CHAIR’S MESSAGE
HappySummer all! July brought wonderful news for the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. We have been recognized as one of the best in the nation for ear, nose, and throat care by U.S. News and World Report. This tremendous achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of each and every one of our team members, alumni, and friends!
In this newsletter, we celebrate the numerous achievements of our skilled team. Dr. Mark Whitaker has been honored with the 2023-24 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, recognizing his exceptional contributions to medical and graduate education. Additionally, as of July 1, 2024, Dr. Neerav Goyal has been promoted to Professor rank and awarded tenure. A testament to his success and future contributions at Penn State.
I also want to extend my gratitude to Patrice and Lee Saurman for their decade-long dedicated service to our head and neck cancer support group. This group provides patients and their families with the opportunity to connect with and receive support from others in similar situations. For more information about group meetings, please email pennstateheadneck@gmail.com.
I am incredibly proud of the growth and accomplishments of the Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery team here at Penn State Health. Five new faculty members are incoming, and we are expanding to more Penn State Health sites. Together, we have made significant strides and are ready to enter a new chapter in our history, characterized by cutting-edge clinical care and ambitious research initiatives.
I encourage you to stay informed and continue to share your perspectives. Please enjoy this summer edition of our newsletter.
Best regards,
DR. DAVID GOLDENBERG DEPARTMENT CHAIR
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WELCOME NEW FACULTY MEMBERS
Dr. Heather Schopper was the inaugural facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellow at Penn State Health under Division faculty, Dr. Jessyka Lighthall and Dr. Scott Walen. Upon graduation, Dr. Schopper joins our team at Penn State Health as an attending physician with clinical responsibilities beginning later this Fall.
Dr. Schopper completed her undergraduate degree in civil and environmental engineering at Cornell University and earned her medical degree from the University of Iowa. She completed otolaryngology residency training at the University of Kansas.
Her research focuses on exploring the role of personality factors in decision-making as well as improving communication skills development and medical education. Dr. Schopper’s clinical interests include MOHS reconstruction, facial
reanimation, trauma, cosmetic surgery and gender-affirming care. She has published and lectured on patient communication and medical education and hopes to continue this in the future.
Dr. Victor Da Costa joins the team as a fellowship-trained, board-certified pediatric otolaryngologist.
His clinical interests include pediatric and adult hearing loss, chronic ear disease, sleep apnea, chronic sinus and allergic disease and voice disorders.
He comes to us from The ENT Center of Lancaster and Ephrata, where he practiced for almost eight years. Dr. Da Costa will be a valuable asset covering the Lancaster area as we expand our presence throughout Central Pennsylvania.
LANCASTER PEDIATRIC CENTER 1430 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17603 717-606-1135
LIME SPRING OUTPATIENT CENTER
2221 Noll Drive, Suite E100 Lancaster, PA 17603 717-327-4439
OTOLARYNGOLOGY HAPPENINGS
SURGICAL SKILLS AND CADAVER COURSE
Residents participated in an annual two-day surgical skills and cadaver dissection course. This session provides a great opportunity to explore surgical skills and modern operative tools in a safe learning environment. We want to thank our Geisinger colleagues who joined us as learners and faculty, as well as the event sponsors for supporting another successful course.
THYROID RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION COURSE
More than 20 participants from around the world traveled to Hershey for hands-on training in thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in June. This annual course provides a unique experience to learn the technique under the direct supervision of leaders in the field. It is one of the few courses in the nation for RFA training.
ANNUAL GEORGE H. CONNER LECTURE
Dr. Andrew Murr, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, delivered the 29th Annual George H. Conner Visiting Professor Lecture. His presentation was titled “Management of Frontal Sinus and Skull Base Fractures: A Change in the Paradigm?”
CLEFT SIMULATION SESSION
Drs. Heather Schopper and Jessyka Lighthall led an inaugural cleft lip repair surgical simulation session for residents and medical students. This training was made possible through grant funding from the Penn State Hershey Clinical Simulation Center and the dedicated work of Dr. Cheng Ma, PGY-2.
SINUS HEADACHE? MAYBE NOT.
THE PRESSURE AND PAIN IN YOUR FACE MIGHT NOT BE A SINUS HEADACHE
That phrase we’ve all bandied about when our head is pounding is really a misnomer, according to Dr. John McGinn, Professor and Vice Chair of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
If you have a head cold, and you feel like a balloon has been inflated inside your face for more than a week, what you’re most likely dealing with is a bacterial sinus infection. The temporary but seemingly unrelenting facial/head pressure is a symptom of that, but often a minor one in comparison to nasal complaints, such as congestion, runny nose or loss of sense of smell.
“We acknowledge that some patients do experience a mild degree of head discomfort when they are actively in the midst of a sinus infection, but it is not a predominant symptom,” McGinn said. However, there is a common perception that when patients are suffering with dominant pain in their face that they see that as a “sinus problem as opposed to a headache.”
AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
When a patient raises the concern about “sinus headaches” to McGinn, he likes to highlight that the head isn’t just where the hairline is or where a hat rests.
“The half-lighthearted thing I try to explain to patients is, you know, your face is part of your head, too,” McGinn said. “So, pain in your face is a headache, just as it is if the pain is in the top of your head or the back of your head.”
This isn’t about semantics. It’s about proper treatment. If patients are dealing with facial pressure and pain consistently, if there are days in which they are wiped out by that pressure and have no other nasal symptoms, they are not suffering through a sinus headache, like many believe.
They almost certainly are dealing with something
else, maybe migraines, and should treat the pain accordingly, McGinn said.
“With most of the people I talk to who say ‘I have sinus headache issues,’ they are talking about chronic, recurrent, frequent or even severe headaches, things that are affecting their quality of life and their day-to-day functioning,” McGinn said. “And that is almost never actually related to their sinuses. That’s the big point of this misconception.”
OK, SO WHAT DO I DO ABOUT IT?
McGinn said when he examines a patient complaining of sinus headaches, he’ll usually order a computed tomography (CT) scan to determine the connection, if any, to the sinuses. If that test is normal, he’ll refer the patients to a neurologist, someone who can determine the cause and type of headaches.
“There are a couple of good studies that have looked at patients who are coming in with this concern that they suffer with sinus headaches, whether they were self-diagnosed or were referred by a physician or provider,” he said. “And 85% of those patients ended up having migraine headaches as their explanation.”
The studies found the remaining 15% had myriad other issues, including different varieties of non-migraine headaches or potential nerve inflammation, McGinn said.
Finding out the root cause is key because it allows doctors to be able to treat the symptoms properly both immediately and long-term.
Patients with “sinus headaches” are sometimes prescribed antibiotics by primary care doctors and providers, and ultimately, the head pain goes away, so the patients believe the medicine worked. It may simply have been a coincidence – headaches dissipate on their own, McGinn says – and when the pain returns, more antibiotics are sought out, although
the medicine doesn’t target what causes the headaches.
McGinn said, “If everyone keeps thinking this is a sinus problem and if they keep getting put on medications that we use for sinus problems, it’s not going to make it better.”
The bottom line is doctors want their patients to be healthy and symptom-free. McGinn knows he may startle some when he shatters the sinus headache myth, but it’s with the purpose of finding a solution to improve their lives.
“I try to have a positive spin on it when they see me and I’m kind of changing their world by telling them I don’t think their sinuses are the problem,” he said. “I’m giving them hope. I understand that the reason you are seeing me today is that you’ve been unsuccessful in managing this symptom. Now, we’re getting you on the right track.”
APP PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Several APP team members were awarded Professional Advancement for 2024, in recognition of their efforts toward career growth and development at Hershey Medical Center.
Level 2 Advancement – Ashley Sheakley, Christina Michael, Kim Lombardo, and Meghan Schmidt.
Level 3 Advancement – Erin Groft and Rachel Fultz.
CTSI GRANT AWARD
EXPLORATORY AI-ENABLED BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH PROJECT
Fourresearch teams have been awarded funding through Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s (CTSI) Seed Grant Program for 2024-25. The goal of this seed grant program is to establish collaborations needed to realize the promise and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in biomedical and health research.
Of the 2024-25 awardees, is a project led by Drs. Christopher Tseng and Neerav Goyal.
“Machine Learning Analysis of Incidental Thyroid Mass CT Imaging” aims to minimize the need for ultrasound and increase the ability to counsel for fine needle aspiration for incidental thyroid nodules by training machine learning algorithms to classify masses as benign or suspicious for malignancy and secondarily identify the specific underlying histology.
“Powered by large data sets, AI offers unprecedented opportunities for advancing biomedical discoveries and individual and
population health outcomes,” said Vasant Honavar, co-lead of Penn State CTSI’s informatics core, and director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Foundations and Scientific Applications at Penn State.
“CTSI seed grants will support interdisciplinary teams to explore promising but high-risk research projects and obtain preliminary results to support competitive proposals to [the National Institutes of Health], [the PatientCentered Outcomes Research Institute] and other funders.”
Recent advances in AI offer powerful machine learning (ML) tools for researchers to build predictive models and extract insights from large amounts of clinical data. The CTSI informatics core provides the necessary training, services and AI/ML data science, and informatics experts to conceptualize, assess the feasibility of, design and execute complex studies using large clinical data sets.
Penn State CTSI offers the research support, tools and resources, consulting services, training and education to lower the barriers for biomedical and clinical researchers to realize the promise and potential large data sets and powerful AI, ML, data sciences and informatics tools to power biomedical discoveries and ultimately, improve health outcomes.
THANK YOU TO PATRICE SAURMAN, A HEAD AND NECK CANCER SURVIVOR AND RETIRED NURSE, AND HER HUSBAND LEE, FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF LEADING OUR HEAD AND NECK CANCER SUPPORT GROUP AT HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER. THE EFFORTS THEY HAVE PUT FORTH IN FACILITATING GROUP SESSIONS HAVE BEEN INVALUABLE.
Drs. Jessyka Lighthall and Heather Schopper walk to the operating room with the child whose long-awaited cleft repair surgery they helped fundraise for.
GLOBAL MISSIONS
Opportunities
for Otolaryngologists to provide care for those in need are abundant and range from work in cleft surgeries to support in conflict areas with plentiful posttraumatic injuries to local populations head and neck cancer screenings and providing highquality training. Penn State Health’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery continues to expand its reach and dedication to global service.
ANNUAL CLEFT SURGICAL MISSION TRIPS
Dr. Jessyka Lighthall, Division Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and her fellow, Dr. Heather Schopper undertook two
separate medical mission trips to South America this year to provide cleft lip and palate surgical care to children in need.
They traveled to Peru with the Foundation for the Advancement of Cleft Education and Services (FACES) and Ecuador with Operation of Hope. During their trips, the teams performed dozens of surgeries including cleft lip and palate repair, velopharyngeal insufficiency repair, cleft rhinoplasty, alveolar bone graft and revision procedures. Additionally, the FACES Foundation brings speech-language therapists and aestheticians on the trip to provide complete patient care.
The days are long and the work is often grueling but there are few things that can give such a sense of purpose and joy. These types of humanitarian outreach trips not only provide critical access for patients who sometimes travel for days but are a deeply fulfilling endeavor for the clinicians involved.
FACT-FINDING MISSION IN GHANA
In January 2024, Dr. David Goldenberg and PGY-3 resident Dr. Alyssa Givens, traveled to Ghana on a fact-finding mission to characterize the otolaryngology – head and neck surgery needs in the country.
The week-long trip included visits to the University of Ghana Medical Centre and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in the capital city of Accra and Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua. During their week, they gained insights into the patient population, the impact of culture on patient care, the hospital’s history and the services provided. The hospitals face challenges such as a shortage of practicing otolaryngologists, as well as issues with missing and faulty equipment and bureaucratic obstacles.
At the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), they were welcomed by Dr. Michael
Damah, Consultant ENT Surgeon and Head of Otorhinolaryngology, and Dr. Susan Siabi, Deputy Director of Quality Management. In 2018, UGMC opened its doors to patients for the first time. Since then, they have worked hard to increase interest in the field, utilize their simulation center, and develop their department.
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is the oldest teaching hospital in the country, offering an otolaryngology – head and neck surgery residency training program. Dr. Goldenberg and Dr. Givens learned about the challenges in cancer care at their tumor board, including limited radiation equipment, few pathologists, and poor insurance coverage for head and neck cancer.
Eastern Regional Hospital does not have any specialized surgeons trained in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. As a result, general surgeon Dr. Foster Amponsah and a team of dedicated, innovative nurses collaborate to treat otolaryngologic diseases with limited resources in the absence of an otolaryngologist.
The trip sparked excitement and optimism for all parties. Among the many challenges, surgical training and education appear to be the greatest attainable areas for improvement. The Penn State Health Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is eager to forge a longitudinal collaboration in surgical training and research with the otolaryngologists in Ghana.
Special thanks to Dr. Benjamin Fredrick (Director of the Penn State Global Health Center), Tamika Washington (Assistant Director of the Penn State Global Health Center), Dr. Henry Boateng and Joy Burchill for helping coordinate the trip, as well as the Global Health Center Jeffries Global Health Travel Endowment for Residents for their financial support.
Stay tuned for updates about the next trip to Ghana set for August.
SUPPORT OUR GLOBAL MISSION
Our Otolaryngology Global Health Travel Fund assists with travel expenses for mission trips. Your support will help enhance otolaryngology care worldwide.
RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Dr. José Zevallos, Professor and Chair at the University of Pittsburgh, awarded with a Nittany Lion statue as visiting keynote speaker.
FACULTY AWARD
Dr. Guy Slonimsky received the Faculty Teaching and Mentorship Award, presented annually to a faculty member who consistently demonstrates their commitment to resident education through their teaching, mentorship and advocacy.
RESIDENT AWARD
Dr. Nicole Ruszkay received the Extraordinary Otolaryngology Resident Award, presented annually to a resident who embodies the key elements of an excellent resident: strong clinical acumen, team-oriented mentality, research prowess, integrity, and dedication to the patient at all times.
2024 GRADUATION AND RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Faculty and staff from the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery celebrated the graduating residency and fellowship class of 2024.
RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
The celebrations began with the second annual Department Research Symposium, which showcased the research work of residents, fellows, medical students, and faculty members.
Dr. José Zevallos, The Eugene N. Myers, M.D. Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, delivered an insightful keynote presentation on the emerging role of liquid biopsy in head and neck cancer.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
At the Hershey Gardens, a formal graduation ceremony was held the following evening. The event included speeches by the residency and fellowship program directors, as well as speeches by the graduates. The event ended with the presentation of diplomas and awards.
Two chief residents graduated from the program: Dr. Nicole Ruszkay is headed to the University of North Carolina to pursue fellowship training in pediatric otolaryngology, and Dr. Max Hennessy is joining a private practice in Camp Hill.
Head and neck fellow, Dr. Mohamad Saltagi, will join Indiana University Health as a full-time faculty member. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellow, Dr. Heather Schopper, will be our newest faculty member on the Penn State Health team.
Congratulations to the graduates on their outstanding achievements. Best wishes as they begin the next phase of their medical careers.
ELLIE GOLDENBERG MEMORIAL CABARET
Performers gathered at The Englewood in Hershey on April 15 to give soaring renditions of favorites like “When You Believe” and “The Impossible Dream.”
But no singer could give the program more meaning than the one who wasn’t there. Ellie Goldenberg, the friend they lost on May 13, 2017.
The second annual Ellie Goldenberg Memorial event paid tribute to the voice she shared with everyone ― whether it was around the house or on stage as the accomplished performer she became. The day before she died in an airboat accident, Ellie graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami’s prestigious bachelor of fine arts program.
Dr. David Goldenberg, professor and chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Penn State College of Medicine and vice president of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery services for Penn State Health Medical Group, and his wife and former College of Medicine faculty member, Dr. Renee Flax-Goldenberg, created the endowed event to honor Ellie’s memory. The endowment supports events that recognize and highlight the intersection of medicine and the fine arts.
“Whenever Ellie sang, we were captivated, pausing whatever we were doing to listen,” the Goldenbergs wrote about her in the program. “Her voice had the power to touch our souls, lingering in our dreams long after.”
Ellie’s classmates, teachers and friends curated and directed the cabaret performances. For the final number, they picked, “Tiger,” a piece the cast sang with a recording of Ellie.
“Whenever you leave, all the colors fade,” the lyrics go. “So I’m here holding on, cause I’m tired of gray. Are you sticking around?”
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
significant strides and are ready to enter a new chapter in our history, characterized by cuttingedge clinical care and ambitious research initiatives.
JOIN US IN TRANSFORMING LIVES
Hershey Medical Center has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best hospitals for ear, nose and throat care.
U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care, and patient experience.
It is important to acknowledge that every past and present member of our department, alums, and friends has been integral to this recognition as a leading hospital. Together, we have made HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER NAMED AMONG BEST IN EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
Our team is dedicated to delivering top-quality, compassionate, and leading-edge care. We strive to achieve this goal through the four core academic pillars of excellence in clinical care, comprehensive education of our students and residents, innovation in impactful translational research, and engagement and support of the community we serve.
Philanthropy inspires innovation and paves the way for healthier futures for patients. Gifts to the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery advance surgical care, support innovative research, and train future surgical leaders.
Visit med.psu.edu/otolaryngology/giving.
MELISSA’S STORY
LIFE AHEAD AFTER BATTLE WITH LARYNGEAL CANCER
Melissa Baker started smoking as a teenager, smoking through one or two packs of cigarettes a day. When she started having trouble eating and swallowing, she sought medical help and was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer.
Despite having her voice box removed, she found her voice and can share her story thanks to the head and neck cancer team at Penn State Health.
MELISSA’S STORY
Melissa Baker developed symptoms that she attributed to smoking, “I couldn’t swallow. I had a lot of trouble eating. A lot of pain in the right side of my ear going down the side of my neck.”
During her initial appointment with Dr. Neerav Goyal, Division Chief of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, a mass was discovered, which was later confirmed to be laryngeal cancer through a biopsy.
Laryngeal cancer is a cancer of the larynx, or voice box. Laryngeal cancer is rare, affecting 14,000 people a year in the United States. The larynx is in the throat, behind the tongue and above the windpipe. It contains the vocal cords and produces sound for speaking.
Dr. Goyal said, “Based on the mass size and her limited ability to speak and swallow, we recommended the removal of her voice box. All cancer decisions are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, and pathologists. This is a decision we never take lightly, as we are potentially taking away someone’s ability to speak and communicate with the world. However, our primary concern is to do what will be the safest and provide the best chance of survival.”
When Melissa was presented with her recommended care plan, removal of the voice box, she initially said no. Upon reflection,
Melissa agreed to undergo surgery, citing her trust in the care team and her hope to become cancer-free.
“When we talk about removing the voice box, we remove the larynx and a portion of the trachea. After the removal, the esophagus must be reconstructed to create a safe swallowing tube for patients.”
About seven months later, Melissa had another very important procedure. She had a tracheoesophageal prosthesis, or a TEP, placed. This procedure places a one-way valve that sits between the trachea and the esophagus. The patient can then cover their stoma (the hole in their neck from which they breathe), force the air through their food pipe and back through their mouth to create a voice.
“The TEP gives her a voice and allows her to maintain as much normalcy as possible with the permanent removal of the voice box. Our patients learn speech and swallowing rehabilitative techniques through speech therapy sessions at Hershey Medical Center,” said Erin Sarsfield, RN.
FINDING HOPE AND PASSING IT ON
Today, Melissa is feeling great and is eager to provide support to others with her newfound voice. Melissa says her family and faith guided her through this unexpected journey, along with her determination to help others.
“After your laryngectomy, you can go on living your life just as you were before, but so much better.”
There’s plenty of research to show that smoking causes a lot of cancers, including the cancer that Melissa had, a laryngeal cancer. Dr. Goyal emphasized the importance of quitting smoking as it can significantly reduce the risk of cancer within a few weeks, months, or years.
WATCH MELISSA’S STORY
ABC27 aired a live TV special for Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month on April 10, 2024.
HEAD AND NECK CANCER SCREENINGS
With the help of 30+ volunteers, a free head and neck cancer screening event was held in April, raising awareness for these types of cancers. Thank you to everyone involved for another successful event – always great to support our central Pennsylvania community!
HERSHEY BEARS HOCKEY
Our dedicated nursing team attended a Hershey Bears hockey game to promote head and neck cancer awareness and education. Every year, Penn State Health hosts health and wellness educational booths on the concourse of the Giant Center, in partnership with a Hershey Bears hockey game.
SPORTING CLAY SHOOT FUNDRAISER
The 4th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot – Targeting Head and Neck Cancer was held Sunday, May 19, organized by Penn State Health’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. With the support of generous donors, corporate sponsors and event participants, over $30,000 was raised for head and neck cancer research here at Penn State Health.
ABC27 TV SPECIAL
The head and neck cancer team joined ABC27 News for a live show, “Head and Neck Cancer: A Matter of Facts” – an annual program that shares the latest treatments, technologies and leading-edge research at Penn State Health.
NIGHT TO SHINE
The Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders volunteered at the local Night to Shine prom event for individuals with special needs. The group welcomed guests and cheered them on, and they also crafted signs to add to the event’s atmosphere.
HAPPY RETIREMENT ALUMNI UPDATE
Erin Sarsfield, RN retired in May 2024 after serving many years as our cancer nurse coordinator. Erin’s work in supporting our patients was invaluable, and she was also actively involved the National Society of Otorhinolaryngology Nurses. We want to express our appreciation and well wishes for her retirement.
Heather Schopper, MD, inaugural facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellow, will join the team at Penn State Health as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Schopper will start clinical duties later this Fall.
NEW BABY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Genevieve June Eberly born on December 24, 2023 to Hänel Eberly (research medical student) and Davis Eberly.
Sadie Rosemarie Lane born on January 29, 2024 to Ciaran Lane, MD (head and neck fellowship alumni) and Jennifer Lane.
Gabriel Christian Montero born on November 26, 2023 to Lauren Montero, AuD (audiologist) and Jerry Montero.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Chan K, Tseng CT, Milarachi E, Goldrich DY, King TS, Fernandez-Mendoza J, Saadi RA, Saunders B, Boltz M, Goldenberg D. Actigraphy measures show sleep improvement after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. Am J Otolaryngol. Apr 2024.
Eberly HW, Sciscent BY, Lorenz FJ, Rettig EM, Goyal N. Current and Emerging Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer. Biomedicines. Feb 2024.
Eberly HW, Sciscent BY, Lorenz FJ, Truong N, King TS, Goldenberg D, Goyal N. Evaluation of Hypocalcemia Following Total Laryngectomy With and Without Thyroidectomy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. May 2024.
Hearn M, Sciscent BY, King TS, Goyal N. Factors Associated With Inadequate Health Literacy: An Academic Otolaryngology Clinic Population Study. OTO Open. Apr 2024.
Lorenz FJ, Rothka AJ, Schopper HK, Lighthall JG. Impact of COVID-19 on facial plastic surgery volumes: A large database analysis of pre- and post-pandemic trends. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. Jun 2024.
Meci A, Goyal N, Slonimsky G. Mechanisms of Resistance and Therapeutic Perspectives in Immunotherapy for Advanced Head and Neck Cancers. Cancers. Feb 2024.
Schopper H, Gadkaree SK, Lighthall JG. Approach to Major Nasal Reconstruction: Benefits of Staged Surgery and Use of Technology. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. May 2024.
Sciscent BY, Eberly HE, Lorenz FJ, Truong N, Goldenberg D, Goyal N. Preoperative Serum Albumin as Predictor of Outcomes After Thyroidectomy. OTO Open. Feb 2024.
Sciscent BY, Eberly HW, Goyal N, Goldenberg D. Thyroid Cancer With Cutaneous Metastases. Ear Nose Throat J. Mar 2024.
Sciscent BY, Eberly HW, King TS, Bavier R, Lighthall JG. Evaluating Facial Trauma in the Amish: A Study of a Unique Patient Population. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. Jun 2024.
Sim N, Lee H, Goyal N, Cramer JD. Surgical site antiseptic preparations for otolaryngology – head and neck surgery: A current review. Am J Otolaryngol. Apr 2024.
Tucker J, Eberly HW, Lighthall JG. Impact of a History of COVID-19 Infection on Postoperative Outcomes for Free Flap Patients. Ear Nose Throat J. May 2024.
Tucker J, Oxford M, Goldenberg D, Ziai K, Lighthall JG. Pain Management in Surgical Treatment of Facial Fractures: Alternative Approaches to Opioid Use. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. Mar 2024.
Tucker J, Oxford M, Ziai K, Lighthall JG. Utility of Antibiotic Use in Pediatric Facial Fractures: A Systematic Review. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. Apr 2024.
RECENT PRESENTATIONS
Chan K. DNA Damage Precedes Viral Integration in HPV-Transformed Tonsillar Keratinocytes. AHNS Annual Meeting at COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Top Abstract Award Oral Presentation.
Chan K, Patel S, Keane A, Lighthall JG. Serum Cotinine Concentration as a Biomarker for Tobacco Use and Outcomes in Septorhinoplasty Procedures. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Chan K, Tseng C, Milarachi E, Goldrich DY, Zhang L, Schneper L, Sheldon K, LaBarge B, Hennessy M, Meyers C, Broach JR, Goldenberg D. DNA Damage Precedes Viral Integration in HPV-Transformed Tonsillar Keratinocytes. 12th Annual Penn State College of Medicine Biochemistry Retreat. Hershey, PA. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
Chan K, Tseng C, Milarachi EN, Goldrich DY, Zhang L, Schneper L, Sheldon K, LaBarge B, Hennessy M, Meyers C, Broach JR, Goldenberg D. DNA Damage Precedes Viral Integration in HPV-Transformed Tonsillar Keratinocytes. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Eberly H, Chan K, Sciscent BY, Dixit Y, Nguyen M, Goyal N, Walen S. The Effect of Language Barriers and Interpreter Use on Patient Outcomes in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Eberly H, Sciscent B, Hallan D, Rizk E. Should You Postpone Surgery in a Child with an Upper Respiratory Infection? PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Eberly H, Sciscent BY, Goldrich D, Truong N, King T, Lighthall JG. The Effect of Using Fibrin Sealants in Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Eberly H, Sciscent BY, Hallan DR, Zhou S, Rizk EB. Should You Postpone Surgery in a Child with an Upper Respiratory Infection? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. ABEA Annual Meeting at COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Oral Presentation.
Eberly H, Sciscent BY, Lorenz FJ, Truong N, Lighthall JG, Goyal N. The Role of Immunosuppression on Postoperative Outcomes Following Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Eberly HW, Sciscent BY, Meci A, Lighthall JG. Quality and PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND AWARDS
Reliability of YouTube Videos for Trainee Education in Facial Paralysis. COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
Eberly HW, Sciscent BY, Truong N, Goldrich D, King T, Lighthall JG. Does Fibrin Sealant Use in Rhinoplasty Alter Outcomes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Oral Presentation.
Eberly HW, Tucker J, King TS, Pradhan S, Lighthall JG. To Glue or Not to Glue: Do Fibrin Sealants Reduce Postoperative Complications in Facial Plastic Surgery. COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Oral Presentation.
Eberly HW, Tucker J, Sciscent BY, Lighthall JG, Goyal N. Trainee Perspectives on MatrixWave vs Erich Arch Bars for Maxillomandibular Fixation using a Manufactured Model. COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
Goldenberg D. Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules. Annual Meeting of the German Society of Otorhinololaryngology. Essen, Germany. May 2024. Oral Presentation.
Goldenberg D. Contemporary Management of Thyroid Nodules: When to Observe, When to Operate, and When to Ablate. Memphis Society of Otolaryngology –Head and Neck Surgery. Memphis, TN. May 2024. Oral Presentation.
Goldenberg D. Leadership in Medicine. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Annual Edwin Cocke, Jr., MD Research Symposium. Memphis, TN. May 2024. Oral Presentation.
Goldenberg D, Levine M, King T, Henry C, Lighthall JG. Comparing Ease-of Use and Cost-Effectiveness of 3D Printed Materials for Nasal Osteotomies. COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
Goldrich D. Asthma and Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Outcomes After Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation and Other Sleep Surgery. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. First Place Oral Presentation.
Goyal N. Head and Neck Cancer: What to Expect the 1st Year. Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Survivorship Webinar. Virtual. May 2024. Oral Presentation.
Goyal N. Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery: Thyroid Cancer. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Panel Presentation.
Goyal N. Oropharyngeal Cancer Management. PAOHNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Panel Presentation.
Lorenz FJ, Rothka A, Schopper H, Lighthall JG. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Etiology, Demographics, and Treatment of Facial Trauma. PAOHNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Lorenz FJ, Schopper H, Lighthall JG. Chemodenerva-
tion is Associated with Decreased Mental Health Disorders in Patients with Synkinesis. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Ma C, Chan K, Eberly HW, Newland M, Lighthall JG. Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Meci A, Lorenz J, Goldenberg D. Elevated Risk of Thyroid Malignancy with Estrogen Hormone Treatment in Biologically Male Patients. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Meci A, Rothka AJ, Hearn M, Lorenz FJ, Goyal N. Harnessing artificial intelligence to improve the readability of patient education materials in head and neck surgery. AHNS Annual Meeting at COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
Meci A, Rothka AJ, Lorenz FJ, Hearn M, McGinn JD, Goyal N. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Improve the Readability of Patient Educational Materials in General Otolaryngology. TRIO Annual Meeting at COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
Milarachi E, Tucker J, Ruszkay N, King T, Goldenberg D, Goyal N. Two Hands are Better than One: Assessing Differences in Ambidexterity among Healthcare Professionals. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Newland M, Eberly H, Ma C, Lighthall JG. The Use of Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.1% Ophthalmic Solution for Acquired Blepharoptosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Nguyen M, Goldrich D, Walen S. The Otomatch Spreadsheet: Comparing the Accuracy of Otomatch and National Resident Matching Program Otolaryngology Applicant Statistics. COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
Rothka A, Ferraro M, Bavier R, Saltagi M, Goyal N, Slonimsky G. Gigantic, Sixteen-Pound High Grade Salivary Gland Cancer: A Case Report. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Rothka A, Goldrich D, Lighthall J. Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature of Metastatic Sinonasal Malignancies of Colorectal Origin. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Rothka A, Goldrich D, Lighthall JG. Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature of Metastatic Sinonasal Malignancies of Colorectal Origin. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Rothka A, Lorenz FJ, Hearn M, Meci A, LaBarge B, Walen S, Slonimsky G, McGinn J, Chung T, Goyal N. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Increase the Readability of Patient Education Materials in Pediatric Otolaryngology. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Sciscent BY, Baroz A, Nguyen M, Truong N, Tang S, King T, Goyal N. Trends in Twitter Utilization by Matched Otolaryngology Applicants. COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
Sciscent BY, Chan K, Eberly HW, Goldenberg D, Goyal N. An Analysis of the Otolaryngology Workforce in Pennsylvania. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Sciscent BY, Eberly HW, King TS, Bavier R, Lighthall JG. Evaluating Facial Trauma in the Amish: A Study of a Unique Patient Population. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Sciscent BY, Eberly HW, Meci A, Bavier R, Goyal N, Goldenberg D. Does Surgeon’s Hand Dominance Influence the Risk of Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage? PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Sciscent BY, Eberly HW, Meci A, Lorenz FJ, Patel V. Characterization of Industry Payments to Otologists/Neurotologists: An Analysis of the Open Payments Database in 2022. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Sciscent BY, Lorenz FJ, Eberly HW, Rothka A, Whitaker M, Goyal N. Analysis of Adherence to AAO-HNSF Clinical Practice Guidelines for Sudden Hearing Loss. COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Oral Presentation.
Sciscent BY, Polanik M, Lorenz FJ, Eberly HW, Whitaker M. Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Vestibular Disorders. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Truong N, Devabhaktuni H, Nimmagadda C, Goldrich D, Walen SG. The Role of Nasal Surgery in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction and Comorbid Anosmia. COSM. Chicago, IL. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
Truong N, Sciscent BY, Eberly HW, Lorenz FJ, Goldrich D, Goyal N. Effects of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Procedure vs Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Cardiovascular Diseases and Medications. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Tseng C, Milarachi E, Goldrich D, LaBarge B, Hennessy M, Pool C, Bann D, Lanza M, Booth J, Atkins H, Walter V, Broach J, Goldenberg D. Characterization of a Murine Model of Thyroid Cancer Induced by DUOX2Y1200H Mutation. PAO-HNS Annual Meeting. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024. Poster Presentation.
Tucker J, Baroz A, Lighthall JG. Does Having a COVID-19 Infection Impact Septorhinoplasty Outcomes? American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. Oct 2023. Panel Presentation.
Tucker J, Eberly H, Sciscent BY, Lighthall JG. Trainee Perspectives on MatrixWave vs Erich Arch Bars for Maxillomandibular Fixation using a Manufactured Model. National Otolaryngology Interest Group Scholars in Otolaryngology Conference. Virtual. Apr 2024. Poster Presentation.
RECENT AWARDS
Becker M. Hershey Medical Center Employee of the Month. Penn State Health. Hershey, PA. Oct 2023.
Kroon C. APP Excellence Award. Hershey Medical Center. Hershey, PA. Dec 2023.
Lombardo K. Excellence in Clinical Care Departmental Award. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Hershey, PA. May 2024.
Marte-Rodriguez G. Excellence in Nursing Departmental Award. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Hershey, PA. May 2024.
Moyer K. Outstanding Staff Departmental Award. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Hershey, PA. May 2024.
Ruszkay N. Extraordinary Otolaryngology Resident Award. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024.
Slonimsky G. Faculty Teaching and Mentorship Award. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Hershey, PA. Jun 2024.
Whitaker M. 2023-24 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Penn State College of Medicine. Hershey, PA. Mar 2024.
POSITIVE IMPACT AWARD NOMINEES
Marie Kurtz, Keisha Moyer, Chelsalyn Corcoran and Carly Herbe received nominations for the Penn State Health Positive Impact Award. The award recognizes employees who inspire and motivate their peers through their dedication to a positive work culture, and lead by example.
FACULTY PROMOTION AND TENURE
Dr. Neerav Goyal has been promoted to the rank of Professor and awarded tenure in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Penn State College of Medicine. This award of both academic promotion and tenure reflects Dr. Goyal’s scholarship of teaching and learning; research and creative accomplishments; and service to the University, community, and our profession.
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