The Otopia Award is a departmental initiative to recognize staff and faculty for meritorious service that promotes the mission and culture of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at WashU Medicine.

Otopia: a place where people grow and thrive

The name combines our longstanding department abbreviation – Oto – with topia, from the Greek word topos, meaning “place”. The award highlights the department’s commitment to recognizing those special efforts that make “us” a welcoming and collaborative environment, focused on redefining the highest standards of patient care, research and education.

Award Guidelines
  • Any Otolaryngology employee is eligible to receive the award but may receive it only one time.
  • Up to three awards may be given during a cycle (currently intended as a biannual award – Spring and Fall). Teams are not eligible.
  • The Award consists of $250 and a commemorative plaque, presented at a Town Hall or similar event.
  • Nominations can be submitted by any Otolaryngology employee or trainee using the form linked below.
  • Self-nominations are not allowed. Nominations cannot be anonymous.