NOVEMBER 2018 | ISSUE 1
Each of you is involved in transformational work, fulfilling our mission to Improve Patients’ Lives by Leading our Advancing Field . To celebrate the important work you do, and to inform you of the cutting-edge research, patient care and education happening throughout our department, we are excited to launch this monthly newsletter, Under the Scope.

We plan to feature highlights of the excellent patient care you provide, your research papers and presentations that are paving the way for improved patient care, and news about faculty, staff, residents and fellows. There is so much great work in the department, and while we can’t feature everything, we want to highlight as much as we can. If you have news that you think is noteworthy, or feedback on this newsletter, please send it to us at [email protected] .

We are in a strong position to Lead our Advancing Field.  We train the world’s leaders in otolaryngology, excel in coordinated, complex clinical care, and are a research powerhouse. We hope you are proud of the work you and others in the department do, and that with this newsletter, you have more information and pride to continue your journey to Improve Patients’ Lives.
 
Thanks for all you do,

Craig A. Buchman, M.D.
29,830 patients treated last year
#4 in NIH funding in the country
369 applicants for five residency spots
Training the next generation of physician-scientists
 Our department has received funding for more than 30 years to support one of the most successful physician-scientist training programs in otolaryngology.   Read more >
IMPROVING PATIENTS' LIVES
We're growing to better serve patients
We excel in coordinated, complex clinical care from head and neck surgery to cochlear implants to facial plastic surgery to rhinology and audiology. To better serve our patients, we're bringing more related patient care together in one space. Read more >
LEADING OUR ADVANCING FIELD
Learning how brains
process speech
Although our ears are important for hearing, it is our brain that makes sense of what we hear. How our brains process speech is a central theme in the research of Jonathan Peelle, PhD .  Read more >
Q&A with Doris Day
Doris Day is one of the most cheerful people you will ever meet. With the department almost 20 years, Ms. Day puts patients at ease with her kindness and positive attitude. Read more about the welcoming patient service representative who greets patients at our front desk on the 11th floor of the Center for Advanced Medicine.
St. Louis Public Radio/NPR featured research led by Dr. Jay Piccirillo : “Wash U researchers hope to train the brain how to smell again.” Read more >

Research by Jonathan Peelle, PhD ., about how hearing loss is tied to cognitive decline was featured in The New York Times . Read more >
Dr. Emily Spataro joined the Facial Plastics Surgery Center after finishing her fellowship at Stanford University. Learn more about Dr. Spataro.
The Canadian Academy of Audiology's Canadian Audiologist , published a full edition tribute to the career of Michael Valente, PhD . Read more >
Dr. Jose Zevallos received the “With Distinction Thesis Award” from the Triological Society for his paper on Gene Expression Subtype Analysis of Laryngeal and Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals Novel Molecular Markers of Nodal Metastasis and Survival.
Dr. Craig Buchman was invited to give the Franklin Rizer Memorial Lecture by the American Neurotology Society at their annual meeting in Atlanta. His talk highlighted his research utilizing Electrocochleography in Cochlear Implantation.  Left to right: President of the American Neurotology Society Dr. Barry E. Hirsch with Dr. Buchman.
Dr. Allison Ogden , Vice Chair for Clinical Operations, recently completed a rigorous two-week program at the Harvard School of Public Health, designed to broaden her skills and understanding of the complexities of clinical operations in today’s health care environment. Importantly, Dr. Ogden has already begun using these new skills in the ongoing redesign of our clinical enterprise to improve patient access .
Dr. Amanda Ortmann has been named Interim Director of Audiology Studies in the Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences (PACS) , succeeding Dr. Maureen Valente , longtime director, who is transitioning to retirement. In addition, Dr. Ortmann was awarded:

  • a subcontract from NIDCD business grant to collaborate with Dr. Jianxin Bao and Dr Rich Chole at Gateway Biotechnologies, Inc.
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  • the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Missouri Baptist University. She received her bachelor’s in mathematics and communication at Missouri Baptist University, her master’s in audiology at Wash U, and her PhD at the University of Pittsburgh. Learn more about Dr. Ortmann.
Cathryn Collopy , Au.D. , joined the audiology team as an audiologist on the 3 rd floor of the Center for Advanced Medicine replacing Steven Smith , Au.D., who is now located at the Central Institute for the Deaf.
As Dr. Peter Vila, finished his term as Chair, Dr. Carla Valenzuela and Dr. Jake Lee , all T32 residents, were elected to the Governing Council on the Section for Residents and Fellows of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Also of note: a t our request, Dr. Valenzuela modeled for the header in our new newsletter (see the banner at the top of this page). Thank you Dr. Valenzuela! Left to right: Drs. Vila, Valenzuela, and Lee.
Truck drives into CID doors
A blue Chevy Blazer drove into the main back doors of the Central Institute for the Deaf last month and then sped away. While the doors sustained significant damage, thankfully no one was hurt and there was no damage to the building. The doors, which provided handicap access, are undergoing repairs and expect to be functional again by the end of the year. In the meantime, anyone requiring handicap access can park at 818 Clayton and use those entry doors.
Police are investigating, security patrols have been stepped up around the building, and security cameras inside the lobby and outside the building are monitoring activity. Anyone feeling unsafe at any time should call security at 362-HELP.
Faculty and staff attended the Society of University Otolaryngologists’ meeting to learn innovations in residency programs, boost faculty career development and promote diversity and inclusion. From left to right: Maria Harrington (coordinator), Dr. Bradley (faculty), Dr. Bertroch (resident), Jana Richardson (coordinator), Dr. Menezes (faculty), Dr. Lieu (resident program director) and Dr. Schneider (faculty).
Staff Holiday Party, Forest Park Clubhouse, Nov. 30, 4 – 6:30 p.m.
For all Education events, please visit our online events calendar here .
Tell us what you think of Under the Scope . Take our quick survey here .
Reminder to faculty and residents: you have a time-sensitive opportunity to help enhance the national reputation of our department. National rankings can directly impact recruiting top faculty, staff and students, growing philanthropic gifts, and collaborating with referring providers and researchers.

Your vote on Doximity helps determine the rankings. You must have a Doximity account by Nov. 15 in order to vote next year. If you are NOT registered with Doximity, please create an account by Nov. 15. If you are already registered with Doximity, please review your information by Nov. 15, to ensure your vote will count correctly.