative parental and patient counseling prior to endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery in the pediatric population. The study was authored by several experts, including Amanda L. Stapleton, MD, from the UPMC Department of Otolaryngology, as well as Anish Ghodadra, MD, and Elliott Hammersley from the UPMC Department of Radiology.
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Pittsburgh-area musician's customized tongue surgery saves his life and his 'purpose' - CBS Pittsburgh
When cancer threatened to silence a local musician, the surgery to save his life could also have ended his career. So two UPMC doctors worked to re-imagine his surgery to make sure he wouldn't have to hang up his guitar.
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In Support of Ukraine
One of the byproducts of the war in Ukraine is that that its ENT community is at risk for becoming increasingly isolated in the academic world. Travel to conferences, networking, and financial support for Continuing Medical Education (CME) have become more challenging.
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Mission of Mercy 2024
A mom brought her approximately eight-year-old daughter to Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh to have her ears cleaned. She noted that her daughter had long-standing trouble hearing and thought ear wax was the cause.
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Addressing Otitis Media in Gorongosa
Otitis media – a middle ear infection – is the number one cause of deafness in children around the world. Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest incidence rates, with over 40% of children affected. The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has partnered with healthcare leaders in the Gorongosa region of Mozambique to bring attention to otitis media and how to treat it.
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Stories From the Road: Pittsburgh to Peru
The University of Pittsburgh Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and the Eye & Ear Foundation are collaborating with Brother’s Brother Foundation to positively impact the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery landscape in Peru by providing equipment, expertise, and educational programs.
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CME and Conferences and Events | |
The Eye & Ear Foundation Blog and Webinars | |
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Carl Snyderman, MD, MBA
Innovation and Creativity in Surgery - Webinar/Blog
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Matthew Spector, MD, FACS
Rehabilitation of HNC Patients - Webinar/Blog
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Peter Santa Maria, MD, PhD, and Melissa McGovern, PhD
Restoring Hearing and Regenerating Hair Cells - Webinar/Blog
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Sandra Stinnett, MD
Bridging the Gap Between Voice and Swallow - Webinar/Blog
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Angela Mazul, PhD, MPH
The Who and Where of Head and Neck Cancer - Webinar/Blog
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Lori Zitelli, Aud, CH-TM
Decreased Sound Tolerance Managing Reactions to Bothersome Sounds - Webinar/Blog
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Shaum Sridharan, MD
Salivary Gland Sparing Surgery and the Role of Sialendoscopy - Webinar/Blog
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Emily Kate Feibelman, AuD
From Evaluation and Surgery to Life with a Cochlear Implant - Webinar/Blog
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Matthew Spector, MD, FACS
Mandibular and Maxillary 3D Modeling in Head and Neck Reconstruction - Webinar/Blog
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Marci Nilsen, PhD, MSN, BSN, CHPN, FAAN
Advancing Survivorship Care Through Research - Webinar/Blog
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Libby Smith, DO, FAOCO
Protecting and Preserving Your Voice - Webinar/Blog
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The Eye & Ear Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1985 to foster support for the Departments of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh through the generous support of individuals and organizations.
In supporting these world-class Departments, we hold ourselves to the same high standards. We plan to keep moving forward, expanding our support network, and helping the Departments of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery stand peerless in the distinction of research and education and, ultimately, the highest level of care provided to our patients.
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