MomENTS in Otolaryngology, Summer 2023

Message from the Chair

Dear Alumni and Friends,

I hope you are all enjoying your summers and hopefully getting some much-needed vacation and relaxation time with family and friends! We find ourselves once again at that point in the year where the department is undergoing its annual change. It’s a bittersweet time as we say goodbye to residents and fellows who have been important members of our department for the past three years, but also welcome a new group of doctors as they begin their training to become the next generation of our accomplished otolaryngology alumni.

We’re excited to present to you the summer issue of our alumni newsletter. In this issue, you’ll find a sendoff for our graduating residents and fellows, including their future plans. You’ll also get to meet our new residents and fellows that are joining the department this year. One of our newest recruits, Dr. Melissa McGovern, is the subject of our research spotlight, as we highlight the important new work that she brings to the Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center.

As we enter another academic year, I’m looking forward to all the exciting research and patient care taking place here in Pittsburgh, but also by all of you, our alumni, around the world. We look forward to seeing many of you at our alumni reception in Nashville in September!

All of my best,

José Zevallos, MD, MPH, FACS

Professor, The Eugene N. Myers, MD Chair Department of Otolaryngology

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

José Zevallos, MD, MPH, FACS

Graduating Residents

Jennifer Anderson, MD, PhD

Dr. Anderson came to the University of Pittsburgh after completing her undergraduate degrees and PhD in molecular biology at UCLA and her medical degree at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She chose UPMC for the program’s reputation for breadth and strength of clinical training and because the institution is a national leader in head and neck cancer research. Upon graduation, Dr. Anderson will be completing a fellowship in Advanced Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Harish Dharmarajan, MD

Dr. Dharmarajan came to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center after completing his undergraduate at UCLA and his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine. During his time in Pittsburgh, Dr. Dharmarajan developed an interest in Rhinology & Skull Base surgery after learning from and publishing with leaders in the field. Upon graduation, Dr. Dharmarajan will be heading to OHSU in Portland, OR, for a fellowship in Rhinology & Skull Base surgery.

Joaquin Jimenez, MD, MS

Dr. Jimenez obtained his undergraduate and medical degree at the University of Miami. He chose the University of Pittsburgh residency program for the excellent surgical training, mentorship, and camaraderie. After graduation, he will complete a fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Caitlin Olson, MD

Dr. Olson completed her undergraduate at Columbia University and her medical degree at St. George’s University in Newcastle, UK as a part of the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program and then Grenada, the West Indies. After completing two years of residency training in General Surgery, she switched specialties to Otolaryngology. She chose the University of Pittsburgh residency program for its storied history and more importantly, their continued excellence in surgical training, as well as teaching and mentorship from world-renowned faculty. After graduation, she will be pursuing combined fellowship in Facial Plastics, Rhinology/Skull base and Endocrine Surgery at Loma Linda University.

Graduating Fellows

Andrey Filimonov, MD, PharmD – Rhinology and Cranial Base Surgery

Dr. Filimonov received his PharmD degree from the Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy in Piscataway, NJ and his medical degree from the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, NJ. He then went on to complete his otolaryngology residency training at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY. Following completion of his Rhinology and Cranial Base Surgery Fellowship on June 30, 2023, Dr. Filimonov returned to the Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School where he was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology.

Lauren M. North, MD – Rhinology and Cranial Base Surgery

Dr. North received her BS with distinction from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI and her Medical Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where she also completed her otolaryngology residency training. Following completion of her Rhinology and Cranial Base Surgery Fellowship on June 30, 2023, Dr. North returned to the Department of Otolaryngology at the Medical College of Wisconsin as an Assistant Professor.

Jordyn Lucas, MD – Pediatric Otolaryngology

Dr. Lucas completed her Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship in June 2023. Before joining us at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh she was in Michigan completing her residency at Wayne State University College of Medicine in Detroit. Dr. Lucas has accepted a position at Eastern Virginia Medical School at an Assistant Professor level in Pediatric Otolaryngology.

Ory Madgar, MD – Pediatric Otolaryngology

Dr. Madgar received his MD from Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, and completed his otolaryngology residency training at The Sheba Medical Center, Israel in December 2021. Dr. Madgar joined our Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship July 1, 2022, as one of two Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellows. He is going to be practicing his specialty at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv.

Graduating Fellows (continued)

Kate Clancy, MD - Head & Neck Cancer

Dr. Clancy has completed her Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship in June 2023. Prior to Dr. Clancy joining us at UPMC, she completed her Otolaryngology residency at Case Western/University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center, in Cleveland, Ohio and medical school at the Case Western Research University in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Clancy has obtained an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery position at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Taha Mur, MD - Head & Neck Cancer

Dr. Mur has completed his Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship in June 2023. Prior to Dr. Mur joining us at UPMC, he completed his Otolaryngology residency at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts and medical school at the Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Mur has obtained an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology position at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

2022-2023 Faculty Awards

Dr. Eric Wang was chosen as this year’s recipient of the Annual Outstanding Professor Award given by the residents of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Dr. David Eibling received the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s 2023 Outstanding Physician of the Year.

Research Spotlight: Dr. Melissa McGovern

that form a scar in the ear following severe cochlear damage. This makes them an important target for hearing restoration therapeutics. These cells not only convert into hair cells following reprogramming, they also can communicate with their neighboring cells to induce the activation of supporting cell gene networks. This is an important step forward as the presence of both hair cells AND supporting cells is critical for the proper functioning of the hearing organ.

The McGovern lab at the University of Pittsburgh is a basic science research lab that investigates the potential for hearing restoration through genetic reprogramming in the inner ear. One significant cause of hearing loss is the loss of sensory cells in the inner ear called hair cells. These cells detect sound from the environment and send signals to the brain. These hair cells are susceptible to numerous insults including loud noises (think rock concerts, military activities, industrial noise exposure), ototoxic medications (for example aminoglycoside antibiotics and platinum-based chemotherapeutics), and the natural aging process.

Melissa has spent the past decade of her research career investigating the potential for non-sensory cells in the hearing organ to be converted into sensory cells at various stages of life in non-human animal models. Melissa’s work has discovered that, in neonatal mice, numerous types of non-sensory cells are responsive to hair cell loss by converting into hair cells through natural regeneration. However, from other studies in the hearing field, we know that this ability is lost with age and the mature hearing organ has no capacity for natural regeneration.

Therefore, Melissa has spent the past 5 years investigating the ability of the mature mouse ear to respond to genetic reprogramming of non-sensory cells. She has found that cells directly adjacent to the sensory hair cells (called supporting cells) are responsive to reprogramming following hair cell loss. These cells convert into hair cells and attract innervation; however, they do not yet transmit sound signals to the brain. In addition, Melissa has found that other cells within the hearing organ can robustly respond to genetic reprogramming and be converted into hair cells. While these cells are not in the correct location for hearing recovery, these are thought to be the cells

The focus of the McGovern lab here at the University of Pittsburgh will build on these findings to understand the molecular and genetic changes happening in these cells during reprogramming, understanding where the roadblocks are that are preventing the cells from fully activating hair cell gene networks, and how to develop these findings into future therapies. Currently, Melissa has funding from the NIH to investigate what the genetic roadblocks might be in supporting cells and other non-sensory cells. The supporting cells and other non-sensory cells in the ear are sometimes thought to be progenitor cells of a sort. However, the McGovern lab suggests that these cells have their own unique identity that is controlled by the expression of key genes. The lab will investigate what will happen when the expression of these genes is altered in the context of reprogramming. These experiments will increase our understanding of how to reprogram non-sensory cells into hair cells in the inner ear so we can identify potential targets for a therapeutic intervention to hearing loss.

Representative image from a normal mouse cochlea with 3 rows of outer hair cells and 1 row of inner hair cells throughout the length of the organ (left). Representative image of a cochlea following 7 weeks of genetic reprogramming where numerous new hair cells are observed throughout the tissue (right).

Dr. Melissa McGovern

Incoming Residents

Elizabeth Liao, MD

Dr. Elizabeth Liao was raised in California. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. While in medical school, she completed a research year to pursue her commitment to designing better systems for underserved patients in otolaryngology. She chose UPMC because of its history of and continued leadership in otolaryngology, excellence in residency training, ample research opportunities, and the camaraderie within the residency and department. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and exploring Pittsburgh.

Zoey Morton, MD

Dr. Zoey Morton comes to Pittsburgh from Greenville, South Carolina. She completed an undergraduate degree in Bioengineering at Clemson University and received her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. She chose UPMC due to its notoriously excellent training program, the camaraderie of the department, the support provided to become a leader in otolaryngology, and the abundant opportunities for research and innovation within the field of otolaryngology that the department provides. Outside of the hospital she likes to go hiking with her dog Nova, enjoy live music, find great breweries, play pickleball, and explore the many parks in and around Pittsburgh.

Allison Rollins, MD

Dr. Allison Rollins grew up in Tacoma, Washington. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Washington, and then subsequently completed her medical degree there as well. During medical school she developed a passion for global health, increasing access to surgical services, and working with Spanish speaking patients. She served in leadership roles in the Global Otolaryngology Initiative, as well as the Co-Chair of the Global Surgery Student Alliance. She additionally completed a Fogarty Fellowship where she studied congenital hearing loss in Lima, Peru. She continues to remain very interested in integrating global health into her career and advancing access for all surgical patients. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, salsa dancing, hiking and being outdoors as well as spending quality time with friends. Allison chose UPMC for residency because of its robust operative training across all subspecialties, extensive legacy of training leaders in otolaryngology, history of excellence in research, and the clear comradery between its residents and faculty.

Francesco Caruana, MD

Dr. Francesco (“Frankie”) Caruana grew up in the hills of Sparkill, New York, and went to college at Fordham University where he studied Chemistry and Philosophy and was music director of an all-male a cappella group. He then worked for a few years in Manhattan conducting ENT research and starting a chili pepper company before attending medical school at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. He chose UPMC for its exceptional reputation in otolaryngology, the abundant research opportunities, and the extremely positive work atmosphere. While outside the hospital, he enjoys film photography, playing guitar, cooking, eating spicy food, skiing, hiking and camping.

Micah Harris, MD

Dr. Micah Harris was born in Columbus, Ohio. He attended college at the University of Michigan and completed medical school at The Ohio State University. He chose UPMC because of its strong surgical training, excellent research opportunities, and collegiality. In his free time, Micah enjoys spending time with family and friends, rock climbing, exercising, and golfing.

Incoming Fellows

Brandon Rosvall, MD – Rhinology and Cranial Base Surgery

Dr. Rosvall came to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to pursue advanced training in rhinology and cranial base surgery. He received a BS in Biology and Psychology from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada and received his medical degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dr. Rosvall then completed his otolaryngology residency training at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Dr. Rosvall is fluent in French and he and his wife, Monica, have a daughter, Amelia.

Zachary Bennett, MD – Pediatric Otolaryngology

Dr. Bennett grew up in Dallas, Texas. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and then went on to medical school at Baylor college of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Bennett has consistently received high honors during his years of higher education. He completed his otolaryngology residency training at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Bennett chose Pittsburgh for his fellowship because of the breadth of training and complexity of the pediatric population.

Mikhaylo Szczupak, MD – Pediatric Otolaryngology

Dr. Szczupak was born and raised in Stony Brook, New York. He received both his undergrad and medical degrees from University of Miami. He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Prior to joining us at UPMC Children’s Hospital for the Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship, Dr. Szczupak was practicing General Otolaryngology with UPMC’s Department of Otolaryngology at the Mercy and Monroeville offices.

Arturo Eguia, MD – Head and Neck Cancer

Dr. Eguia is a current Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery Fellow. He completed his Otolaryngology residency at McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health in Houston, Texas. He attended medical school at McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health in Houston, Texas.

Eric Wu, MD – Head and Neck Cancer

Dr. Wu is a current Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery Fellow. He completed his Otolaryngology residency at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana.

OTO Rotation in South Africa

Did you know that in the third year of otolaryngology residency, there is a 10-week research rotation to work on academic projects? And that University of Pittsburgh residents go to South Africa throughout the year during their respective research rotations for a total of four weeks each?

They work closely with the Chair of the Otolaryngology Department at the University of Cape Town Johan Fagan, who completed fellowships at the University of Pittsburgh in Otology/ Lateral Skull Base and Head and Neck. He founded the African Head and Neck Society and the University of Cape Town’s Karl Storz Fellowship in Advanced Head and Neck Surgery. He is currently the president of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (equivalent to the American Board of Medical Specialties). He has also initiated a new medical and dental journal called Journal of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (JCMSA), which anticipates going live in July 2023.

This program benefits residents in both cities. For University of Cape Town residents, it establishes friendships with their colleagues from the U.S. For Pitt residents, they “experience otolaryngology practice in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) setting, delivering excellent care working with limited resources,” Dr. Fagan said. According to Dr. Fagan, LMICs account for 70 percent of the world’s population. “Hence, traveling and experiencing life and medical practice in LMICs is important for U.S. trainees as they are shielded from the challenges and realities that patients and healthcare practitioners face in most of the world,” he said.

They also learn about more advanced disease and do clinical research on different diseases than what they are exposed to in the U.S. As a bonus, they get to interact and befriend residents

and fellows who come from all over Africa and beyond, and experience Cape Town and South Africa.

Both Departments have an ongoing collaboration in which the University of Cape Town is regularly invited to Grand Rounds at UPMC and Pitt plans to continue sending residents to Cape Town. “We are also trying to find ways to link faculty and trainees from both institutions either by hosting joint educational conferences, teaching sessions, or discussing interesting and challenging patients,” said Terral Patel, one of the Pitt residents who spent time in Cape Town.

The most memorable part of his experience was making a group of friends including some trainees from the department and students at the university. They all had a favorite food place – a café serving Zimbabwe food called The Meeting Place. Whenever they had time after a day of exploring or hiking, they always went there.

Patel was surprised at how rich in culture South Africa was. “As one of the wealthier countries in South Africa, people from all over the continent come there to work or study,” he said. “The variety of food was also great, and it was such a fun time to make friends and learn about their own traditional foods. The most surprising thing was how beautiful the city and Table Mountain were. I was not prepared for the scenery and the amazingly lush landscape.”

Dr. Fagan said the Pitt residents fit into the system “really well.” Patel said Dr. Fagan and his wife Marion were lovely people and welcoming to all the residents. They went out of their way to make the experience memorable and were so excited to connect. “I can’t thank them enough,” he said.

From L to R: Dr. Terral Patel, Marian Fagan, Dr. Shazia Peer, pediatric otolaryngologist at University of Cape Town, and Dr. Fagan

Alumni Spotlight

Hobbies:

I love to hike, bike, ski, and explore Pittsburgh’s great restaurants and breweries.

Most important thing to you about having attended Pitt for Otolaryngology?

As he approaches retirement in October, Dr. Hirsch’s impact on me as the paradigm of a good doctor can’t be overstated.

How has the campus/department changed since you were in school?

Pitt has such an incredible legacy under the leadership of two historic chairs, and it’s exciting to see the vision and vigor Dr. Zevallos is bringing to the department’s next chapter.

Philip Perez, MD

Education:

I completed my two-year Neurotology Fellowship under Dr. Hirsch and Dr. McCall in 2021.

Hometown:

I grew up in the suburbs of Houston, TX.

Career:

I currently serve as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology. I joined the department here at the University of Pittsburgh as the third Otologist/Neurotologist, splitting my time between UPMC and the Pittsburgh VA.

Family:

Unmarried with no children, I’m a highly-rated uncle to eight nieces and nephews in Texas, New York, and Washington.

Any funny/interesting stories from your years working or in school?

I always look forward to Dr. Snyderman’s alternative lyrics to Christmas carols at our holiday party and hope to contribute my own works soon.

Why have you gotten involved with and supported the Eye & Ear Foundation and why do you think it’s important to support?

The Foundation has been an amazing source of support for research and community outreach, acting as a springboard for the talent and innovation of the people that make this department so impactful.

What are you most excited about in the future of the department and/or the Foundation?

I can’t wait for this year’s outreach at the Pittsburgh Mission of Mercy, with our department supporting the work of Dr. Palmer and her audiology colleagues to provide audiograms and free hearing aids to our neighbors in need.

Save the Date

Sando Lecture

August 30, 2023 • 7am ET

Lecture given by Pitt alumnus

Craig Buchman, MD, FACS

If you’d like to attend the lecture

virtually CLICK HERE

American Academy of Otolaryngology

If you have any questions about upcoming events, please contact Asmik Movsisian at movsisianam@upmc.edu

Alumni Reception

October 1, 2023 • 6-8pm

Nashville, TN

Please RSVP by 9/1/23

CLICK HERE

Follow the Eye & Ear Foundation Online!

Want to keep up to date on all the exciting research happening in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh? Follow our social media accounts to see pictures, articles, awards, and more highlighting all the great work taking place at your alma mater. Just click the logos to find our page!

We Want to Hear From You!

As part of our alumni newsletter, MomENTs in Otolaryngology, we want to keep in touch with our alumni. Please share exciting personal or professional news with fellow alumni in future editions of our newsletter. Have you recently changed jobs? Got married? Published some exciting research? Welcomed a new member into your family? We want to know about it!

To update your contact information or to share personal and professional news, please visit http://www.otolaryngology. pitt.edu/alumni-class-photos/alumniupdates

Webinar Information

The Eye & Ear Foundation, in conjunction with the Departments of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh, has launched a new biweekly webinar series entitled “Sights and Soundbites.” The webinars are presented by department faculty members and highlight their current research initiatives and treatment strategies. These webinars have proven to be an accessible and interactive way to stay connected with patients, donors, faculty, and alumni. If you would like to register to receive webinar invites, please visit www.eyeandear.org/webinars. To view recent webinar videos, please click on the links below:

Otolaryngology

• Down Syndrome and Sleep Apnea: A New Treatment on the Horizon

• Tinnitus Treatment Options: To Audiology and Beyond

• Sight + Soundbites: Behind the Scenes: The Impact of Providing Care at Mission of Mercy

• Spring Fling – An Update on the Evaluation and Treatment of Allergies

• Making an Impact on How We Hear, See, and Live

Ophthalmology

• Improving Drugs and How They’re Delivered for Eyecare

• Cortical Vision: Can We See with Just Our Brain?

• Sight + Soundbites: Pittsburgh’s New Vision Institute: A Resource for the Community

• Sight + Soundbites: Behind the Scenes: The Impact of Providing Care at Mission of Mercy

• Making an Impact on How We Hear, See, and Live

• Vision for Childhood Development and Education

If you no longer wish to receive our newsletter, please submit requests to our mailing address, or email optout@eyeandear.org

The official registration and financial information of the Eye & Ear Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. eyeandear.org The Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh is a nonprofit 501 (C)(3) organization. Our mission is to support