By José P. Zevallos, MD, MPH, FACS
The Eugene N. Myers, M.D. Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
It is a tremendous privilege to share the work of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery over the last year, and to highlight the remarkable advances that we have made in our fight against head and neck cancer, hearing loss, and other related otolaryngologic conditions. This has been a year of continued clinical and research growth for the Department. I am proud to say that with the support of the Eye & Ear Foundation, we have successfully recruited some of the best surgeons and scientists from across the United States to Pittsburgh. Our recruitment reflects key priorities for the Department, including providing world-class clinical care and conducting groundbreaking translational research. The success of the Department is being recognized. Some highlights from the past year include:
- Design and planning for the new Pittsburgh Hearing Institute at the UPMC Mercy Pavilion is well underway! With insights from clinicians and researchers, we have designed a unique center where surgeons, audiologists, and researchers work side-by side to discover the next generation of treatments for hearing loss and tinnitus. We are incredibly grateful to the Eye & Ear Foundation and our donors for their continuing efforts to help make the Pittsburgh Hearing Institute a reality.
- This fall, we welcomed several new faculty to further establish the University of Pittsburgh as an international leader in the treatment and research of hearing loss. Peter Santa Maria, MD, PhD, our new chief of Neurotology and Vice Chair for Translational Research, has already been busy in the operating room and the clinic. His laboratory, focused on understanding hearing loss in otitis media, has successfully transitioned from Stanford to Pittsburgh. We look forward to many new discoveries. We also welcomed Gregory Basura, MD, PhD, and Adele Moatti, PhD, to the team. Dr. Basura is an experienced neurotologist and scientist who runs a research program focused on cognitive pathways in hearing loss and tinnitus. Dr. Moatti joins us from UNC and North Carolina State. Her laboratory explores drug delivery methods for the inner ear using nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles.
- Under the leadership of Dr. Matthew Spector, MD, our head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstructive surgery program has ascended to one of the busiest and best in the United States. Along with Marci Nilsen, PhD, RN and with support from the Eye & Ear Foundation, we are embarking on a new program to measure and manage functional outcomes in patients undergoing complex head and neck surgery and reconstruction. Our 2025-2026 head and neck surgical oncology fellowship match reflects the caliber of the program and our standing in the field. In July 2025, we will welcome a class of fellows from Stanford University, Mayo Clinic, and the University of Minnesota to the Department.
- In September, we welcomed Chloe Santa Maria, MBBS, MPH to Pittsburgh. Having just completed a highly competitive laryngology fellowship in Los Angeles, she brings innovative new techniques to our laryngology division. As an expert in the management of the professional voice, she is developing an exciting collaboration on improving vocal health with members of the Pittsburgh performing arts community.
- We have revitalized the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Pittsburgh CREATES program. With support from the Eye & Ear Foundation and the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute, we hired Mohit Singhala, PhD, as executive director of CREATES. Dr. Singhala is a robotic engineer from Johns Hopkins and a former Stanford Biodesign Fellow who will help establish CREATES as a center for surgical innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Our residency program continues to thrive, and we welcomed an exceptional class of interns from the University of Pittsburgh (x2), the University of Pennsylvania, Washington University School of Medicine, and UT Southwestern.
The Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh is the engine that drives our clinical and research success in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The work of the Department is far from over as we take on even bigger challenges to improve the lives of patients facing head and neck cancer, hearing loss, tinnitus, any many other conditions that severely impact quality of life. We are very grateful to our friends and donors in Pittsburgh and across the United States for their continued support and look forward to another exciting year of discovery ahead.