As we bid farewell to Lindburg Professor and Chair Craig Buchman and wished him the best in the next phase of his life, we asked him to reflect on his tenure as leader of the Department of Otolaryngology and share his future plans.
What do you feel has been the most important change to the department during your tenure as chair?
Clearly there have been numerous changes over the years. We have experienced exponential clinical growth over the last ten years with many new practice locations away from the main Central West End campus. Providing care for patients close to home, in their community, is really important and gratifying.
Beyond our great head & neck program, we have fortified clinical neurotology, sinus, voice, pediatric otolaryngology, and facial plastics. We are clinically on the cutting edge in all of our divisions.
We have expanded the research enterprise beyond our world-class Ear & Hearing Sciences and Outcomes Research to include Head & Neck Cancer, Inflammatory Sinonasal Disease, and a reinvigorated Voice and Airway research program.
We have also created a best-in-class simulation lab and our residency and fellowship programs match the best applicants in the country.
Financially, we are on solid footing thanks to great clinical productivity, research grant success, philanthropy, and an amazing group of business personnel. Most importantly, the culture in the department feels warm, welcoming and collaborative!
Is there an improvement or advancement in patient care that you have been most proud to take part in?
I can’t really pick one. Some that really stand out are the Head & Neck Tumor Center, BJWCH, Christian Hospital, and South County expansions, Ambulatory Surgery Center on New Ballas, CSCC West and South, Outpatient Scheduling, Physician-Nurse/MA Teams, and many others.
If you could describe the current state of the department in one word, what would that be?
Without a doubt, that would be “patient-focused”.
What does the future hold for Craig Buchman?
Liz and I are moving to Park City, Utah, and I will be practicing at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. I will spend three days in clinic and OR each week and two days focusing on my research. I’ll also be working on improving my mountain-biking, skiing, and fly-fishing techniques!
In this next phase, I most look forward to spending time with Liz, traveling, and focusing on patient care and research.
If you could offer one piece of advice to the incoming chair, what would that be?
Focus on improving patients’ lives. All decisions and programs should have this as their main focus!
What general message would you like to leave with the faculty and staff of the department?
WashU Otolaryngology is an amazing place doing amazing things. You have so much to be proud of. Thank you all for committing to “Improving Patients’ Lives”!