Town Hall highlights growth, productivity and success

Last month, the Department of Otolaryngology held its annual Town Hall where Lindburg Professor and Chair Craig Buchman, MD, shared highlights of department growth, success, and plans for the future.

The department recognized significant growth in the clinical mission as evidenced by the increase in outpatient visits, surgical cases, clinical staff and physicians. Faculty recruitment across all clinical subspecialties is ongoing and geographic expansion considerations continue. The department ranked #10 in US News world & Report as top ENT hospitals and was the only BJC specialty to rank in the top ten.

The research mission also continues to evolve. Ear and hearing research is growing largely due to past departures and the need to replenish this research powerhouse. Head and neck cancer research has seen significant growth, becoming a premier head and neck cancer research facility. Funded research is on the rise with the department ranking #5 in NIH funding, according to the NIH Reporter.

Education programs remain strong. The residency program, which ranked #16 nationally, had approximately 280 applicants. Beyond residency, several subspecialities have competitive fellowship programs: head and neck, neurotology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and pediatric otolaryngology.

All the growth and success achieved in the department is thanks to the outstanding staff supporting our mission. Buchman took time to recognize staff with anniversaries ranging from five to 35 years of service to the department.