Surge in research funding raises hope for head and neck cancer treatment

Surgeon-scientists and researchers in the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University have just been awarded $1.7 million in grants to improve understanding and treatment of head and neck cancer. The grants will fund research to: explore the de-intensification of treatments for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer; identify the genomics of high risk HPV-associated and other cancers; understand […]

Q&A with Administrative Coordinator Jana Richardson

What is your role in the department, and how long have you been at WashU? I support two programs in our department. Along with my wonderful co-worker Maria Harrington, I serve as an administrative coordinator for the Residency Program and work closely with Drs. Judith Lieu and Jason Rich and all the residents to ensure […]

Ogura Lectureship highlights mindful patient care and groundbreaking research

The 39th annual Ogura Lectureship and 34th annual Resident Research Day were held June 18, 2021. The event took a hybrid format for the first time, with resident researchers presenting their findings from the Ogura Learning Center in McMillan Hospital. Guest speaker and otolaryngology alumnus Ellis Arjmand, MD, PhD, presented the Ogura lecture remotely from […]

Q&A on administrative office moves with Debbie Scherr

View of building at 4511 Forest Park Ave.

As some of our staff prepare to move to new offices, Department of Otolaryngology Executive Director of Business Affairs Debbie Scherr explains who is moving, where they’re going, and why the move is beneficial. Who is moving? Come September, about two dozen of our clinical support and administrative staff will relocate from McMillan Hospital and the […]

Pedal the Cause… Come back or join for the first time!

You are invited to participate in the Department of Otolaryngology team Heads Up for this year’s Pedal the Cause on Sept. 25 and 26. Participants—including kids—can choose to walk, run, spin, ride a bike or volunteer. While last year’s event was held virtually, there are plans for an in-person Pedal the Cause fundraising event this […]

Biologic therapy effective for chronic rhinosinusitis

cartoon of nasal polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most prevalent chronic disorders in the US, affecting 10-15% of the population and all age groups. A significant number of these patients suffer from the growth of fleshy swellings or polyps in the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses. For some, surgery and medical treatments do not offer […]

Understanding the challenges of unilateral hearing loss in children

Photo of Dr. Lieu performing an otoscopic exam on young patient

The prevalence of single-sided or unilateral hearing loss (UHL) in school-aged children may be as high as 5%. Historically, unilateral hearing loss was thought to have little consequence because speech and language presumably developed appropriately with one normally hearing ear. According to Washington University pediatric otolaryngologist Judith Lieu, MD, however, some studies suggest that a […]

Next steps for graduating residents

photo of graduating residents

As they prepare for graduation on June 18, our chief residents shared their post-graduation plans and reflected on memorable moments from their training in the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at Washington University. Rajan Dang, MD What’s next? I will be joining the faculty here at WashU as a comprehensive ENT. What is the […]

Graduating fellows reflect on their training

photo ontage of graduating fellows

Fellows in the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery have spent the past one to two years completing intense surgical training with their specialty mentors. As they prepare for graduation, we asked each to share some thoughts on their fellowship experience. Andrea L. Hanick, MD, fellow in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery What’s the next […]

Q&A with Staff Scientist Song-Zhe Li

Song-Zhe Li at his desk

What is your role in the department? I work as a staff scientist and lab manager for Keiko Hirose, MD. What is your background in research? I was born in China, near the southern border of North Korea, in the Zilin Province. I obtained my medical degree in China then completed a PhD in molecular […]