Sight + Sound, Fall 2025
To honor the enduring impact of Dr. Barry Hirsch, a recently retired and beloved physician whose life and work have profoundly shaped our community and institution, the Eye & Ear Foundation has established the Barry E. Hirsch, MD Lectureship in Otology.
This endowed lectureship will bring distinguished speakers to the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh to share insights into the practice of otology, foster dialogue around future directions of care, and inspire promising talent in the field—continuing the legacy of learning and empathy that Dr. Hirsch embodied.
This initiative was made possible through a generous contribution directed by his wife, Dr. Jean Harwick, whose shared commitment to education and excellence in medicine reflects the very spirit of this lectureship. Their support laid the foundation for what we hope will become a lasting tribute to Dr. Hirsch’s values and vision. This is the first time an endowment has been created for hearing science, a fitting tribute to Dr. Hirsch’s remarkable career and lifelong dedication to the field.
“In my 40-year career in otology/neurotology, I have seen remarkable advancements,” Dr. Hirsch said. “It is our hope that this lectureship will bring leaders to our great institution to continue to train, teach, and inspire the next generation of clinicians and researchers.”
Dr. Hirsch spent his otology career in Pittsburgh, dedicating decades to the care of patients, the mentorship of young physicians, and the advancement of medical knowledge. He is known not only for his clinical excellence but also for his extraordinary kindness and easygoing nature—qualities that made him a trusted colleague, cherished teacher, and deeply respected member of our medical community. He also served nationally as president of the American Neurotology Society.
“Dr Hirsch was a skilled surgeon and clinician who was responsible for training many in our field and he always promoted bringing in outside ideas to Pittsburgh,” said Peter Santa Maria, MD, PhD, Professor, Division Chief of Otology & Neurotology. “This endowment preserves this legacy in a perfect way, by facilitating thought leaders to come here and share with our trainees and faculty.”
To support this endowment to honor Dr. Hirsch’s legacy and strengthen our mission to advance hearing science and patient care, you can donate online or mail a check to the Eye & Ear Foundation.