When sound and balance collide

photo of patient undergoing vestibular testing

For decades, Melissa James woke each morning wondering which of her symptoms would show up that day, a sort of disease roulette as she calls it. A headache was most consistent, but aural fullness or pressure and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) were also very common. A visit to the Washington University Dizziness and Balance […]

Advanced Clinical Rotations provide intern-like experience for med students

Medical student assisting with surgery.

One of the newest elements to arise from the Washington University medical school curriculum renewal – known as the Gateway Curriculum – is the Advanced Clinical Rotation or ACR. Pediatric otolaryngologist Kate Dunsky, MD, and neurotologist Cameron Wick, MD, recently worked alongside ACR Director Stephen Lawrence, MD, to discuss rotation goals, student evaluations, and the […]

Q&A with Office Manager Laura King

Photo of King family on vacation in Keystone, CO.

Office Manager Laura King is a key player in making the department of Otolaryngology run smoothly. Here she talks about her love for traveling with family and why she’s learning a new language. How long have you been with the Department of Otolaryngology? I started in Otolaryngology in April, 2022 as office manager and head […]

Over 130 years of rich history

The Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis is rapidly approaching its sesquicentennial as it continues its mission in academic medicine: patient care, research, training and service. The department is no stranger to excellence in each of these mission areas. The department has flourished behind true innovators in the field […]

Understanding individual cells to overcome treatment challenges in head and neck cancer

photo of researcher at bench

Sid Puram, MD, PhD, thinks that optimizing personalized cancer treatment requires better knowledge about tumor heterogeneity.  Understanding individual tumor cells will promote better and discrete treatment options for head and neck cancer patients. Head and neck tumors are composed of a variety of cells that have different functions, much like bees in a hive. Some […]

Meet Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology Matthew Rohlfing

Photo of Matt Rohlfing and partner Kelley Newman

Matthew Rohlfing, MD, is the newest member of the Division of Laryngology in the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University. Here he shares his excitement to return and practice in his home community and his love of gardening. Where are you from originally? I grew up in Kirkwood, MO. And, since everyone will ask, I […]

WashU audiologists lend efforts to humanitarian mission

Washington University Clinical Audiologist Steve Smith and two audiology students, Brynn Gentile and Sarah Goltsman, contributed their skills to a humanitarian effort in Catacamas, Honduras this past October. They provided 126 hearing evaluations and 138 hearing aid fittings as part of a larger ENT effort that saw almost 400 patients and conducted 50 surgeries during […]

Proteomics collaboration enhances hearing science

Rutherford at microscope

A new collaboration between Washington University hearing scientists and colleagues at Northwestern University hopes to shed new light on both the mechanisms of hearing loss and the optimization of cochlear implant outcomes. The collaboration is an integral part of an NIH grant awarded to WashU Associate Professor of Otolaryngology Mark Rutherford, PhD, and Jeffrey Savas, […]

Dual simulation events highlight abundant opportunities for ENT residents

WashU ENT residents

A pair of surgical simulation courses on Dec. 3 offered ENT residents valuable opportunities to train with experts in lateral skull base approaches and endoscopic sinus surgery. Each full-day course allowed residents exposure to a variety of techniques used by surgeons throughout the Midwest. Lateral skull base surgery The annual lateral skull base course at […]

Q & A with clinical supervisor Tara Koste

Tara Koste with dog Blaney

ENT clinical supervisor Tara Koste shares her love for family, friends, travel, her dog Blaney, and her side gig – marrying people. What is your current role in the department? I have been with the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University since June, 2006. I started as the float medical assistant in the pediatric division […]