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Neal Futran, MD, DMD

Allison T. Wanamaker Professor and Endowed Chair

Dear friends and colleagues,

It is hard to believe 2023 is already coming to a close. In this holiday season, while there are serious challenges in our world, there is much to celebrate within our department. The spirit of dedication, collaboration, and community that defines our program and drives our legacy of academic excellence is palpable every day.

In this edition of our newsletter, we're thrilled to showcase the recent outstanding work, achievements, and stories that make our UW Otolaryngology community unique. This was particularly evident at our recent department annual retreat where we took an in-depth look across our academic mission. Topics included the development of a leadership curriculum led by Drs. Sie, Whipple, and Parikh as well as panel-led discussions to engage the group around our research, our clinical programs, and diversity/ equity/inclusion, led respectively by Drs. Stone, Humphreys, and Abuzeid. In addition, we heard resident perspectives from Drs. Meyer, Brady, and Amin. A critical focus on cohesiveness, resilience, and work/life balance is essential to ensure all in the department thrive now and into the future.

The real highlight, though, was the department-wide scavenger hunt on the grounds of the Lodge at St. Edward Park in Kenmore, designed and implemented by Dr. Jafari. This spirited and fun competition was dominated by our amazing team of clinic administrators who efficiently and effectively scavenged to victory.

One of my favorite features is our alumni spotlight, highlighting the careers and accomplishments of former trainees. We work side by side for years during training and become like a family. Each resident and fellow brings unique qualities to the department and to the patients they serve, pushing us to be better. We’re always happy to see our graduates move on to great careers, with their foundation well established at UW. This edition highlights the career and perspectives of Dr. Gregory Farwell, chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-HNS at the University of Pennsylvania. 

There are of course many other notable stories too numerous to mention, but please enjoy all the amazing UW Oto highlights, events, and academic work in the next pages.

I am continually proud and inspired by all the talented individuals throughout the department. This dedication and enthusiasm contributes to the vibrant tapestry that defines our community. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. UW Otolaryngology is becoming better and better as we learn and grow together.

I wish you and your families a joyous holiday season and optimism for a great new year!

Sincerely,

Neal

UW Otolaryngology-HNS recently celebrated the opening of our newly renovated temporal bone lab, an effort led by Cliff Hume, MD, PhD, and the department leadership team! The lab is housed on the 11th floor of UW's Health Sciences building, adjacent to UWMC Montlake and near the department's administrative offices. 

The original lab, built about 27 years ago, was equipped with five workstations and, apart from the occasional required repair, the original microscopes and drills were still in use. The lab is an essential component of our clinical training program, where residents first learn ear surgery techniques under the guidance of experienced faculty. After the course, residents graduate to more advanced procedures in the operating room. The lab also features a reference collection of meticulously drilled temporal bones demonstrating the critical anatomic relationships of the ear and skull base.

The new lab is nearly twice the size of the original and features seven workstations and six drilling stations, all with new microscopes and drills, individual observer monitors, and improved ergonomics. The multiuser microscope station features state-of-the-art 3D augmented reality for simultaneous two-surgeon training in skull base and microvascular surgery. Observers can also view in 3D! There is a mobile tower to integrate training for endoscopic middle ear surgery. Each station connects to a central audio-visual system which can project onto a large screen TV, be webcast and/or recorded. 

Loy Awarded Prestigious F32 Research Fellowship

UW Oto resident Kelsey Loy, MD (Research R3), has received a prestigious F32 grant from the National Institutes of Health for her project titled “Spatial Heterogeneity in PIK3CA-Mutated Lymphatic Malformations.” The grant, a Kirschstein-NRSA postdoctoral fellowship, supports "research training for promising postdoctoral candidates who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators in scientific health-related research fields."

Raghavan Secures Funding for AI-Integrated Hearing Aid Project

Co-mentored by Computer Science and Engineering Professor Shyam Gollakota and neurotologist Gavriel Kohlberg, MD, the project aims to revolutionize hearing aid technology with on-device real-time deep learning. By leveraging speaker-specific cues, this innovation holds great promise for enhancing speech perception, especially in noisy environments.

The CoMotion Innovation Gap Fund's support accelerates the transition from lab to market, reflecting UW Oto's commitment to pioneering research at the intersection of academia and commercial development. Dr. Raghavan's work embodies the spirit of innovation, showcasing UW Oto's dedication to advancing audiology and improving the quality of life for those with hearing challenges.

Allred, (MS3), Recognized for Research Excellence with a Focus on Health Equity at IJMS World Conference

Caleb Allred, a UW medical student (MS3), won several awards for two research projects he presented at the International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS) World Conference of Medical Student Research held on October 7th, 2023. There were over 100 submissions from medical students all over the world, of which 40 were selected for oral presentations.

The first project, The Role of Language Concordant Care on Increasing Parental Engagement in Shared Decision-Making, won 1st Place for Best Research Presentations. 

The second project, Implementation of an Outbound Ambulatory Scheduling Team Reduces Disparities in Access to Pediatric Otolaryngology, won two awards: 1st Place for Best Abstract for Original Research and 2nd place for Best Research Presentation. Allred's presentations can be viewed on a video of the conference at 6:42:29 and 9:26:50. Congratulations, Caleb!

2023 Lesley Watson Sinus and Facial Plastics Course: Residents Collaborate and Gain Hands-On Experience

For over two decades, UW Oto-HNS has proudly organized the Lesley Watson Resident Surgical Simulation course. This year marks a significant milestone as it is the first edition since the onset of COVID-19, allowing us to once again welcome not only our UW Oto trainees but also residents and fellows from various departments, including Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and participants from Madigan Army Medical Center and OHSU.

This course has been made possible by the generosity of Lesley Watson, a grateful patient of Dr. Robert Stanley, former Chief of Harborview. Upon her recovery, she made a donation to advance resident education in the form of the Lesley Watson Fund, which is used to support the course. Pictured here are Drs. Neal Futran and Robert Stanley as well as Lesley Watson in 2010.

We send a huge thanks to our course directors: for Rhinology, Drs. Aria Jafari and Ian Humphreys, and for Facial Plastics, Drs. Amit Bhrany, Kris Moe, Nina Lu, and Maya Sardesai, and to the extraordinary team of guest faculty instructors from UW, the Pacific Northwest, and North America (listed in the attached programs for Rhinology and Facial Plastics).

UW Oto Shines at Aerodigestive Society Meeting with Resident-Led Innovation

UW Oto was well represented at the 11th Annual Meeting of the Aerodigestive Society, hosted annually at the Anschutz School of Medicine at the University of Colorado. Kaalan Johnson, MD, provided opening remarks for the meeting, and two residents garnered attention for their podium presentations.

The podium presentation by Shaunak Amin, MD (Clinical R3), titled “The Interarytenoid Assessment Protocol (IAAP): A Multi-Institutional Validation Study to Standardize Pediatric Laryngeal Cleft Evaluation,” kindled interest among participants. Randy Bly, MD, also in attendance, noted that "multiple people came up afterward wanting to get involved in his project." The project is a multi-institutional validation study of a standardized assessment protocol for the evaluation of minor laryngeal clefts. Results should help improve outcomes research in pediatric dysphagia.

Empower Tomorrow's Otolaryngology Leaders! Join Us in Supporting Our Trainees

Yes! I want to support the next generation of Otolaryngologists

All gifts made before December 31st are tax-deductible!

Alum: Dr. D. Gregory Farwell, UW Oto Res ‘00, Faculty ‘00-‘04

Dr. Farwell with Amit Bhrany, MD

Bhrany: What factors or experiences led you to choose UW Otolaryngology for your residency training?

Farwell: UW's remarkable track record of producing outstanding academicians and influential leaders drew me in. The impact of UW’s training program across our country's otolaryngology programs is profound. The number of division chiefs, department chairs, and even chancellors. I aspired to be part of this rich legacy, seeking training not only to become an exceptional surgeon but also to benefit from mentorship for an academic career.

And then there's the culture—the program's identity and fingerprint. The work-hard-play-hard ethos, the wonderful camaraderie, the sense of teamwork and family made the decision easy. After interviewing, meeting the faculty, and spending time in Seattle, it became a clear choice for me!

Bhrany: If you could turn back time to your first day at UW Otolaryngology, what advice would you offer your past self?

Farwell: Invest in real estate in Seattle! All kidding aside, I would remind myself to take full advantage of an incredibly special opportunity. I'd encourage my past self to fully commit to the experience, learn as much as possible from outstanding mentors, and go "all in" to get the most out of the training and experiences that make UW so special.

Bhrany: Can you reflect on some standout moments from your time in the UW Otolaryngology residency program?

Farwell: The late '90s were a fun time to be in Seattle. I particularly enjoyed the burgeoning grunge music scene. Back then, we had these silver discs called "CDs"! I vividly remember picking up one—Pearl Jam—and playing it for Dr. Weymeller before a case in the OR. I might be singlehandedly responsible for exposing him to the Seattle grunge music scene!

Bhrany: In what ways do you believe your training and early faculty career at UW have influenced the trajectory of your professional journey?

Farwell: Eight months into my faculty practice at Harborview, my senior partner, Dr. Robert Stanley, informed me of his departure from clinical practice. This made me the sole attending otolaryngologist at Harborview. It was a challenging yet formative period that expedited my clinical experience and development in surgeon leadership, shaping my career trajectory in ways I hadn't anticipated but for which I am forever grateful.

Bhrany: How was your time at UW Otolaryngology personally meaningful?

Farwell: I have countless cherished memories, including having Dr. J. David Kreit, my co-resident, as my best man at my wedding. In addition, my wife and I still hold Seattle close to our hearts. In fact, we're heading there for Christmas!

Dr. Neal Futran, my mentor, role model, and sponsor, has been instrumental in my clinical and career journey, offering valuable advice and opening numerous opportunities. Above all, I take immense pride in saying “I trained at UW”!

Golf buddies from the '00s: D. Greg Farwell, MD, Benjamin Cilento, MD, Eric Kezirian, MD, Ernie Weymuller, MD, with Bevan Yueh, MD, at far right.

Dr. D. Gregory Farwell (Res '00, Faculty '00-04) currently serves at the Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. He is also the Gabriel Tucker Professor of Otorhinolaryngology.

Figure 1: Users are able to opt-in to sharing their de-identified research data

Figure 2: Users can quickly calculate the degree of vocal fold bowing

Figure 3: Key voice and swallowing data can be shared

Two UW Oto-HNS faculty were inducted into the AAO-HNS Hall of Distinction for a life of service and contribution and advancement of the field of otolaryngology: Dr. Charlie Cummings, who was chair from 1978-1990, and Al Merati, MD, current Professor and Chief of Laryngology. The induction ceremony, held at the meeting in Nashville in October, featured a panel of inductees discussing the future of otolaryngology and spotlighting some of our posthumous awards as well.

In addition to creating and leading one of the largest and best-known laryngology centers in the world right here at UW, Dr. Merati has been a substantial force across many areas in our field. He served as AAOHNS President in 2018-19; has served as Triological Society Vice President, ABEA President, and as a senior examiner for the ABOHNS; and now sits on the ALA council.

Read the Academy's write-up about Dr. Merati and all the other inductees. And for a remarkable look-back at otolaryngology history, visit the Previous Hall of Distinction Inductees to learn about the "Pioneers" (posthumous) and "Living Legend" contributors.

Seattle Children's Launches Groundbreaking Gene Therapy Trial for Congenital Deafness, Led by Rubinstein

RN Renee Tan Wins Coveted Daisy Award

A huge congratulations to Renee Tan, RN, a member of our outstanding UW Oto nursing team, for receiving the DAISY Award. This Award is especially coveted because it recognizes nurses based on nominations from patients, families, and co-workers. 

Since joining our clinic in January 2022, Renee has made a sustained and positive impact. As one of a small number of nurses in the clinic, Renee is an invaluable co-worker, ensuring that her colleagues are supported, and that patient care is at the heart of her efforts.

One of her patients wrote, "I can be a trying patient for nurses! Renee has been exceedingly kind, caring, and compassionate. She has listened to me as I figured out why I was excited, anxious, and just the tiniest bit nervous" about an upcoming surgery.

Renee is an exceptional nurse, and we are honored to have her in the clinic serving our patients!

Lu and Jafari Discuss Sinusitis Complications in Facial Feminization Surgery

G. Nina Lu, MD, and Aria Jafari, MD, share insights in an FPSAM journal commentary on the long-term risks of delayed frontal sinusitis in Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS). FFS, designed to provide a more feminine facial appearance, involves contouring the frontal sinus within the forehead bone. The surgeons stress the importance of surgical precision, particularly in preserving sinus mucosa, to minimize risks. With the rising popularity of FFS, they advocate for thorough, long-term follow-up studies to ensure safety and efficacy in this evolving field of gender-affirming care.

Aria Jafari, MD, and G. Nina Lu, MD

CT scan of a patient with FFS and frontal sinus complications

UW Oto Takes Center Stage at 2023 AAO-HNS Meeting in Nashville

The UW Oto made a notable impact at the 2023 AAO-HNS Meeting in Nashville this October! With over 50 contributions from our faculty, residents, and medical students, including oral presentations and panel discussions, we connected with the broader otolaryngology community. Highlights included Brittany Barber, MD, leading a discussion on Advanced Skin Cancer, Dr. Neal Futran's talk on Osteonecrosis of the Head and Neck, and Zain Rizvi, MD, and G. Nina Lu, MD, representing at the “Facial Nerve How-to Guide.” Our team also led simulation sessions on pediatric airway, mandibular plating, and microtia. Proud of our exceptional team for bringing the UW Oto spirit to Music City!

Abuzeid Is Keynote Speaker at Harry Barnes Medical Society Meeting

The invitation was proffered by the Harry Barnes Medical Society, an organization founded in 1989 by a group of African American otolaryngologists in honor of Dr. William Harry Barnes of Philadelphia, the 37th president of the National Medical Association in 1926. Dr. Barnes was a pioneer and innovator in otolaryngology at a time when minority representation in medicine, let alone surgical subspecialties, was exceedingly rare.

Dr. Abuzeid’s presentation, titled “Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: state-of-the-art multidisciplinary management,” was well received and provided an opportunity to discuss differences in healthcare outcomes related to ethnicity. More importantly, UW representation at the NMA/Harry Barnes Society facilitated discussions with our colleagues nationally about strategies for enhancing and supporting diversity in our field, and allowed for direct encouragement of underrepresented minority undergraduates and medical students with a nascent interest in otolaryngology to pursue their dreams in our specialty.

Stone Leads ARO Webinar on Building Mentorship Networks in Otolaryngology Research

UW Oto research professor Jennifer Stone, PhD, was a featured speaker on a webinar hosted by the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO) which aired in September. Other panelists were Drs. Marlan Hansen (Iowa), Eben Rosenthal (Vanderbilt), and moderator Iram Ahmad (Stanford).

The webinar featured a discussion on cultivating strong mentoring networks that will help guide, support and sustain the career of a clinician-scientist, or a basic scientist involved in translational research. Attendees included faculty, residents, medical students, pre-doctorate and post-doctorate graduate students.

UW Laryngology and SLP Represent at 2023 Fall Voice

UW Oto had a strong presence at the 2023 Fall Voice Conference held this year in Washington, DC. The conference had record-breaking attendance with over 600 attendees nationally. Many past and present laryngology and speech pathology team members had leadership roles in this year's conference, including UW Oto Teaching Associate Lisa Zughni, MS, CCC-SLP (Course Director), Cara Sauder, PhD, CCC-SLP (Scientific Program Chair), Clint Allen, MD (Scientific Program Chair), Andrew Lee, MS, CCC-SLP (Program Committee), Robbi Kupfer, MD (Laryngology Fellows Day Pre-conference Chair), Molly Huston, MD (Early Career Laryngology Pre-conference Chair), and Al Merati, MD (Laryngology Education Foundation Liaison). 

UW was well represented in the program through invited seminars and accepted poster and podium presentations. Neel Bhatt, MD, had multiple podium presentations accepted from his lab this year. Andrew Lee and Jess MacKimm, MS, CCC-SLP, our newest SLP recruit, were invited to speak at the pre-conference, as were SLP and laryngology fellowship alums Alex Schenck, MS, CCC-SLP, and Phil Weissbrod, MD. Angelina Fitzgerald, MS, CCC-SLP was invited to co-instruct the high-resolution pharyngeal manometry hands-on workshop this year. 

It was wonderful to gather the UW laryngology and speech pathology teams (past, present and future) once again, and we look forward to doing so in 2024! 

Seattle Children's Annual Pediatric Thyroid Symposium

Every summer, the pediatric faculty from UW Otolaryngology-HNS host the Pediatric Thyroid Symposium at Seattle Children's Hospital. The series was founded years ago by UW Oto professor Scott Manning, MD, who has been instrumental in the care of pediatric thyroid patients in the region. This session was his last, as he will be retiring from clinical practice.

This year's program featured both national and international participants from specialties including otolaryngology, general surgery, oncology, radiology, pathology, and endocrinology. The turnout was strong, with very lively, productive discussions on various topics related to pediatric thyroid and parathyroid conditions, management, and follow-up.

Faculty from UW Oto pictured above include Kathy Sie, MD (back, left); and front, from left: Juliana Bonilla Velez, MD, Jake Dahl, MD, PhD, and Sanjay Parikh, MD.

Meyer and Wilson Join Dysphonia International Walk for Talk

UW Oto Annual Retreat: Reflecting, Setting Goals, and Embracing Resilience

The UW Oto faculty, staff, and residents gathered for our Annual Retreat amid the picturesque grounds of the Lodge at St. Edward Park in Kenmore, WA. Building on the foundation laid at our previous retreat, where we focused on our Mission, Vision, and Values, this year's emphasis was on reflection and establishing new goals for 2024.

Throughout the retreat, faculty-led sessions explored Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Research, and Clinical Care. We delved into the theme of resiliency through an engaging lecture by Dr. David Lu, and insights were shared by the residents. Adding a touch of friendly competition, a scavenger hunt ensued, with the administrative clinical staff claiming the top spot!

The event was not only productive but also enjoyable, providing us with an opportunity to reconnect with each other and with nature in this beautiful setting. It offered a meaningful chance to reflect on the past year's achievements and anticipate the challenges and triumphs ahead.

A warm congratulations to Karen Lin, MD, UW Oto clinical assistant professor at our Northwest campus, and to Aung Oo on the birth of their new baby, Taylor Lin Aung, born on October 5.

Johnson Shares Innovative Approach to Complex Airway Surgery

UW Oto associate professor and pediatric surgeon Kaalan Johnson, MD, was interviewed by King5 HealthLink to explain how he and other surgeons leverage 3D printing technology to train and practice for complex pediatric surgeries at Seattle Children's and abroad. The models are created in Seattle Children's Innovation Lab and allow surgeons to practice for complex procedures, including the highly specialized slide tracheoplasty.

First, a CT scan is taken of the young patient's trachea. "Then," explains Seth Friedman, PhD, manager of the lab where the prints are created, we "make a model of the inner part, the part that you can't see, 'the air.' Then we have quite a step-by-step process where we can talk to doctors like Dr. Johnson to find out exactly how many cartilage rings there are."

Johnson has traveled widely to share his expertise with surgeons around the world, including Argentina, Fiji, Costa Rica, England and South Africa, with plans to visit Chile next year. The story has generated attention from the popular press: Johnson and team were recently interviewed by YouTuber 3D Printing Nerd, which will be airing soon!

Simulated 3D printed model of pediatric trachea after simulated slide tracheoplasty

Pryor Lends Expertise and Training in Laos and Vietnam

"They brought in a patient in for a live demonstration - an 85-year-old woman who'd had a brainstem stroke two years ago and suffers from chronic aspiration pneumonia and Parkinson's. She could not swallow, not even saliva! But I started working with her. I could tell she was trying to swallow, then all of a sudden, I felt a twitch - was that a swallow? We kept working, and the twitch got stronger, and then it WAS a swallow! There were tears."

"The closing ceremony was amazing. They gave everyone a certificate, and each person came up to receive it and have their picture taken with me. The man in black is the director of the hospital. The man in the blue coat (middle image below is the neurologist who specializes in stroke. He is one of only two neurologists in Laos."

As the year concludes, we celebrate the remarkable advancements in precision otolaryngology care, achieved through the collaborative efforts of our dedicated trainees. In 2023, the integration of artificial intelligence has shown the potential to revolutionize care delivery—from predicting sinus inflammation on CT scans to enhancing hearing aid capabilities.

The rapid development of these innovations highlights our department's adaptability, resiliency, and forward-thinking mindset. Reflecting on a decade-long journey that began as a medical student, I now find my place among the brightest minds at UW Otolaryngology.

I invite you to join me in supporting our residents this holiday season, recognizing their incredible contributions as they shape our field and emerge as future thought leaders. Cheers to a year of progress and the exciting advancements that lie ahead.

With gratitude,

Aria Jafari, MD

All gifts made before December 31st are tax-deductible!

Consider making a gift to support otolaryngology trainees this holiday season! At the core of our mission, the UW Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (HNS) is devoted to supporting our outstanding trainees, guiding them to evolve into skilled otolaryngologists, and fostering their development as future leaders. Your contribution will make a lasting impact on the education and growth of these talented individuals.



By making a gift of any size to the Endowed Resident Support Fund in Otolaryngology, you play a crucial role in assisting residents with out-of-pocket expenses, including travel, books, and lab fees. This support is especially vital given the increasing cost of living in Seattle. Your generosity ensures that our residents have access to the necessary tools and resources, enabling them to thrive in their residency training at UW and preparing them for successful future careers.