PENN STATE HEALTH MILTON S. HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER • PENN STATE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
DEPARTMENT UPDATE 2021
Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
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Message from the Chair Welcome all! It has been an “interesting” year. We, as a department, have continued to thrive despite the ongoing global pandemic and the chaos that it has sown. Our team continues to see outstanding growth, academically and clinically, and noted exceptional strides forward with our research and teaching programs. In addition, our expanding team of otolaryngology faculty members continues to be recognized nationally for their research, education and clinical care. As the otolaryngology department within a growing health system, we will be expanding our specialty across the river to Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center and Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center, and soon to our newest hospital in Lancaster. This year we welcomed our newest faculty member, Dr. Thomas Chung, who joins us as a pediatric otolaryngologist. Dr. Jessyka Lighthall has started her term as president-elect of the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and will host this year’s annual meeting at The Hotel Hershey in June 2022. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Dr. John McGinn, we received a resident complement increase! As a result, our program will now be matching three residents for the July 2022 start (two clinical and one research). This will be an alternating admission of three and two residents per year.
I remain in awe of our talented faculty, residents and dedicated staff who care for a growing number of patients each year. Finally, I want to thank our alumni and friends for your ongoing support of this incredible department. We hope you enjoy perusing these pages. Please visit our links, as well. Best wishes for a happy and healthy winter season. Sincerely,
David Goldenberg MD, FACS Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
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Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month observed by Penn State Health September was Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observance since 2000. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine illuminated our crescent building in pink, purple and teal from September 1-5. Every year, this tribute is a powerful way to recognize all current patients, caregivers and thyroid cancer survivors. The thyroid gland makes important hormones that help the body function normally. Unfortunately, thyroid cancer is becoming more common, and experts don’t know what causes it. However, people exposed to low-dose radiation (radiation to the head, neck or chest) have a greater chance of getting thyroid cancer, which is more common in women than men. Treatment is primarily surgical, removing part of or the whole gland. Sometimes, radioactive iodine is given after surgery. Most thyroid cancers are curable, and the prognosis is excellent. At Penn State Cancer Institute, we diagnose and treat all head and neck cancers, including thyroid cancer. Our multidisciplinary team is made up of surgeons, endocrinologists, radiologists and pathologists. Early detection saves lives – be sure to get your neck checked.
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Scott Walen, MD
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Associate Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Physician Spotlight Dr. Scott Walen joined the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery in October 2020. He is a double board-certified associate professor, specializing in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Walen was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology – head and neck surgery residency at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He then pursued an American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, followed by additional head and neck reconstruction training at Saint Louis University in Missouri, where he served as the director of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and residency program director. After fellowship training, he obtained certification from the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery and is currently in his second year as a board examiner. He specializes in both aesthetic/ cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck. Dr. Walen provides the full range of cosmetic procedures, from facial lesion removals, scar revisions, facial rejuvenation injectables (neuromodulators, dermal fillers), laser resurfacing/facial peels,
dermabrasion, face lifting, brow/eyelid lifting and nasal reshaping (rhinoplasty). In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Walen has authored several research publications and textbook chapters related to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has been an invited speaker at state, national and international meetings, presenting on a variety of facial aesthetic surgery topics. He has also provided his expertise on facial rejuvenation in radio and television interviews. Currently, Dr. Walen’s research interests include rhinoplasty clinical outcomes, optimizing hair follicle survival in transplantation and optimizing surgical resident evaluation methods. Outside of work, his interests include travel, new restaurants and strong coffee. Dr. Walen is a fan of all sports, particularly the New England Patriots, but he loves competition most of all, having played amateur competitive golf from high school to well into his surgical training.
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About Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
A: Patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules formerly had a choice of just two available treatment options – either observation or surgery to remove half of the thyroid gland. Now, the Medical Center is offering a third option: radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
during the past six years as a potential treatment for benign and cancerous thyroid nodules. A study published in 2015 confirmed RFA as a safe and effective alternative treatment modality in the management of benign symptomatic thyroid nodules. During the study, which included 33 patients (24% female, 76% male), nodule volume reduction was found to be at 74% six months following RFA.¹ RFA can also be used to treat other thyroid conditions, including small thyroid cancers, thyroid and thyroglossal dust cysts and some thyroid goiters.
Q: What is RFA?
Q: How does the procedure work?
A: Used for decades to treat conditions of the spine, heart and liver, RFA has emerged
A: Patients receive a local anesthetic. During the procedure, which takes from 30 to 40 minutes, the surgeon uses an ultrasound to guide a needle and microelectrode probe into the affected area of the benign thyroid nodule. The probe then sends radiofrequency waves that cause friction and heat, which are aimed to precisely target nodules and tumors, causing the targeted cells to die. Patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within 24 hours. Most patients see their symptoms subside with one treatment. However, patients with larger benign thyroid nodules may need a second treatment.
Advanced treatment for benign thyroid nodules is now available at Hershey Medical Center. Q: What were the prior treatment options for patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules?
Dr. David Goldenberg performs RFA of thyroid nodules on a patient in an outpatient setting
1. Ugurlu MU, Uprak K, Akpinar IN, Attaallah W, Yegen C, Gulluoglu BM. Radiofrequency ablation of benign symptomatic thyroid nodules: prospective safety and efficacy study. World J Surg. 2015 Apr;39(4):961-8. doi: 10.1007/ s00268-014-2896-1
ENT Update Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s ENT Update highlights the latest innovations in ear, nose and throat surgery (otolaryngology). Read our latest ENT Updates at: medicalupdate.pennstatehealth.org/earnose-throat and find the full article on radiofrequency ablation by scanning the QR code below.
Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery Team
DR. NEERAV GOYAL, DIVISION CHIEF
DR. KAREN CHOI
DR. DAVID GOLDENBERG
DR. GUY SLONIMSKY
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Giving Makes a Difference to our Department Thank you for your support The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is supported by funds from private philanthropy, institutional grants and patient service revenue. While every source of funding is important, private philanthropic support is especially vital to our success. Over the years, the generosity of alumni, friends and grateful patients has enabled the department to attract new physicians and surgeon scientists, educate future otolaryngologists and initiate and facilitate important research projects that have the potential to contribute scientific breakthroughs in our field. This translates to an extraordinary patient experience. To learn more about how you can support our efforts, please visit med.psu.edu/ otolaryngology/giving or contact Owen Thomas in the Office of Development at 717531-8497 and via email at othomas@pennstatehealth.psu. edu. Carlton E. Hughes Cancer Research Endowment: This endowment provides financial support for the head and neck cancer research at the Penn State Cancer Institute and the Penn State Division of Head and Neck Surgery. A fitting tribute to Mr. Hughes, the endowment was started through the efforts of Mr. Hughes’ wife, Shirley, and his daughter Carlyn.
Joann and Jack Fornadley Microsurgical Training Lab: The Otolaryngology and Plastic Surgery Residency curriculum incorporates small group anatomy teaching sessions focused on improving the resident’s knowledge of surgical anatomy and procedures. This stateof-the-art lab is used to help residents developing skills in microvascular surgical techniques. Ellie Goldenberg Memorial Visiting Professor Lecture: The Ellie Goldenberg Visiting Professor Lecture provides funds for world-class lectures by outstanding scientists, artists, scholars and researchers on topics that intersect the fields of medicine and the vocal arts. This fund honors the memory of Ellie Goldenberg ( ), actor, singer, beloved daughter, sister and friend. George H. and Betty R. Conner Excellence in Otolaryngology Fund: This fund supports resident and faculty education and research in the Penn State College of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology, enhancing programs and new initiatives with an emphasis on funding outstanding residents in the department. George H. and Betty R. Conner Visiting Professor Lecture: The George H. Conner Visiting Professor Lecture provides funds for world class lectures by outstanding scientists, scholars, and researchers in the field of Otolaryngology. This fund honors our founding chair, Dr. George H. Conner, who laid the foundation for today’s success of the Department
of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Upcraft Family Research Endowment: Started by M. Lee and Lilian Upcraft, this endowment honors the Upcraft Family by providing ongoing financial support to enhance and further clinical cancer research in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. John R. Fenstermacher Head and Neck Cancer Research Endowment: This endowment supports research focused on head and neck cancer. It was started through the fundraising efforts of Peg Fenstermache and honors the late John Fenstermacher, a much-loved father, husband, son and friend. Otolaryngology Resident Research and Education Fund: Gifts support the scientific and educational endeavors of our residents – highly talented physicians receiving training in the field of otolaryngology. Gifts to this fund have been invaluable in providing our residents with the resources they need to attend and participate in scientific meetings and purchase research supplies. Head and Neck Cancer Research Fund: These funds are used to support our head, neck and thyroid cancer research endeavors. The discoveries made at Penn State College of Medicine and Hershey Medical Center will lead to substantive improvements in the care otolaryngology patients receive here and around the world. Donor-Driven Gift Fund: A gift to the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery makes an immediate impact and changes lives. We would love to hear which additional programs or new ideas and initiatives are of interest to you. Please contact Owen Thomas in the Office of Development to discuss how you can make a donation to the causes you are passionate about.
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Benjamin S. Oberman, MD 2016 Resident Graduate
A cochlear impant helps patients with hearing loss
Cochlear Provider Network Provides Expanded Access for Patients Penn State Health has a hearing device implant team consisting of otologists, audiologists, speech pathologists, geneticists, developmental pediatricians, social workers and admin personnel. This team meets monthly to discuss patient candidates to ensure all areas of need are addressed, with a focus on those with both cochlear and osseointegrated implants. The audiology team remains on the leadingedge of technology by way of monthly in-house and extracurricular trainings. A developing Cochlear™ Provider Network (CPN), with surgeon Dr. Mark Whitaker at Penn State Health, continues to provide expanded access for cochlear implant candidates. Dr. Whitaker currently works with Dr. Beth Czarnecki at Advanced Audiology in Pottsville,
Pa.; Dr. Jessica Wagner at St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem, Pa.; and Dr. Bethany Noll at A&E Audiology & Hearing Aid Center in Willow Street, Pa. Through the CPN, patients can minimize travel and receive care closer to home at these independent audiology practices for their audiometric testing, workup and post-surgical implant programming. Surgical services are provided at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Mark E. Whitaker, MD, FACS Assistant Professor Otology/Neurotology
Plans Underway to Upgrade Temporal Bone Lab As Penn State Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery moves forward as a growing, world-class department, the importance of modern training equipment and labs for residents is imperative. Dr. Ben Oberman, ’16 otolaryngology resident graduate, is spearheading an effort to give back by providing funds to upgrade and expand the temporal bone lab. Join Dr. Oberman by considering a gift towards this worthy project. Donations may be made through the online giving portal found at med.psu.edu/ otolaryngology/giving, by selecting the “Other” box and writing “Temporal Bone Lab”. To answer any questions you may have, or to send in donations via mail, please contact Owen Thomas in the Office of Development at 717-531-8497 and via email at othomas@pennstatehealth. psu.edu.
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Word Scramble
Test your skills with unscrambling these otolaryngology terms and beyond. Find the answers on page 19.
GGORLOTNLOYYAO DIOGAOUYL ESHYHRE NYITNTA ONIL CMTOCIONAINMU NCEK CEARSERH XLYNAR IANGRHE LWASWOL
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George H. Conner Visiting Professor Lecture On April 22, 2021, Professor Martin Birchall gave the lecture “I Larynx” for the annual George H. Conner Visiting Professor Lecture. Details to be announced for the 2022 Lecture.
GEORGE H. CONNER VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE
I LARYNX: A Surgeon Chasing a Biologic Enigma April 22, 2021
Professor Martin Birchall Professor of Laryngology University College London Hospitals London, England Since establishment of this annual lecture by founding Chief Dr. George Conner in 1995, over 25 worldclass lectures by outstanding scientists, scholars, and researchers in the field of Otolaryngology have been welcomed to speak here at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
April 22, 2021 4:00 PM
LIVE ZOOM LINK:
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Congratulations
to our 2021
Graduates
This year’s graduation ceremony took place at Hershey Gardens on June 10, 2021. The ceremony marked the first resident/fellow inperson graduation as our own department. Congratulations to our fellow, Dr. Jeffery Wells, and chief residents Dr. Darrin Bann and Dr. Robert Saadi.
Post-Graduation: Dr. Jeffery Wells Attending Physician, Cleveland Clinic Health System Dr. Darrin Bann Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship, University of North Carolina Dr. Robert Saadi Neurotology Fellowship, University of Arkansas
New Baby Announcements Annie & Ryan Roark of Dr. Meghan Wilson & Bill Roark
Violet Hennessy of Drs. Max Hennessy & Elise Hennessy
Maya Pool
of Drs. Christopher Pool & Jenny Pool
Isabelle Latz
of Dr. Jessyka Lighthall & Ben Latz
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Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Established in July 2021 lift, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), blepharoplasty (upper and lower eye surgery), brow lift, otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery, including ear pinning) and facial augmentation, including implants. She also specializes in the use of Dr. Jessyka Lighthall, Division Chief of Facial Plastic and neuromodulator Reconstructive Surgery (Botox®) and fillers to reduce wrinkles, as well as skin Dr. Jessyka Lighthall, FACS, resurfacing and rejuvenation was named chief of the newly procedures, including chemical established Division of Facial peels, dermabrasion and laser Plastic and Reconstructive treatments. She performs Surgery in the Department of reconstruction of cancer defects, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck traumatic facial injuries and Surgery on July 1, 2021. congenital deformities, including microtia and cleft lip/palate. Dr. Lighthall is an associate professor and has been with the Dr. Lighthall has been appointed department since 2014. She is to leadership roles within fellowship trained and holds the hospital system, state two board certifications, in society and national society; both otolaryngology – head and has numerous publications in neck surgery and facial plastic journals and textbooks; and and reconstructive surgery. speaks at local, national and At Penn State Health, she has international conferences. She been integral to establishing the is active in medical student, microvascular program, founded resident and fellow education and currently directs the and training. Dr. Lighthall’s multidisciplinary Facial Nerve research interests are in Disorders Clinic, is the medical optimizing clinical outcomes for director of Esteem Penn State rhinoplasty and facial trauma, Health Cosmetics Associates and management of pain after facial served as director of facial plastic plastic surgical procedures and and reconstructive surgery. improving resident education. As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Lighthall provides the complete spectrum of aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery procedures, including face
In her free time, Dr. Lighthall loves to spend time with her husband and two beautiful daughters, shoots sporting clays and is learning to play the piano.
Jessyka Lighthall, MD, FACS
As the new division chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Lighthall’s missions are to: • Continue to grow the division and improve patient access to high-quality aesthetic & reconstructive care • Strengthen the research profile of the division • Enhance the education of medical students and residents in facial plastic surgery • Expand facial plastic surgery services
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After COVID-19 forced 15-year-old Caden Capitani to take his speech therapy virtually for months, he was happily reunited with pediatric speech-language pathologist Megan Klinger for in-person therapy
How the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders Adapted During the Pandemic Across the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, evaluations and therapy incorporated face masks with clear speechreading windows. These clear masks are essential for patients with hearing loss who use hearing aids and cochlear implants. With a standard face mask, the visualization of the mouth for speech and voice production is obstructed, and many hearing loss patients rely on speechreading to communicate.
Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) said the clear masks are greatly beneficial for working with children with speech or stuttering disorders because patients can see the SLP’s articulators as models for working on their skills. It also enables the SLP to see the patient’s articulators, which is necessary to prompt and correct speech sound errors. Visualization allows patients to communicate, and the audiology team found the clear masks essential for communicating with patients who rely on visual cues in addition to auditory input for spoken language communication. Across the entire department, increased sanitation measures went into effect in all patient care areas. Personal protective
equipment (PPE) for our SLPs becomes became a critical aspect of videostroboscopy, laryngoscopy and tracheoesophageal prosthesis changes. Telehealth services became a great way to virtually connect patients and our team while remaining safe. For our audiologists, telehealth services were used primarily to care for adults with hearing aids, such as hearing aid troubleshooting and device selection. While often as simple as a video call for adults, the virtual environment required a little more creativity from SLPs working with children. The team used games, screen sharing and other interactive methods to make our telehealth services effective and enjoyable for our patients. The pandemic has posed challenges and a call to adapt quickly. These times have showcased the great ability of our entire team to overcome adversity.
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Crossword Puzzle Find all ten words hidden in the puzzle below! Answers can be found on page 19.
MEDICAL - EAR - NOSE - HEAD - NECK - DOCTOR THROAT - HEARING - OTOLARYNGOLOGY - HOSPITAL
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Over the past year, the Penn State Health Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery team has been expanding. Meet our newest team members below! We are excited to have them all here with us at Penn State Health.
Find us on social media:
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Join Our Growing Team Penn State Health is seeking otolaryngologists to join our growing team in either academic- or community-based settings. Penn State Health is a multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across 29 counties in central Pennsylvania. It employs more than 16,800 people systemwide. We’re hiring pediatric otolaryngologists, general otolaryngologists, otologists/neurotologists and otolaryngology subspecialists. For more information, please contact our physician recruiter, Ashley Nippert, at anippert@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
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Support life-changing research
Targeting Head and Neck Cancer Sporting Clay Shoot Details to come for the 2022 Clay Shoot
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Stay Connected @PSH_OTO
Follow our Instagram and Twitter for departmental updates, residency program happenings, faculty and staff highlights, and more!
At the Forefront of the Pandemic The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery has been at the forefront since day one of the pandemic in March 2020. The department observed a partial shutdown, but provided continual airway, trauma and cancer care throughout. Members of our team published eight articles on patient and clinician safety in the COVID-19 era, between March and June 2020. The department also became directly involved with PPE utilization across the health system. From partial shutdowns to telehealth services and reopening…we are stronger than ever!
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Activity Answers Word Scramble Page 8: Otolaryngology Audiology Hershey Nittany Lion Communication Neck Research Larynx Hearing Swallow
Crossword Puzzle Page 15:
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Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center 500 University Drive, MC H091 Hershey, PA 17033-0850 717-531-8946 hmc.pennstatehealth.org/otolaryngology @PSH_OTO @psh_oto
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