Final surgery course for McMillan Sim Lab

The Multidisciplinary Surgical Simulation Lab in McMillan Hospital saw its final surgery course on May 11. The lab moves to its new location at the 6th floor of Farrell Learning and Teaching Center next month. Residents from the departments of Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology practiced a variety of surgical approaches to the anterior skull base, including […]

Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences celebrates graduating students

At commencement ceremonies May 24, Washington University’s top ranked Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences awarded 14 Doctor of Audiology degrees and six Master of Science in Deaf Education degrees this year. The Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences recognized its graduates during a Commencement Recognition Ceremony held at the Eric P. Newman Center on […]

Graduating fellows move to faculty positions

Graduating fellows in the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery have spent the past year 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. Zaid Al-Qurayshi, MBChB, fellow in advanced head and neck surgical oncology […]

Graduating chief residents take their next steps

As they prepare for graduation on June 21, five chief residents in the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University School of Medicine share their post-graduation plans, reflect on highlights of their training, and offer parting words of advice for their junior colleagues. Please join us in celebrating their successes and many contributions to the department […]

Spector Lecture highlights leadership in academic medicine

The Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University celebrated the 6th annual Spector Lectureship in the Biology of Cancer on April 24. Invited speaker Mark Varvares, MD, shared his thoughts on the importance of leadership in academic medicine. Varvares currently serves as the John W. Merriam/William W. Montgomery Professor and chair of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery […]

When the doctor becomes the patient

photo of attendees at the survivorship symposium

“One year ago to the day,” Mark Varvares, MD, told an audience of cancer survivors, “I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.” A cancer surgeon himself, he went on to share an emotional personal experience with cancer that would alter his perspective on patient care. The Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University School of Medicine […]

Research symposium highlights advances in head and neck cancer treatment

photo of audience listening to speaker Mark Varvares

A multidisciplinary group of researchers at Washington University shared cutting edge advancements in our understanding of head and neck cancer. The event marked the third research symposium, held as part of the annual Spector Lectureship in the Biology of Cancer. For program organizer and Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology Alex Harbison, MD, the event highlighted what […]

Q&A with Physician Assistant Melissa Portell

photo of Portell family

Washington University Physician Assistant Melissa Portell shares the joy she receives spending time with family, riding, and accompanying head and neck cancer patients through their survivorship journey. What is your current title and how long have you been with WashU ENT? I am a physician assistant that sees mostly head and neck cancer patients, and […]

Open surgery replacing more conservative management for airway stenosis

photo of Matt Rohlfing with WashU Shield

Washington University laryngologist Matt Rohlfing, MD, brings new hope to patients with airway deficiencies that are unresponsive to endoscopic management. Tracheal stenosis is a narrowing of the windpipe (trachea) that can lead to shortness of breath and coughing. The condition is most commonly caused by trauma due to intubation or tracheostomy – an opening to […]

Sharing our expertise: 2024 Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings

Faculty and trainees from the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University School of Medicine will share their expertise in patient care and advancements in research at the upcoming Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM) in Chicago, May 15-19. The annual meeting brings together the membership of the nine COSM societies, otolaryngology residents and fellows in training, […]