MomENTs in Otolaryngology, Winter 2024

From the Desk of Noel Jabbour

Dear Alumni and Friends,

We’re excited to present to you the Winter issue of our alumni newsletter. In our Department, winter is a busy season for residency application reviews, interviews, ranking, and finally matching our new class of interns to our program.This is a team lift, with dozens of faculty members and residents participating to make it a success. Each year, it is an opportunity for us to build a shared mental model of our Department vision, which includes training future otolaryngologists who will be leaders locally, nationally, and internationally, and providing them with an unparalleled depth and breadth of exposure to all aspects of otolaryngology. It is also an opportunity for us to reflect upon and to be thankful for (read: humble brag about) the excellent educational product of this program, which is you, our amazing alumni.

In this issue, you’ll find a recap of our 2023 year, including excellent new additions to our faculty. One of these new faculty members, Dr. Matt Spector, will give you an overview of some of the innovative work that he is bringing to the Department. We’re also highlighting some exciting grants received by our Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, as well as a summary of all the publications our faculty took part of in the past year. As you can see, we are as busy as ever! Remember to save the dates for some of our upcoming events, including our annual Three Rivers Otolaryngology Update, where we hope to get a chance to see all of you back here in Pittsburgh.

As we look back at the past year, we are also excited to look to the future, enjoying the final months we will have with our graduating residents and fellows, as well as getting ready to welcome a whole new class of trainees to our ranks this summer. We know they will be a fantastic addition to the wonderful legacy that our department, and all of you, have built!

All of my best,

Noel Jabbour, MD, MS, FACS Winter

Welcome New Staff

We are excited to announce the newest faculty recruits to the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center! Whether it be in the clinic or in the lab, each of these outstanding clinicians and researchers will add to the richness of the Department in different ways.

Dr. Garret Choby, MD

Garret W. Choby, MD, is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine with a dual appointment in the Department of Neurosurgery. He specializes in sinus and skull base surgery. Dr. Choby completed his otolaryngology residency at UPMC followed by fellowship training in rhinology and skull base surgery at Stanford University. Dr. Choby’s clinical focus includes sinonasal cancers, skull base tumors, inflammatory sinus disease and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. He enjoys a collaborative practice with his neurosurgical colleagues, offering comprehensive care for patients with complex skull base tumors. Active research areas include improving quality of life (QOL) following endoscopic skull base surgery and improving survival in patients with sinonasal cancers.

Dr. Jessica Maxwell, MD, MPH, FACS

Dr. Jessica Maxwell, MD, MPH, FACS is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the Associate Program Director for the Department of Otolaryngology at UPMC. She also serves as the Chief of Otolaryngology at the Pittsburgh Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center. She specializes in head and neck cancer surgery and endocrine surgery. Dr. Maxwell is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and subsequently completed her residency training and fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Maxwell’s clinical interests include the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, parathyroid and thyroid disorders, salivary gland abnormalities, and transoral robotic surgery for HPV+ tonsil and tongue cancer.

Dr. Matthew Spector, MD, FACS

Dr. Matthew Spector is a Professor of Otolaryngology for the Department of Otolaryngology at UPMC. He completed his medical school training at Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University in Chicago. He then went on to the University of Michigan where he completed his residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction. He was on faculty at the University of Michigan for 10 years where he served as the Director of the Head and Neck Oncology Program and Associate Director of the Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction Fellowship. Dr. Spector specializes in all aspects of extirpative head and neck surgical oncology and head and neck reconstruction. His research interests relate to both clinical and translational questions in head and neck oncology and head and neck reconstruction.

Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh

PHYSICIAN FACULTY

Cuneyt M. Alper, MD

Professor of Otolaryngology

Professor of Clinical and Translational Science

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director, ENT Research Laboratory, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Vice Chair of Research, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology

David H. Chi, MD

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine

Chief, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology

Medical Director, The Hearing Center and Cochlear Implant Program

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Garrett Choby, MD

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Kevin Contrera, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Joseph E. Dohar, MD, MS, FAAP, FACS

Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Medical Director, Pediatric Voice, Resonance and Swallowing

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

David E. Eibling, MD

Professor of Otolaryngology

Assistant Chief of Surgery, VA

Robert L. Ferris, MD, PhD

Director, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Hillman Professor of Oncology

Associate Vice Chancellor for Cancer Research

Professor of Otolaryngology, of Immunology, and of Radiation Oncology

Joseph M. Furman, MD, PhD

Professor of Otolaryngology, Neurotology, Bioengineering, and Physical Therapy

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Chief, Division of Balance Disorders

Grant Gillman, MD, FRCS

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

Director, Division of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Bridget C. Hathaway, MD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Noel Jabbour, MD, MS

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director, Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Director, Congenital Ear Center Assistant Director, Residency Program

Jonas T. Johnson, MD, FACS

Emeritus Chairman and Emeritus

Distinguished Service Professor

Department of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Thomas Kaffenberger

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Seungwon Kim, MD, FACS

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Division

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Dennis J. Kitsko, DO

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Co-Director, Hearing Center, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology

Raymond C. Maguire, DO

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Jessica Maxwell, MD, MPH, FACS

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Associate Program Director of UPMC Otolaryngology

Angela Mazul, PhD, MPH

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Andrew A. McCall, MD

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director, Neurotology Fellowship Program

Philip Pérez, MD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Department of Otolaryngology (continued)

Jeffrey P. Simons, MD, MMM, FACS, FAAP

Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Surgical Director of Pediatric Thyroid Center

Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Libby J. Smith, DO, FAOCO

Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director, UPMC Voice Center

Carl H. Snyderman, MD, MBA, FACS

Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Professor of Bioengineering

University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering

Co-Director, UPMC Center for Cranial Base Surgery

Vice Chair, Quality and Safety, Department of Otolaryngology

Ryan J. Soose, MD

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director, Sleep Division, Department of Otolaryngology

Matthew Spector

Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology & Microvascular Reconstruction Fellowship; Chief, Division of Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery

Shaum S. Sridharan, MD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and Plastic Surgery

Associate Fellowship Director, Head & Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Amanda Stapleton, MD

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director of Allergy/Rhinology Clinic Director, Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Sandra Stinnett, MD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

Head and Neck Surgery –Laryngology Division

Director, Swallowing Disorders Center

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Allison B.J. Tobey, MD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director of Tracheostomy Care Educational Program

Director of the Facial Nerve Disorders clinic at UPMC Shadyside

Co-Director of EXIT Simulation Program

Co-Director, Aerodigestive Center

Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Eric W. Wang, MD, FACS

Professor of Otolaryngology, Neurological Surgery, and Ophthalmology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director of Education, UPMC Center for Cranial Base Surgery

Executive Vice Chair, Department of Otolaryngology

Director, Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology

Director, Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery Fellowship Program, Department of Otolaryngology

Rachel L. Whelan, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

David E. Wood, DO

Staff Otolaryngologist-UPMC Horizon Medical Director, Otolaryngology UPMC-Horizon

Chairman, UPMC Horizon Credentials Committee

Christina Yver, MD, MBA

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director of the Facial Nerve Disorders clinic at UPMC Shadyside

José P. Zevallos MD MPH FACS

The Eugene N. Myers, M.D., Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Department of Otolaryngology (continued)

CLINICIAN & RESEARCH FACULTY

Carey Balaban, PhD

Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Director, Center for National Preparedness

Christopher L. Cunningham, PhD Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurobiology

Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center

Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Michele N. Insanally, PhD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Manoj Kumar, PhD

Research Assistant Professor

Department of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Melissa McGovern, PhD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Catherine Palmer, PhD

Chair, Department of Communication Science and Disorders

Professor of Communication Science and Disorders and Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Director, Audiology

Thanos Tzounopoulos, PhD

UPMC Endowed Professor of Auditory Physiology

Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurobiology

Vice Chairman of Research, Otolaryngology

Director, Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Lazar Vujanovic, PhD

Research Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Tamara Wasserman-Wincko, MS, CCC-SLP Director, Speech-Language Pathology Division

Ross Williamson, PhD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurobiology

Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center

Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Bill Yates, PhD

Professor of Otolaryngology, Neuroscience; and Clinical and Translational Science

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Vice Chancellor for Research Protections Vice-Chair of the School of Medicine Curriculum Committee

Yanjun Zhao, MS, MSci

Assistant Research Professor of Otolaryngology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

2023 New Department Faculty Awards

Thanos Tzounopoulos, PhD:

Was awarded NIH R01DC020923 for “Cortical neuromodulatory mechanisms underlying adaptation and plasticity.” This brings Thanos’ currently active R01 award count to 4.

Ross Williamson, PhD:

Awarded two new supplements under his NIH R01 (awarded in 2022), supplemental funding totaling $452,394

Michele Insanally, PhD:

Was awarded NIH R01DC021067 for “The significance of nominally non-responsive neural dynamics in auditory perception and behavior.”

Melissa McGovern, PhD:

Was awarded the NIH R21DC020982 award for “Enhancing hair cell regeneration in mature cochlea: Modulating Sox gene control of supporting cell identity.”

Also awarded the Hearing Health Foundation award for “Hair cell regeneration in the mature cochlea: Investigating new models to reprogram cochlear epithelial cells into hair cells.”

Research Spotlight: Dr. Matthew Spector

University of Pittsburgh Surgeons Use Novel Assessments of Speech and Swallowing to Improve Functional Outcomes

Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for oral cavity cancer and many patients have significant reduction in speech and swallowing function after treatment. Oral rehabilitation is a critical component of survivorship care and development of reproducible objective measures of speech and swallowing function is key to understanding this patient population. Our research group is well positioned to study functional outcomes to better understand how to effectively counsel patients around their surgery, their recovery, and what life will look like after cancer.

Matthew Spector, MD

Our recently submitted manuscript to Oral Oncology uses the Oral Volume Assessment Tool (OVAT), a novel tool in which patients expel a soft material from their mouth and the residual volumes are measured. This cutting-edge measurement is a new objective metric for speech and swallowing function after oral cavity surgery and reconstruction. In the manuscript, we demonstrate validation of the OVAT in a cohort of patients undergoing resection of oral tongue cancers with varying reconstructive approaches ranging from primary closure to free flap reconstruction. Further, we show that if surgeons can reconstruct the oral cavity in a way that allows very little residual space (larger volume of reconstruction), then patients have improved functional outcomes. Patients with lower residual volumes had improved speech efficiency (understandability and speed of conversational speech) as well as improved nutrition (range of liquids and solids).

These results significantly contribute to the literature and provide an additional objective tool that can be used in the future to standardize functional outcome measures. At UPMC, we believe this publication significantly can help our patients, as it allows surgeons to set reconstructive metrics that can be used to help guide treatment at the time of surgery, with the overall goal of improving long term quality of life.

2023 Department of Otolaryngology Publications

Faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology published over 150 academic studies in 2020 across a variety of specialty areas, including head and neck cancer, balance, sleep, hearing loss, voice disorders, and many others. For a full list of publications by month please visit CLICK HERE.

Alumni Spotlight

Daniel Nuss, MD

Education

I served two years of Fellowship in Cranial Base Surgery, 1989 through 1991.

Hometown/current town

New Orleans, LA

Career

I’ve been practicing since 1991. My practice is at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. In 1995, I became Department Chair, and I continue to serve in that capacity today. I am also currently the Chief of Cancer Services for Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute. In 2023, I was blessed with the establishment of an Endowed Chair in Skull Base Surgery in my name at LSU, one of the greatest honors of my career. This would not have happened were it not for the time I spent at the University of Pittsburgh.

Specialty areas of your practice?

Open, Endoscopic, and Minimally Invasive Skull Base Surgery; Skull Base Reconstruction; and Advanced Head & Neck Oncology.

Family

My wonderful wife Wilma and our precious daughter Olivia.

Hobbies, fun facts, talents, etc…

I play guitar in a New Orleans-based rock’n’roll cover band, and we play local music venues all over the region, plus parties, fundraisers, and local school and philanthropic benefits.

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

My years at Pitt absolutely changed the course of my professional life! Having the opportunity to learn from incredible mentors and colleagues was a true blessing, and it shaped my career in ways I could not have imagined.

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

UPMC’s geographic network has dramatically expanded, and beyond that, the department’s influence has profoundly influenced the way Otolaryngology is practiced worldwide. Dr. Eugene Myers, Dr. Jonas Johnson and (my fellowship mentor) Dr. Ivo Janecka will always be on my list of superheroes. And I would include my contemporaries, Carl Snyderman and Ricardo Carrau to that list too.

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

The impact of my time at UPMC, and the immense benefits I received within the hospital, the clinics, and the Eye & Ear Foundation, were among the greatest privileges of my life. By giving back, we support the future of Otolaryngology education and innovation!

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

The future of the Department is squarely in great hands, with the amazing faculty and Dr. Zevallos’ vision and leadership.

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

Too many to count!

Save the Date

If you have any questions about upcoming events please contact Nicole Coddington at coddingtonnj3@upmc.edu

Three Rivers Otolaryngology Update

April 5-6, 2024

Clark Auditorium, UPMC Mercy Hospital

BJ Ferguson Memorial Lectureship in Rhinology

April 16, 2024

BST S100A 5pm

Faculty Retreat

May 19, 2023

Research Day/ Graduation

June 20, 2024

American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting

September 28-October 1, 2024

Miami, FL

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 below 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! Webinar Information

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

The Eye & Ear Foundation, in conjunction with the Departments of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh, hosts a bi-weekly 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

• Protecting and Preserving Your Voice

• Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

• Chronic Rhinosinusitis

• Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction

• Nasal Obstruction: The Deviated Septum – Everything You’d Want to Know

• HPV and the Changing Epidemiology of Head and Neck Cancer

• Hearing with the Brain

Ophthalmology

• Everything You Want to Know About Keratoconus

• Cerebral Visual Impairment

• Advancements in Glaucoma Treatment and Research

• Update on Optic Nerve Regeneration Progress

• Advancements in Cataract Surgery

• Research and Treatment Advances in Low Vision Therapy

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.