Penn State Health Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery: Department Update Winter 2023 by Penn State Otolaryngology

Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Department Update Winter 2023

Message from Chair

his winter brings good tidings from Penn State Health Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

We continue to see outstanding academic and clinical growth, noting exceptional strides forward with our research and teaching programs. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dr. Varun Patel to our expanding Otology/Neurotology group. Our team of otolaryngology faculty is regularly recognized nationally for their research, education, and clinical care excellence. I am proud to report the team’s volume of publications and presentations that climb each year. We are leaders in the transoral robotic surgery field, with Penn State Health being the only group in the Midstate utilizing the da Vinci SP system. Additionally, we are pioneers in thyroid care as first in the Commonwealth to offer radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules. Dr. Jessyka Lighthall leads our global health initiatives with mission trips to Peru, and now Ecuador, to perform cleft lip and palate surgery. Exciting news to come regarding additional departmental global health initiatives – stand by! In the education realm, we are thrilled to announce an increase in resident complement to three per year. In addition to our well-established head and neck oncology and surgery fellowship, Penn State Health now offers an AAFPRS-accredited fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. I remain ever proud of and inspired by the talented faculty, residents, and dedicated staff who continue to care for increasing numbers of patients each year. They make the difference! Please enjoy this winter edition of our newsletter. Thank you for your support and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe winter season. DAVID GOLDENBERG, MD, FACS Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

In this Issue

How to Communicate with Someone That Doesn’t Hear | Page 6

College of Medicine Hosts First Group of Clinical Research Interns | Page 9

Alumni Update and AAOHNSF Annual Meeting | Pages 14-15

Penn State Harrisburg Capstone Projects | Page 16

Welcome to the team, Dr. Varun Patel!

r. Varun Patel joins the team at Penn State Health as a board-certified, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and specializes in otology and neurotology. Previously, he was a fellow at AdventHealth Medical Group in Orlando, Fla. Dr. Patel is a native from New Jersey and is excited to be back in the northeastern region (and to enjoy the changing seasons!).

AdventHealth Medical Group. He specializes in hearing and balance disorders and focuses on improving quality of life for his patients.

Dr. Patel enjoys treating both adult and pediatric patients. He provides the full range of otologic procedures from eardrum perforation, cholesteatomas, ear tumors, otosclerosis (abnormal remodeling of bone), cochlear implants, exostoses (bony growths in the ear canal) and more. Medically, he also treats patients with persistent vertigo, Dr. Patel was born in Ahmedabad, imbalance, tinnitus and vestibular India, but was raised in Southern migraine. He is currently pursuing New Jersey. He attended specialized training in gamma undergraduate school at the knife radiosurgery. University of Pennsylvania. He went on to complete his In addition to his clinical practice, medical school training at Sidney Dr. Patel has contributed to Kimmel Medical College of several research publications Thomas Jefferson University in and textbook chapters related Philadelphia. He then completed to otologic and neuro-otologic his otolaryngology – head surgery. He has also been an and neck surgery residency at invited speaker and presenter Albany Medical Center in Albany, at local, state and national N.Y. and pursued an otology meetings, speaking on a variety and neurotology fellowship at of otologic topics.

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Currently, his research interests include hearing rehabilitation in cochlear implant users, hearing outcomes after otologic surgery, congenital sensorineural hearing loss and the use of artificial intelligence in otolaryngology.

Outside of work, Dr. Patel enjoys playing pickup basketball, spending time with family and going on walks in his neighborhood. He also volunteers at local organizations and is passionate about giving back to the community. Most recently, he is eagerly awaiting the birth of his first child this January.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

s healthcare professionals, we must find innovative solutions when patients face challenges in access to healthcare.

and need for appointments, but can significantly delay access to these appointments. At Penn State Health Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, we recognize this barrier and have successfully put into effect a resolution. By implementing a cell phone specially dedicated to communication with laryngectomy patients, this technology allows them to either text or call a speech-language pathologist independently. The team is familiar with their communication and can make these appointments for voice or speech concerns in a timely manner.

Due to their method of communication, laryngectomy patients often experience communication challenges. Some individuals might utilize a means of communication that is not commonly heard by the general public, including the use of an electrolarynx, type-to-text apps, TEP (tracheoesophageal puncture) speech and esophageal speech. These methods are best understood in face-to-face communication, however, this is not always possible for patients who need to To date, this has greatly call to schedule their healthcare increased access to care as well appointments. as satisfaction for laryngectomy population. We will continue to Often patients will rely on family explore different ways to make it members and friends to call in easier for everyone to access the to schedule appointments or care they need. have had to physically come in to communicate needs. Not Article written by Nicole Fisher, only does this limit a patient’s MS, CCC-SLP ability to express their issues

The June Issue of Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is out now. Read about Surgical Management of Stenosis of the Airway by guest editor Dr. J.P. Gniady.

Find it online at optecoto.com

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Dr. Jill McClelland, left, signs to Edith Dong while they perform a sedated auditory brainstem response evaluation to estimate hearing sensitivity on a patient.

How to communicate with someone who doesn’t hear? Just ask them.

dith Dong, an extern in Audiology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, sometimes forms a bond with patients few of her co-workers can ever completely understand.

Like 30 million people in the U.S., Dong learns, communicates and lives her life without sound. Others like her don’t make up one group or make use of one kind of communication. In fact, Dong asked that the article refer to everyone as “D/deaf or hard of hearing”– encompassing both those who identify themselves as part of the Deaf community and those who don’t.

At Penn State Health, Dong holds conversations by using American Sign Language and multiple interpreters who accompany her during work. A Philadelphia-area native, she’s worked in various clinical and education settings throughout the east coast. Every place is a little different. Penn State Health is one of the good ones, she says.

When someone is nervous about or unsure about their hearing loss, they can find comfort with the extern. Dong actually knows what it’s like. She “Everybody’s been very doesn’t regurgitate secondhand The characteristic is one of many accommodating and descriptions from a manual. She’s reasons why she’s so good at her understanding,” she said. “I feel lived it. job, says Jill McClelland, manager very comfortable here.” of audiology at Penn State Health, Dong knows about silence. who works with Dong nearly For one thing, McClelland and a every day. handful of her colleagues have In addition to studying audiology experience with American Sign at Gallaudet University in “I can think of one patient in Language. Washington, D.C., she’s had particular,” McClelland said. A profound hearing loss ― she pediatric patient was worried That’s a rarity, Dong said. Most of doesn’t understand voices and about putting cochlear implants the clinicians she’s encountered only the loudest noises register on her ears. “Edith really made a don’t sign besides those she has ― since she was 10 years old. To big difference by letting her see encountered at Gallaudet. her colleagues, family and friends, that she wears hers, and it’s not deafness is not a disability hurting. Not only did it help that “In my opinion there’s not a and she isn’t suffering from little patient, but it also helped lot of audiologists that sign,” anything. Deafness is just another the parents whenever they had McClelland said. “When I trait among the million or so questions.” was doing my training, I was ingredients that make up Dong. specifically told not to because it

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

goes against what the audiology training is for.” That’s changing, she said. Though sign language is an invaluable tool to those who need and use it, you don’t have to know it to have meaningful and important conversations with someone who needs assistance with sound. While communicating with someone who doesn’t hear you might seem daunting to hearing people who aren’t used to it, people with varying degrees of deafness around the world are integral parts of workforces, schools and social circles where understanding and making themselves understood is no problem. All it takes is a little planning and empathy.

of hearing loss communicate in entirely different ways. Make sure you maintain eye contact with the person with whom you’re speaking, even if they’re working with an interpreter. “Make sure you’re looking at their face to make sure things are being explained clearly,” Dong said. Don’t look at the interpreter, so the person you’re addressing understands you’re talking directly to them. Visual resources can also be helpful, she said. Offer written instructions or pictures of objects that require a lot of complicated description can help clarify key points. TECHNOLOGY

“You will see a variety of different technology devices and supports regarding sign language ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR interpretation for the Deaf COMMUNICATIONS NEEDS community,” Dong said. “But it would be better to have in-person “Listening to the D/deaf or hard interpreters.” It’s the same as any of hearing person is important,” conversation you might have with Dong said. “Make sure that you’re a hearing person. Over the phone advocating for them.” or text or video conferencing, key ideas and information become McClelland says it’s a learning lost when you aren’t in the same process and not everyone room. communicates the same way. “It’s not going to be the same That said, in today’s highfor the next person with whom I tech, socially distanced world, communicate with hearing loss,” technology is there to help. “Just she said. the progression that’s happened over time with technology – Dong usually works with two especially with COVID – has interpreters at a time. Kendra made things easier,” McClelland Barlet is with her every day and said. several other interpreters work with her on a rotating basis. Her Online video conferencing college arranged for them to be offers transcription services. there. Cell phones can be set to vibrate to alert a someone who Other people with different levels can’t hear a ring tone about an

incoming message. DIGLO offers a wealth of products to help with communication between hearing and non-hearing people, from surgical masks that offer a window on the wearer’s lips to devices that flash when your doorbell rings. Communication becomes easier the more you do it and eventually becomes second nature, Dong said. “Treat people the way that you want to be treated,” she said. “They don’t need special treatment – they just want to be treated like other people. We do everything the same as hearing people.” “Being in the Deaf community doesn’t mean you’re lacking,” McClelland said. “It means there’s a communication difference. You can certainly be a whole person, even if you’re hearing differently.”

October 2023 – Drs. Jill McClelland and Jackie Price provided free community hearing screenings with the help of Penn State Harrisburg undergraduate students in Communication Science and Disorders.

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Clinical Trials Site for A Randomized Phase II/III Trial of Deintensified Radiation Therapy for Patients with Early-Stage, P16-Positive, Non-Smoking Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer SENTINEL LYMPH NODE BIOPSY VERSUS ELECTIVE NECK DISSECTION FOREARLY-STAGE ORAL CAVITY CANCER Randomized Phase II/III Trial of Radiation with HighDose Cisplatin (100 mg/m2) Every Three Weeks versus Radiation with Low-Dose Weekly Cisplatin (40 mg/m2) for Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) Randomized Phase II/III Trial of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy with Cisplatin, Docetaxel-Cetuximab, or Cisplatin-Atezolizumab in Pathologic High-Risk Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck KEYSTROKE: A RANDOMIZED PHASE II STUDY OF PEMBROLIZUMAB (KEYTRUDA®) PLUS STEREOTACTIC RE-IRRADIATION VERSUS SBRT ALONE FOR LOCOREGIONALLY RECURRENT OR SECOND PRIMARY HEAD AND NECK CARCINOMA A Phase II/III Randomized Study of Maintenance Nivolumab versus Observation in Patients with Locally Advanced, Intermediate Risk HPV Positive OPCA A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study of Adjuvant Cemiplimab versus Placebo after Surgery and Radiation Therapy in Patients with High Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea using Targeted Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation - The OSPREY Study

More information available at studyfinder.psu.edu

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

exercise was so successful, the College of Medicine Clinical Trials Office (CTO) has decided to incorporate this activity into the on-boarding of all new clinical research professionals at the College of Medicine and Penn State Health.

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ix Penn State students are better prepared for careers in clinical research thanks to a summer internship program at Penn State College of Medicine. For 11 weeks, the interns took active roles in existing research projects, immersed themselves in the conduct of research and learned more about careers in clinical research.

65 hours of direct training, which included a module on consent. While in the College of Medicine and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Clinical Simulation Center, the interns practiced obtaining informed consent. Six experienced clinical research professionals volunteered to serve as mock participants. The interns reviewed the consent The six interns in the College with the mock participant while of Medicine’s first cohort a seventh experienced clinical contributed to the study teams research professional observed they worked with and each intern through the Simulation Center’s was exposed to different types observation space. of clinical research by working in assigned primary and secondary Following the activity, the mock locations including Penn State participant and the observer Cancer Institute, Penn State provided feedback to the intern Heart and Vascular Institute, to improve their skills. The Penn State Neuroscience interns said they valued the Institute and the Departments chance to practice in a controlled of Dermatology, Medicine, environment and gain experience Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology in consenting participants to – Head and Neck Surgery and join research studies. Their Pediatrics. mentors said they appreciated the opportunity to provide oneThroughout the 11-week program, on-one training and guidance to interns received more than the interns. The mock consenting

“

College of Medicine Hosts First Group of Clinical Research Interns

Learning how to interact with patients and research participants was a valuable part of the program,” said Andrew Simpson, graduate of Penn State University Park and now clinical research associate in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the College of Medicine and Hershey Medical Center. “As an aspiring physician it was a great opportunity to work alongside some of the nation’s top physicians. I hope to utilize research to deliver evidencebased care to my future patients and further advance modern medicine for future generations.

Through the internship program, the CTO aimed to establish a sustainable pathway to attract Penn State students to clinical research positions as they graduate from their undergraduate programs. Three of the students who participated in the internship had completed their undergraduate studies prior to starting. Among the interns who had completed their undergraduate studies, two accepted positions at the College of Medicine and Penn State Health, while the other accepted a position at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, choosing to return home to western Pennsylvania. Read the full article at psu.edu/news/academics

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Residency Program Updates

he Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery residency program welcomed the PGY-1 resident matches, appointed a new program coordinator, and received a complement increase over the past few months. 2023 RESIDENCY MATCH Dr. Kimberly Chan grew up in Mountain Lakes, N.J. She received her undergraduate degree in chemical sciences from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and completed her medical education at Penn State College of Medicine. Her research interests include outcomes after head and neck surgery, vascular anomalies, facial reconstruction, and more recently head and neck cancer genomics. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Chan enjoys playing tennis, piano, cooking, skiing, traveling and

enjoying the outdoors.

COMPLEMENT INCREASE

Dr. Jeff Lorenz, originally from Pennington, N.J., received his undergraduate degrees in premedicine and Spanish from Penn State Schreyer Honors College. He pursued his medical education at Penn State College of Medicine.

The residency program received a complement increase to three residents per year in September 2023. The program will grow to a 15-resident program with two tracks: five-year clinical or sixyear research with one year of research and five years of clinical.

His research interests include leveraging real-world big data to guide targeted quality improvement interventions. Recently, his focus has been on the under-diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism and its impact on patients, as well as delays in postoperative adjuvant radiation for individuals with head and neck cancer. When not in the hospital, some of his hobbies include watching college and NFL football, playing golf, and spending time at the Jersey shore with his family.

Expanding the program will provide new educational opportunities that will positively impact resident learning experience. PROGRAM COORDINATOR The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery welcomed Julia Sell as its newly appointed Residency Program Coordinator. She will take on the administrative responsibilities for the operations and coordination of resident activities, financial matters and resident schedules.

Penn State College of Medicine fourth-year medical students celebrate Match Day on March 17, 2023 — discovering the next steps in their career journey.

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Daisy Award

ach Tuesday for the past several months, a truly special outing has taken place for patients at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. These outings are specifically designed for patients on a ventilator or those with a trach, and those with specialized equipment that can make leaving the hospital even for a short time exceedingly challenging. These outings — to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, get outdoors, partake in music therapy sessions and spend some time just being kids — require advanced preparation, commitment, a paramount focus on patient safety and many helping hands. For those in attendance, the events encompass joy, magic and hope for patients and their families. With smiles and enthusiasm, team members spanning from Child Life to the Intermediate Care Unit nursing team, Otolaryngology, Pulmonology and individuals from recreation, respiratory, music, speech, occupational

and physical therapies, worked together to safely introduce these outdoor sessions and prepare special activities for each of the events. A true embodiment of Penn State Health’s RITE values (respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence), the crew responsible for these special outings were recently recognized for their wonderful efforts with a team DAISY award. The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery’s Rachel Fultz, PA-C and McKenzie Troutman, MA, CCC-SLP were part of this outstanding team that was honored in August 2023.

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Support Our Mission

he Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate and state-of-theart care to patients with medical and surgical conditions of the head and neck. 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.

train the next generation of great surgical leaders. GEORGE H. CONNER ALUMNI SOCIETY Dr. George Conner, founding chief of what is now the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, retired in 1994 after more than 20 years of service. During his tenure, Dr. Conner established a full-time academic, researchoriented division and recruited outstanding faculty with the installment of a residency training program.

In recognition of his invaluable impact, the Department of Philanthropy inspires innovation Otolaryngology – Head and Neck and paves the way for healthier Surgery officially established the futures for patients. Gifts to the George H. Conner Alumni Society Department of Otolaryngology – in 2022. All donors of $5,000 Head and Neck Surgery advance or more will be recognized surgical care in the operating room as Founder-level members of and clinic, enable us to explore the George H. Conner Alumni innovative research ideas, and Society. Your gift will inspire

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

others and help us continue to be one of the nation’s most rigorous and competitive otolaryngology departments. Please consider making a taxdeductible charitable gift by December 31. For any questions, or to pledge your gift over more than one year, contact Owen Thomas at 717-531-8497 or oit1@ psu.edu. TEMPORAL BONE LAB Modern training equipment and labs are becoming increasingly important as the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery advances. To cover the costs of this worthy project, we need your continued support. Donations to this project can be made online at engage.pennstatehealth.org/ otolaryngology. We invite you to join us in advancing the future of health care.

Cleft Lip Repair Message from Dr. Jessyka Lighthall – Support the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery in “Funding a Child” for his cleft lip repair. The Foundation for the Advancement of Cleft Education and Services (FACES) is a non-profit organization that models comprehensive, high-quality care for medically isolated patients in Northern Peru with cleft lip and palate deformities. For the FACES upcoming surgical campaign this January, the Department is leading a “Fund a Child” campaign with the goal of raising $2,500 to cover all costs associated with providing surgery for the child pictured below. He was born in 2020 with a cleft lip and palate and his initial surgeries were delayed due to the Pandemic. When the FACES team reached him in January of 2023, our surgeons prioritized his palate repair to help him develop speech. The surgery was successful and he is returning this January for his long-awaited cleft lip repair. Whether it is a small or large donation, every gift is life-changing for these patients. To donate in support of this child, please visit donorbox.org/ penn-state-otolaryngology-fund-miguel-s-surgery. On behalf of the entire team of volunteers with the FACES Foundation and the Penn State Health Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, thank you.

Learn more at facesfoundation.org

SAVE THE DATE • JUNE 1-2, 2024

THYROID RFA HANDS-ON COURSE “It’s definitely the best thyroid RFA hands-on training course that has happened in the USA so far.” “Faculty and location were great; I highly recommend the course.” “Good lectures, well organized.”

Registration details coming soon13

ALUMNI UPDATE Dr. Beth Cottrill, former Penn State Health Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Fellow, masterfully performed her first thyroid radiofrequency ablation case under the direction of Dr. David Goldenberg.

Dr. Cottrill is an Assistant Professor at Jefferson Health and co-director of the Jefferson Otolaryngology Thyroid and Parathyroid Center.

Friendships old and new were celebrated at Penn State Otolaryngology’s Alumni and Friends event at the Moxie Rooftop in Nashville. Our team enjoyed catching up with alumni and other familiar faces at the Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Dr. Jessyka Lighthall and Dr. Scott Walen, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Faculty, attended the 2023 American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Meeting (AAFPRS) in Las Vegas. While there, they reunited with resident alumnus, Dr. Kasra Ziai. Dr. Ziai is currently a fellow under Dr. Paul Nassif and Dr. Babak Azizzadeh in Beverly Hills.

Dr. Lighthall and former otolaryngology research medical student, Dr. Jacqueline Tucker presented their research at the AAFPRS Annual Meeting. Dr. Tucker is currently an otolaryngology resident at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Neerav Goyal caught up with former Penn State Health Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Fellow, Dr. Danny Beauchamp while in Puerto Rico. Dr. Beauchamp is a Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Puerto Rico.

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting

enn State Health had a strong presence at the 2023 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Faculty, staff, residents and medical students traveled to Nashville to present research, network, and learn from other experts in the field. Presentations at this year’s meeting included: Choi KY, Gross N, Moore B. Evidenced-Based Approach to Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, 2023. Panel Presentation. Eberly H, Truong N, Sciscent BY, Lorenz FJ, Goyal N. Evaluation of Hypocalcemia Following Total Laryngectomy With and Without Thyroidectomy. Oral Presentation. Goldenberg D, Purdy N, Shonka D, Pellitteri PK. Challenges in Parathyroid Surgery. Panel Presentation. Goldenberg D, Tufano R, Scharpf J, Pellitteri PK. Maneuvers for Difficult Thyroid Surgery. Panel Presentation.

Goyal N, Dunlap Q, Wolter N, Edwards H. Resource Depletion in Otolaryngology: Managing Patients When Barriers Exist. Panel Presentation. Hearn M, King T, Goyal N. Exploring Predictors of Health Literacy in an Academic Otolaryngology Clinic. Oral Presentation. Heikel T, Lorenz FJ, Tucker J, Lin A, Goldenberg D. Persistence of Telemedicine in PostPandemic Otolaryngology. Poster Presentation. Kulkarni P, LaBarge B, Patel V, Goyal N. Detecting Recurrence in HNC Patients: Clinical vs Radiologic Evaluation. Poster Presentation. Liaw J, Polanik M, YanezSiller JC, Rivera A. Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty and CO2 Myringoplasty for Tympanic Membrane Atelectasis. Poster Presentation.

Meci A, Tseng C, Bollig CA, Goyal N. Evaluating YouTube Videos for Resident Education in Free Flap Surgery. Poster Presentation. Polanik M, Liaw J, Saadi RA, Isildak H. Exoscope-Assisted Transcanal and Endaural Middle Ear Surgery. Poster Presentation. Sarsfield E. Goldenberg D. Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery. Oral Presentation. Sciscent BY, Eberly H, Lorenz FJ, Truong N, Goldenberg D, Goyal N. Pre-operative serum albumin as a predictor of outcomes after thyroidectomy. Poster Presentation.

Tucker J, Hollenbeak C, Goyal N, Hao Q, Goldenberg D. Cost Analysis of Radiofrequency Liaw J, Polanik M, Yanez-Siller Ablation (RFA) Compared JC, Rivera A. CO2 Laser Ablation With Thyroid Lobectomy. Oral of a Tympanic Membrane Hemangioma. Poster Presentation. Presentation. PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Capstone Design Projects Launched

wo capstone design projects from the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery were selected by the Center for Medical Innovation for collaboration with Penn State Harrisburg Engineering faculty and students for their senior projects.

have an intact upper airway. EMS often are unfamiliar with or do not recognize this anatomy because a total laryngectomy is uncommon. These patients are neck breathers and must be oxygenated/ventilated through a stoma.

quality of life and well-being.

Although many causes of facial paralysis and their associated complications have no cure, there are a variety of treatment options available including botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, various surgical options, and Furthermore, unless patients other measures such as facial The projects, which launched this have a TEP or electrolarynx, massage and physical therapy. semester will be in full production they cannot speak using their Given the complex anatomy of for the Spring 2024 semester, native vocal cords. This team will the face and various treatment address urgent technical design a website, accessed via options, it can be difficult for challenges that will culminate QR code, to display an interactive students and residents to learn in presentations at the annual laryngectomy emergency the techniques and details of Capture Design Conference. management guided workflow. treating facial paralysis. It will display a step-by-step EMERGENCY AIRWAY management workflow with This team will develop an iOS MANAGEMENT CARE text, images, and audio. The QR program or web-based tool that code, which can be worn on a can be used to more effectively The first team is developing patient’s bracelet, will be visible teach residents and students a website with an interactive to healthcare staff. about facial paralysis and its guided workflow for emergency treatment. The objective is to airway management in FACIAL PARALYSIS APP provide an easily accessible laryngectomy patients. Persons educational resource for caring for laryngectomy patients The second team is addressing understanding and treating must be aware that they cannot facial paralysis, which is a facial paralysis that can benefit be intubated nasally or orally complex area of medicine that residents, students, and patients because these patients do not can have vast effects on patient alike.

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Twitter @PSH_OTO

Instagram @psh_oto

Emerging Healthcare Professionals HANDS-ON CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

tudents from Penn State Harrisburg’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program recently visited Hershey Medical Center to shadow Sarah Ames, Speech-Language Pathologist. During the visit, the students practiced laryngoscopy on each other with direct supervision and guidance. This allows for invaluable experience at the undergraduate level to integrate theory with practice. It also enhances and solidifies basic anatomy and physiology taught in the classroom with real-life practical application. Upon completion of the Penn State Harrisburg Communication Sciences and Disorders program, students will be ready to pursue graduate education and careers in SpeechLanguage Pathology and Audiology. Through classroom instruction and field experiences, students learn about services and clinical interventions provided to children and adults in a variety of settings such as public schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. SCIENCE OF SURGERY CAMP

he Science of Surgery summer camp is a program offered by Penn State College of Medicine through the Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging and Penn State Health, in collaboration with the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and hosted at Penn State Harrisburg, participants were able to learn hands-on basic surgical training such as suturing, chest tubes and intubation, while networking with Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine physicians, surgeons and educators. Overall, the camp provides enrichment opportunities in science, medicine and technology. The annual camp is designed for high school students from diverse backgrounds interested in health careers.

MILESTONES

Kaylee Emerson Goldrich born on August 17, 2023 to Dr. David Goldrich (PGY-4 resident) and Samara Dennis.

Asher Ace Dressler born on October 9, 2023 to Hannah Dressler (clinic MOA).

Dawson Thomas Benintende born on September 27, 2023 to Mallory McArthur (clinic MOA) and Collin Benintende.

r. Bobby Saadi (resident graduate ‘21) married Carrissa Saadi on August 25, 2023. The couple first met at a dog park where they both took their two golden retrievers. Bobby’s furry companion goes by the name of Banjo, while Carissa’s is called Lou. Bobby proposed to Carissa at the same dog park where they first met, and Banjo was there to witness the special moment.

Bobby is currently an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Arkansas. Carissa started medical school earlier this fall. We wish them the best!

ith a heavy heart, we would like to announce to the Penn State Health Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery community the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Howard Hessan. Howard passed away from complications of Parkinson’s on June 8, 2023, at the age of 66. After graduating from Penn State College of Medicine in 1983, he completed his residency at Hershey Medical Center in 1988. He was a brilliant physician, a superb technician, and had an excellent rapport with patients. Howard is survived by his wife, Jeri, and his children, Lauren (David) Horowitz and Joshua Hessan, whom he loved to brag about. He was the cherished grandfather of Ava and Melanie.

Publications, Presentations, and Awards RECENT PUBLICATIONS Eberly HW, Sciscent BY, Lorenz FJ, Goyal N, Goldenberg D. History of Bariatric Surgery Before Thyroid Surgery: Recommendations for Prevention and Management of Postoperative Hypocalcemia. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Dec 2023. Goldenberg D. Words Matter: The Dubious Term “Provider.” South Med J. July 2023.

Lorenz FJ, King TS, Engle L, Beauchamp-Perez F, Goyal N. Predictors of Quality of Life for Head and Neck Cancer Patients at an Academic Institution. OTO Open. Oct 2023.

Total Laryngectomy With and Without Thyroidectomy. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Oral Presentation.

Lorenz FJ, LaBarge B, Lighthall JG, Walen SG. Facial plating industry payments: An analysis of the open payments database. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. Jul 2023.

Eberly HJ, Sciscent BY, Goyal N. Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer: A Review. Penn State Cancer Institute Cancer Research Day. University Park, PA. Oct 2023. Poster Presentation.

Truong N, Sciscent B, Lorenz FJ, Goldrich D, Goyal N. Letter to the Hoskins M, Bhanja D, Piper M, Editor of Journal of Otolaryngology Strausser SA, Mansfield K, Zheng regarding “Risk of diabetes A, McNutt S, Goss M, Lighthall in patients with sleep apnea: JG, Burns AS. Training Program Factors Most Important to Women comparison of surgery versus When Selecting an Otolaryngology CPAP in a long-term follow-up study”. J of Otolaryngol - Head & Residency. Laryngoscope. Aug Neck Surg. Sep 2023. 2023. Keane A, Jardine K, Goldenberg D, Pradhan S, Zhu J, Mansour J, Knoller H, Talmi YP, Vaida S, Slonimsky G. Opioid versus non-opioid postoperative pain management in otolaryngology. BMC Anesthesiol. Aug 2023. Kulkarni P, Goldenberg D. Surgery for Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Aug 2023. Lighthall JG. Injectables and Nonsurgical Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck. Clin Plast Surg. Jul 2023. Lane C, Lin A, Goyal N. Scalp and Calvarium Reconstruction. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Aug 2023. Lane C, Wright M, Linton J, Goyal N. Surgical closure of enlarged tracheoesophageal fistula after laryngectomy: A systematic review of techniques. Am J Otolaryngol. Aug 2023.

RECENT PRESENTATIONS Ayala A, Ruggiero C. Acoustic Characteristics of Top Audio Narrator Voices. American Speech and Hearing Association Convention. Boston, MA. Nov 2023. Poster Presentation. Choi KY, Gross N, Moore B. Evidenced-Based Approach to Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, 2023. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Panel Presentation. Choi KY. The ‘How To’ of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping for Oral Cavity Cancers. American Head and Neck Society International Conference. Montréal, Canada. July 2023. Panel Presentation. Eberly H, Truong N, Sciscent BY, Lorenz FJ, Goyal N. Evaluation of Hypocalcemia Following

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Fisher N, Ames S. Development of a 3-D Printed Pneumatic Artificial Larynx: Pilot Data. American Speech and Hearing Association Convention. Boston, MA. Nov 2023. Poster Presentation. Goldenberg D, Purdy N, Shonka D, Pellitteri PK. Challenges in Parathyroid Surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Panel Presentation. Goldenberg D, Russell J, Bertelli A, Rangel L. Transoral Thyroid Surgery Debates. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Panel Presentation. Goldenberg D, Tufano R, Scharpf J, Pellitteri PK. Maneuvers for Difficult Thyroid Surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Panel Presentation. Goldenberg D. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery as a Career Choice: What You Need to Know. Otolaryngology Student Interest Group. Hershey, PA. Aug 2023. Oral Presentation.

Goldenberg D. Thyroid Nodule Ablation: When, Why, How. University of California San Francisco Otolaryngology Update. San Francisco, CA. Nov 2023. Oral Presentation. Goyal N. Head and Neck Embryology and Clinical Correlates. Otolaryngology Student Interest Group. Hershey, PA. Oct 2023. Oral Presentation.

Kulkarni P, Lorenz FJ, Goldenberg D, Goyal N. Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Increases Risk of Hypocalcemia in Patients Undergoing Parathyroidectomy. American Head and Neck Society International Conference. Montréal, Canada. July 2023. Oral Presentation.

Kulkarni P. Demographic Risk Factors for Primary Thyroid Lymphoma in Patients with Goyal N, Dunlap Q, Wolter N, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Edwards H. Resource Depletion in American Head and Neck Otolaryngology: Managing Patients Society International Conference. When Barriers Exist. American Montréal, Canada. July 2023. Academy of Otolaryngology – Poster Presentation. Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Kulkarni P. Epidemiology of Panel Presentation. Concurrent Thyroid Cancer & Hashimotio’s Thyroiditis. Goyal N. Scary Cases – Managing American Head and Neck Head and Neck Complications. Society International Conference. American Head and Neck Montréal, Canada. July 2023. Society International Conference. Poster Presentation. Montréal, Canada. July 2023. Panel Presentation. Liaw J, Polanik M, Yanez-Siller JC, Rivera A. Balloon Eustachian Hearn M, King T, Goyal N. Tuboplasty and CO2 Myringoplasty Exploring Predictors of Health for Tympanic Membrane Literacy in an Academic Atelectasis. American Academy of Otolaryngology Clinic. American Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Academy of Otolaryngology – Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, Head and Neck Surgery Annual TN. Oct 2023. Poster Presentation. Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Oral Presentation. Liaw J, Polanik M, Yanez-Siller JC, Rivera A. CO2 Laser Ablation Heikel T, Lorenz FJ, Tucker J, Lin of a Tympanic Membrane A, Goldenberg D. Persistence of Hemangioma. American Academy Telemedicine in Post-Pandemic of Otolaryngology – Head and Otolaryngology. American Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Academy of Otolaryngology – Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Poster Head and Neck Surgery Annual Presentation. Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Poster Presentation. Lighthall J. Third World Cleft Care and the Impact of Surgical Mission Kulkarni P, LaBarge B, Patel V, Trips. Operation Smile Medical Goyal N. Detecting Recurrence Student Interest Group. Hershey, in HNC Patients: Clinical vs PA. Sep 2023. Oral Presentation. Radiologic Evaluation. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Oral Presentation.

Lighthall JG, Morris L, Want W, Nuara M. Advanced Bone Grafting in Facial Plastic Surgery: Thing of the Past or Making a Revival.

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. Oct 2023. Panel Presentation. Lighthall JG, Oyer S, Vakharia K, Wang W. Simplifying Complex Facial Trauma. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. Oct 2023. Panel Presentation. Maurer K, Lenc E, Kurtz M. Efficacy of LSVT LOUD through Telehealth for a Child with Cerebral Palsy. American Speech and Hearing Association Convention. Boston, MA. Nov 2023. Poster Presentation. McGinn J, Butts S, Diaz R, Hillel A, Knewitz A. Resident and Student Mentorship. 2023 SUO/AADO/ OPDO Combined Meeting. Washington, DC. Nov 2023. Panel Presentation. Meci A, Rothka AJ, Hearn M, Lorenz FJ, Goyal N. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Improve the Readability of Patient Educational Materials in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery. Penn State Cancer Institute Cancer Research Day. University Park, PA. Oct 2023. Oral Presentation. Meci A, Tseng C, Bollig CA, Goyal N. Evaluating YouTube Videos for Resident Education in Free Flap Surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Poster Presentation. Meci A, Tseng C, Jensen Z, Goyal N. The relationship of online discourse and search trends with HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents. Penn State Cancer Institute Cancer Research Day. University Park, PA. Oct 2023. Poster Presentation.

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Meci A. Evaluating YouTube Videos for Patient Education in Free Flap Surgery. American Head and Neck Society International Conference. Montréal, Canada. July 2023. Poster Presentation.

Truong NM, Le JP, Newland M, Lorenz FJ, Goyal N. The Influence of Vasopressors on Free Flap Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Large Database Retrospective Cohort Study. American Head and Neck Society International Conference. Montréal, Canada. July 2023. Oral Presentation.

Polanik M, Liaw J, Saadi RA, Isildak H. Exoscope-Assisted Transcanal and Endaural Middle Ear Surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Tucker J, Baroz A, Lighthall Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, JG. Does Having a COVID-19 TN. Oct 2023. Poster Presentation. Infection Impact Septorhinoplasty Outcomes? American Academy of Sarsfield E. Goldenberg D. Head Facial Plastic and Reconstructive and Neck Endocrine Surgery. Surgery Annual Meeting. Las Society of Otorhinolaryngology & Vegas, NV. Oct 2023. Panel Head-Neck Nurses at American Presentation. Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Tucker J, Hollenbeak C, Goyal Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. N, Hao Q, Goldenberg D. Cost Oral Presentation. Analysis of Radiofrequency Sciscent BY, Eberly H, Lorenz FJ, Truong N, Goldenberg D, Goyal N. Pre-operative serum albumin as a predictor of outcomes after thyroidectomy. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Poster Presentation. Sciscent BY, Goldenberg D. Thyroid Cancer with Cutaneous Metastasis. American Head and Neck Society International Conference. Montréal, Canada. July 2023. Oral Presentation. Sciscent BY, Lorenz FJ, Hallan DR, Goyal N. Pregnancy Complications Among Patients with Thyroid Cancer. American Head and Neck Society International Conference. Montréal, Canada. July 2023. Oral Presentation. Schmidt M. You Spin Me Right ‘Round: Assessing Otologic Dizziness. Annual Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants CME Conference. Hershey, PA. Dec 2023. Oral Presentation.

Ablation (RFA) Compared With Thyroid Lobectomy. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. Oct 2023. Oral Presentation. RECENT AWARDS

Corcoran C. Excellence in Nursing Departmental Award. Penn State Health Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Hershey, PA. Jul 2023. Garcia N. Outstanding Staff Departmental Award. Penn State Health Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Hershey, PA. Jul 2023. Kroon C. APP Excellence Award. Hershey Medical Center. Hershey, PA. Dec 2023. Lombardo K. Excellence in Clinical Care Departmental Award. Penn State Health Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Hershey, PA. Jul 2023.

PENN STATE HEALTH OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD & NECK SURGERY

Wampler A. Excellence in Clinical Care Departmental Award. Penn State Health Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Hershey, PA. Jul 2023. EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING RECOGNITION “Dr. Nicole Ruszkay has been an excellent resident to work with. She would cultivate a light-hearted learning environment which furthered my education during this rotation. Dr. Ruszkay exemplifies what it means to be a resident teacher!” “Dr. Richard Bavier was the best resident I ever worked with. As an away rotator, I felt welcomed here at Penn State. Dr. Bavier in particular was always invested in my education and helping me get opportunities to do things. He made sure that I was getting a good learning experience throughout my entire rotation. He works hard in everything he does, from teaching to being a resident. I hope to be like him when I grow up.” “If I could nominate every single resident on this service, I would. Every one was truly outstanding. It is difficult to pick just one, but Max was the resident in my first ENT case. I was very nervous since it was my first exposure to ENT, but he was super kind and walked me through the case and explained the purpose at every step. I learned how to tie knots and suture with his help and he would adjust my technique to help me improve. He was always willing to answer our questions and helped incorporate the medical student into the case.”

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