Graduating fellows in the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery have spent the past one or two years completing intense surgical training with their specialty mentors. Here they share their future plans and some thoughts on their fellowship experience. Please join us in congratulating these new specialists.
Robert Cristel, MD, Fellow in Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
Next step?
I am joining a private practice called Synergi Facial Surgery/Sound Health ENT right here in St. Louis.
Highlight of your fellowship?
This has been a great experience! It’s hard to pick one particular case that stood out with so many interesting cases this year. One of the biggest highlights was the birth of my daughter and the surprise baby shower before she was born in January!
Most important thing you learned during fellowship?
I have learned so much this year – patient care, teamwork, and building a practice. I’ve learned the importance of building a strong and trusting relationship with patients to ensure the highest quality care.
What will you miss the most about St. Louis?
Luckily, I am staying in St. Louis! I’m so excited to be starting in private practice in the area and will be able to stay in touch with my mentors and everyone here that has supported me this year!
Molly Heft Neal, MD, Fellow in Advanced head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstruction
Next step?
I will be returning to the University of Michigan for a faculty position in the Department of Otolaryngology.
Highlight of your fellowship?
The highlight of fellowship year for me was a combination of the high volume of complex head and neck reconstruction and transoral surgery with the dedication of the faculty to teaching us the intricacies of multidisciplinary head and neck cancer care.
Most important thing you learned during fellowship?
The most important thing I learned is that there is always more to learn!
What will you miss the most about St. Louis?
I will miss the wonderful relationships I have made with faculty, residents, nurses and staff, all of whom have made this an unforgettable year.
Ben Speaker, MD, Fellow in Pediatric otolaryngology
Next step?
I will be returning to Dublin where I will be an attending pediatric otolaryngologist in Crumlin Hospital.
Highlight of your fellowship?
The highlight of my fellowship year was successfully removing a one pound teratoma from a newborn that only weighed 5.5 pounds.
Most important thing you learned during fellowship?
Pediatric fellowship exposes you to a broad range of children with complex needs in both the critical care and outpatient settings. Developing the skills to manage these children is the most important thing I have done.
What will you miss the most about St. Louis?
I will miss a lot about St. Louis, but mostly living across from Forest Park and the great food.
Ray Wang, MD, Fellow in Advanced head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstruction
Next step?
I will be returning to Houston next year to take a position as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.
Highlight of your fellowship?
The highlight of my fellowship has definitely been all of the friends I’ve made over the past year. It has been wonderful working with everyone here and the mentorship from all the faculty has been invaluable as I make the transition to becoming an attending physician. I feel I’ve grown significantly as a surgeon and physician over the course of the year and the lessons I’ve learned this year will stay with me throughout my career.
Most important thing you learned during fellowship?
There’s not a singular lesson that stands out. All of the nuances and intricacies regarding transoral robotic surgery and free flap reconstruction that I’ve picked up over the course of the year have been extremely valuable in advancing my understanding of the care of these complex patients.
What will you miss the most about St. Louis?
My wife and I will definitely miss taking long walks with our dog, Yoshi, around Forest Park.
Kevin Zhan, MD, Fellow in Neurotology
Next step?
I have accepted a position as Assistant Professor in Otology and Neurotology at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Highlight of your fellowship?
There are truly too many highlights to count. But, seeing patients back in clinic and seeing them do well is certainly the most consistent highlight for me.
Most important thing you learned during fellowship?
The professional collegiality I see on a daily basis between my attendings stands out to me so much. They discuss cases and patients with each other on a daily basis, no matter their level of experience. They seek each other’s opinion in our regular conferences and get me involved. I think it’s these interpersonal connections that’s so critical to delivering the best outcomes and doing the best thing for patients. And I’m eternally grateful I’ll always have them in my network as continued friends and mentors.
What will you miss the most about St. Louis?
The people. No question. I’m really going to miss the people.