Otolaryngology Graduate Medical Education Update

Innovations in Ear, Nose & Throat | Fall 2021

During this application cycle, a record number of medical students applied to the residency program in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

Sarah Mowry, MD

“Interest in our field continues to grow, and I think our numbers reflect that,” says Sarah Mowry, MD, Residency Program Director. “Our program has a rich history of producing physicians who provide excellent clinical care and are committed to scientific inquiry.”

Here, she shares recent programming and accomplishments.

Temporal Bone Symposium

In October, the 19th Annual Temporal Bone Symposium returned to full participation after scaling back in 2020 due to COVID-19. Intended for senior residents interested in otologic surgery, the two-day event included a series of lectures and interactive dissection sessions using temporal bone specimens.

Maura Cosetti, MD, was the honored guest speaker. A noted expert in temporal bone surgery, Dr. Cosetti is the Director of the Cochlear Implant Center at the Ear Institute of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in New York. Twelve physicians attended in person, and several additional international participants joined via Zoom.

Distinguished Speaker Series

A novel Virtual Distinguished Professor Lecture Series was inaugurated to remotely host nationally recognized leaders in the breadth and depth of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

The first esteemed guest lecturer for the quarterly grand rounds was Nitin Pagedar, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Iowa in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Cancer and Microvascular Surgery and an alumnus of University Hospitals and School of Medicine. Dr. Pagedar completed his medical degree and residency in Cleveland prior to his Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Toronto. An internationally recognized surgeon, he specializes in head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgery.

“Head and neck cancer patients often have long-term sequelae and significant upper airway or swallowing issues,” Dr. Mowry says. “We were honored to have Dr. Pagedar present on cancer survivorship, and our virtual attendees appreciated the information he shared.”

He also spent time online with the UH residents, discussing how he would approach the management of some challenging cases that they presented.

Wellness Retreat

In August, residents and faculty participated in a wellness retreat at nearby Hudson Springs Park. The group worked with staff from the University Hospitals Connor Integrative Health Network on team building and resilience activities.

“One of our program aims is to develop in our trainees a habit of wellness,” Dr. Mowry says. “We hope they will continue their own wellness practices to maintain mental clarity and remain centered in times of stress so that they are able to provide the best care for their patients.”

New Academic Program Administrator

Karen Walsh recently returned to University Hospitals after a 12-year absence. With more than 20 years of experience in graduate medical education, she is the Academic Program Administrator for the Department of Otolaryngology Medical Education Program.

“We’re thrilled to have Karen, and she has really hit the ground running,” Dr. Mowry says.

Academy Meeting

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. At the annual meeting, held in Los Angeles this fall:

• Four University Hospitals medical students gave podium presentations.
• Fifth-year resident Chelsea Hamill, MD, was the recipient of the 2021 Harry W. McCurdy, MD Resident Leadership Grant, awarded annually to a resident in their fifth year and/or those in a military setting.
• Three UH residents were invited to participate in the Academy’s 14th Annual Academic Bowl:
  • Kate Clancy, MD, fifth year
  • Gautam Korakavi, MD, third year
  • Richard Grant Muller, MD, fourth year

“Residents from programs across the country were invited to Los Angeles to compete in the academic bowl,” Dr. Mowry says. “It was an honor for our physicians to be selected, and we’re proud of their accomplishments.”

2021 Fellowship and Residency Physicians Selected

In June, Danielle Scarola, MD, began a Head and Neck Microsurgery Fellowship at University Hospitals. She completed an Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residency and her Medical Degree at Emory University School of Medicine.

Year One Residents Named

• Stephen Politano, MD – The Ohio State University College of Medicine
• Bryan Hair, MD – Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
• Sarah Ridge, MD – University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
• Chelsea Cleveland, MD – University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

For information about graduate medical education in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, contact Karen Walsh at Karen.Walsh2@UHhospitals.org.

Contributing Expert:
Sarah Mowry, MD,
Residency Program Director
Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
UH Cleveland Medical Center
Associate Professor
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine