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A Biannual Publication of the Medical College of Georgia Department of Otolaryngology and the Augusta University Division of Communications and Marketing
The OTO OBSERVER The Newsletter of the Department of Otolaryngology
Winter 2016
Winter 2016
CHAIRMAN’S NOTE
OTO OBSERVER
DEAR READERS, I hope everyone had wonderful holidays and is excited about the New Year. The winter in Augusta is usually mild and it wasn’t long ago when our beautiful city was a winter tourist destination for the affluent North East. It is said that this encouraged Bobby Jones to dream of and participate in the founding of the renowned Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters golf tournament. The New Year finds our institution with the new name of “Augusta University”, a name that reflects the rich heritage of one of the oldest cities in the southeast. Our medical school “The Medical College of Georgia” is the 13th oldest medical school in the nation and retains its name within our university. On the business side, our department and institution are so far surviving the introduction of ICD-10 and an onslaught of electronic health record changes. With the addition of two new faculty members, our pediatric otolaryngology division is rapidly growing and we are currently recruiting for an otologist to join our highly successful division. We are excited about what the year promises for our department and our institution and we will continue to strive for the best possible patient care, medical student and resident education, and advancement of otolaryngology science. I wish you Happy New Year with the best of health and happiness.
Augusta University Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery 1120 15th St. BP-4109 Augusta, GA 30912 Academic Ofc: 706-721-6100 Appointments: 706-721-4400 Fax: 706-721-0112 augustahealth.org/ent augusta.edu/mcg/otolaryngology
Stil Kountakis, MD, PhD Professor and Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Edward S. Porubsky, MD Distinguished Chair in Otolaryngology skountakis@augusta.edu
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IN THIS ISSUE FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS____________________4
WINTER 2016
Honors
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS______________________4
Welcome New Staff
CLINICAL HIGHLIGHTS___________________5
The Oto Observer is produced biannually by the Medical College of Georgia Department of Otolaryngology and the Augusta University Division of Communications and Marketing. Please
Thyroid Cancer Screening Huge Success Family Choice Award Temporal Bone Lab Renovations
CENTER SPOTLIGHTS________________ 6 & 7
direct comments or questions to marketing@augusta.edu.
Practice Philosophy: Jack Borders Pediatric Otolaryngology at CHOG Hearing and Balance Center Cochlear Implant Program
RESEARCH_____________________________8
Selected Publications Dr. Weinberger Receives NIH Award
RESIDENT & ALUMNI NEWS_______________9
From the Program Director Where are They Now? – K. Chris McMains
TEAM REFERRAL _______________________10
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augusta.edu/mcg/otolaryngology
Winter 2016
OTO OBSERVER
Winter 2016
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
OTO OBSERVER
FACULTY HONORS Dr. Sarah Mowry was selected to receive a 2015 MCG Exemplary Teaching award for graduate medical education. She was a guest lecturer at UNC-Chapel Hill, a panelist at the American Cochlear Implant Alliance and a lobbyist to Capitol Hill on the early hearing detection and intervention law (EDHI) as Georgia State Champion for ACIA.
Dr. Jimmy Brown was elected president of the Georgia Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Achih Chen was named to Best Doctors in America for 2015-16.
Dr. William Duke was named to Best Doctors in America for 2015-16 and was granted a joint appointment as assistant professor of endocrinology in the Department of Medicine.
Dr. Stil Kountakis was named to Best Doctors in America for 2015-16; he was the resident graduation guest speaker at St. Louis University and was visiting professor at Venizelion General Hospital in Crete, Greece. Dr. Kountakis also received the Golden Head Mirror Award of the American Rhinologic Society. This was presented at the annual meeting of the ARS on Sept. 26, 2015, in Dallas, Texas. It is the highest award of the ARS and is given for “Service, teaching, clinical and research contributions to the ARS and all its members, residents and fellows.�
Dr. Gregory Postma was named to Best Doctors in America for 2015-16. He was an invited speaker at the Northeast Ohio Otolaryngology Society Annual Meeting and visiting professor at the University of Vermont and the Mother Teresa Medical Center in Skopje, Macedonia. Dr. Arturo Solares was named to Best Doctors in America for 2015-16.
Dr. David Terris was named to Best Doctors in America for 2015-16 and was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Endocrinology. He was an invited speaker at Washington University at St. Louis, the University of South Carolina, and the Arizona, Dallas and Puerto Rico Societies of Otolaryngology. He was elected to the Council of the American Head and Neck Society, elected vice-president of the Triological Society Southern Section, and granted a joint appointment as professor of endocrinology in the Department of Medicine.
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
LaJuana Kennedy Endocrine Case Manager
Sherif Shaaban Research Coordinator
Dr. Sarah Storey Audiologist
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Glenda Jordan Surgery Scheduler
CLINICAL HIGHLIGHTS
THYROID CANCER SCREENING HUGE SUCCESS Thyroid cancer is the fastest-growing cancer diagnosis in the United States. September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, which the Augusta University Thyroid Center marked by holding a free public thyroid cancer screening. This event was originally scheduled for one day, but because of the tremendous community response, a second date had to be added to accommodate over 170 patients who wished to be screened by the Thyroid Center’s surgeons and endocrinologists. This popular public health service was a feature story on the local news.
Dr. Will Duke
TEMPORAL BONE LAB RENOVATIONS
FAMILY CHOICE AWARD
The Dean Elliot Temporal Bone Laboratory underwent a major renovation this last year. In addition to adding six additional stations, the new work bench can be converted for use on larger cadaveric specimens such as whole heads or even a torso. Each station is equipped with a new surgical microscope, vastly improving the residents’ ability to visualize the microanatomy of the temporal bone. Furthermore, each station is equipped with a high-definition camera mounted on the microscope which allows live streaming video feed to the television mounted at each station. There is also the capability to project images from any station to a 60-inch screen mounted in the room; this allows for all participants to watch a pro-section in high definition.
Jason Turner, otolaryngology department administrator, received the GRHealth Patient and Family Centered Care Family Choice Award for “making a positive impact on the care given to the patients and family members that we serve.”
WELCOME NEW STAFF
Katherine Clarkson Senior LPN
Shronda Lee Office Associate
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augusta.edu/mcg/otolaryngology
Winter 2016
OTO OBSERVER
Winter 2016
CENTER SPOTLIGHTS
OTO OBSERVER
PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY: JACK BORDERS “We approach all problems of children with affection. Theirs is the province of joy and good humor. They are the most wholesome part of the race, for they are the freshest from the hands of God.”
Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology and describes the overall spirit of care at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, recently recognized as the highest-performing children’s hospital in the nation in quality and safety. We embrace the concept of patient- and family-centered care wholeheartedly and infuse its tenets into our daily practice.
This quote from President Herbert Hoover captures the ethos of our day-to-day activities relative to the children who are entrusted to us in the
Offering the full scope of pediatric otolaryngologic services, we are proud to serve critically ill children and their families who come to CHOG seeking an internationally recognized excellence in care.
PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY The Pediatric Otolaryngology multidisciplinary team at Children’s Hospital of Georgia offers comprehensive regional care for compromised pediatric airways, including evaluations, education, and long-term surveillance. Most patients with complex airway disorders can benefit from a multidisciplinary, holistic, family-centered care plan. Early referral and evaluation of a child with complex airway disease can greatly improve success rates. The Children’s Hospital of Georgia is a fully pediatric facility, and the team of pediatric specialists, pediatric anesthesiologists, certified pediatric nurse practitioners and pediatric nurses are available to meet your pediatric otolaryngology needs.
Areas of expertise include: • Children with airway problems including laryngomalacia, subglottic stenosis, tracheal stenosis • Laryngeal clefts and laryngeal webs • Pediatric airway reconstruction after tracheostomy • Pediatric hearing and ear diseases, including cholesteatoma • Sleep medicine and sleep apnea • Pediatric sinus disease • Congenital neck masses such as branchial cleft cysts and thyroglossal duct cysts • Vascular and lymphatic malformations in the head and neck • Pediatric cochlear implantation
Meet the Team:
Jack C. Borders Jr, MD
J. Drew Prosser, MD
George F. Harris IV, MD, FACS, FAAP
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Brian Shirley, CPNP
CENTER SPOTLIGHTS
COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAM
HEARING AND BALANCE CENTER Our program includes a board-certified neurotologist, the highly experienced audiologists at Augusta University Audiology Associates and a physician assistant. Together, they diagnose and treat disorders of the ear, temporal bone and lateral skull base. Their areas of expertise include hearing loss, chronic ear disease, skull base tumors, balance disorders and disorders of the facial nerve.
Our cochlear implant team is dedicated to helping individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. In combination with advanced medical technology, our team brings individuals into a world of hearing laughter, ringing telephones, music playing, expressions of love, shouts of enthusiasm and words of encouragement. A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic medical device which can help to restore a sense of sound to a person with severe to profound hearing loss. Because of its sophisticated technological capabilities, a cochlear implant behaves very differently than a hearing aid. They bypass the damaged portions of the inner ear and deliver a signal to the auditory nerve. The auditory portions of the brain perceive this signal as sound.
Otological Services: • Acute/Chronic Otitis Media • Vestibular Disorders • Vestibular Schwannoma/ • Cholesteatoma Acoustic Neuroma • Cochlear Implants • Facial Nerve Paralysis • Sudden/Chronic Hearing • Benign Paroxysmal Loss Positional Vertigo • Tympanic Membrane • Bell’s Palsy Perforation • Skull Base Cancer • Otosclerosis • Dizziness • Ménière’s Disease • Tinnitus • Glomus Tumors of the • Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Middle Ear and Jugular • Hemifacial Spasm Foramen • Ramsey Hunt Syndrome • Deafness Types 1&2 • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks • Facial Nerve Tumors
Our otologist, audiologists and speech language pathologists all work together to help recipients in their ability to detect and understand speech with their new implant.
Meet Our Hearing and Balance Team:
Audiological Services:
• Pure tone audiometry • Speech audiometry tests • Tympanometry • Acoustic-reflex testing • Electrocochleography • Otoacoustic emissions • Auditory brainstem response testing • Hearing aid evaluations, fitting and follow-up • Cochlear implant evaluations, mapping and follow-up • Osseo integrated device evaluations and fitting • Videonystagmography • Vestibular evoked myogenic potential • Rotational chair
Sarah E. Mowry, MD
Stephanie A. Barrett, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA
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Marc LeDuc, PA-C
Sarah King, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA
augusta.edu/mcg/otolaryngology
Winter 2016
Sarah Storey, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA
OTO OBSERVER
Winter 2016
RESEARCH
OTO OBSERVER
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS Bagley J, Thomas K, DiGiacinto D, Gateau J, Aubry JF, Chauvet D, Boch AL, Fink M, Tanter M, Harbarger CF, Weinberger PM, Borders JC, Hughes CA, et al. Bioeffects literature reviews. J Ultrasound Med 34(8):1-12, 2015. Maxwell JH, Rath TJ, Byrd JK, Albergotti WG, Wang H, Duvvuri U, Kim S, Johnson JT, Branstetter BF 4th, Ferris RL. Accuracy of computed tomography to predict extracapsular spread in p16-positive squamous cell carcinoma. Laryngoscope. 125(7):1613-8, 2015. Byrd JK, Smith KJ, de Almeida JR, Ferris RL, Duvvuri U. Cost-effectiveness of transoral robotic surgery in the unknown primary: corrigendum and response to comments. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 151(6):1094-5, 2014. Clayburgh DR, Byrd JK, Bonfili J, Duvvuri U. Intraoperative ultrasonography during transoral robotic surgery. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol (In press). Albergotti WG, Byrd JK, Nance M, Choi EC, Koh YW, Kim S, Duvvuri U. Robot-assisted neck dissection through a modified facelift incision. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol (In press). Terris DJ, Chaung K, Duke WS. Continuous vagal nerve monitoring is dangerous and should not routinely be done during thyroid surgery. World J Surg 39(10):2471-6, 2015. Duke WS, White JR, Waller JL, Terris DJ. Six-year experience with endoscopic thyroidectomy: Outcomes and safety profile. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol (In press). White LC, Jang DW, Yelvertan JC, Kountakis SE. Bony erosion patterns in patients with allergic fungal sinusitis. Am J Rhinol Allergy 29(4):243-5, 2015.
Mowry SE, Jammal H, Myer C 4th, Solares CA, Weinberger P. A novel temporal bone simulation model using 3D printing techniques. Otol Neurotol 36(9):1562-5, 2015. White LC, Weinberger P, Coulson H, Guo D, Jang D, Gurrola J, Kountakis SE. Why sinonasal disease spares the inferior turbinate: An immunohistochemical analysis. Laryngoscope 2015 (Epub ahead of print). Hoyne DS, Mowry SE, Hansen MR. Canal wall reconstruction and conductive hearing preservation for temporal bone paraganglioma. Laryngoscope (In press). Johnson CM, Howell JT, Mettenburg DJ, Rueggeberg FA, Howell RJ, Postma GN, Weinberger PM. Mechanical Modeling of the Human Cricoid Cartilage Using ComputerAided Design: Applications in Airway Balloon Dilation Research. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol (In press) Howell RJ, Postma GN. Neopharyngeal diverticulum. Ear Nose Throat J 93(8):297, 2014. Reyes C, Solares CA. Endoscopic Repair of Frontal Sinus Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks after Firearm Injuries: Report of Two Cases. J Neurol Surg Rep 76(1):e8-e12, 2015. Frank-Ito DO, Sajisevi M, Solares CA, Jang DW. Modeling alterations in sinonasal physiology after skull base surgery. Am J Rhinol Allergy 29(2):145-50, 2015. Reyes C, Mason E, Solares CA. Panorama of reconstruction of skull base defects: from traditional open to endonasal endoscopic approaches, from free grafts to microvascular flaps. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 18(Suppl 2):S179-86, 2014. Alobid I, Mason E, Solares CA, Ensenat J, De Notaris M, Prats-Galino A, Bernal-Sprekelsen M, Carrau R. Pedicled lateral nasal wall flap for the reconstruction of the nasal septum perforation. A radio-anatomical study. Rhinology (In press).
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Reyes C, Mason E, Solares CA, Bush C, Carrau R. To preserve or not to preserve the orbit in paranasal sinus neoplasms: a meta-analysis. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 76(2):122-8, 2015. Davies L, Morris LG, Haymart M, Chen AY, Goldenberg D, Morris J, Ogilvie JB, Terris DJ, Netterville J, Wong RJ, Randolph G; AACE Endocrine Surgery Scientific Committee. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology disease state clinical review: The increasing incidence of thyroid cancer. Endocr Pract 21(6):686-96, 2015. Davies L, Morris LG, Haymart M, Chen AY, Goldenberg D, Morris J, Ogilvie JB, Terris DJ, Netterville J, Wong RJ, Randolph G; AACE Endocrine Surgery Scientific Committee. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology disease state clinical review: The increasing incidence of thyroid cancer.
RESEARCH AWARD Dr. Paul Weinberger received an NIH loan repayment award of $35,000. He also received a PCORI research award of 3 percent effort as co-investigator of a large NIH study titled “Treatment Alternatives in Adult Rare Disease; Assessment of Options in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis,” (PI: Gelbard, A, $2,741,972).
RESIDENT & ALUMNI NEWS
FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR Michael Groves, MD
reconstruction and microvascular head and neck reconstruction for residents to augment their surgical experiences in areas of particular interest to them.
We have more exciting news to share from our program this fall! After years of rapid clinical growth and numerous faculty additions, the stage was set for an increase in our resident complement. Our application to the ACGME was approved in July, and starting with the current Match cycle, we will permanently expand our residency program for the first time since we started taking two residents a year in 1985. The expansion will take place gradually as we move to a 3-2-3-2-3 structure over the next five years. This exciting development will open up numerous opportunities to improve the residents’ educational experience. Some possibilities we are looking at would be allowing upper-level residents to spend time with Radiation Oncology, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Neuroradiology, Head and Neck Pathology and several other of our ancillary services such as Speech Pathology and Audiology. We will also work to develop some “advanced electives” in highly specialized areas such as pediatric airway
Another important change for the coming academic year will be an alteration to the PGY-1 rotation requirements that fundamentally changes the way we train interns. PGY-1 residents will now have six months of otolaryngology and six months of “nonotolaryngology” rotations, which can include any combination of anesthesia, general surgery, neurological surgery, neuroradiology, ophthalmology, oral-maxillofacial surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, and radiation oncology. This is a major shift (especially for those who remember the days when two years of general surgery were required before starting otolaryngology-specific training), and it places a much larger burden on the otolaryngology programs to provide their interns with the knowledge of the basics of medicine and surgical care. Let’s hope we’re all up to the challenge!
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Kevin Christopher McMains came to the Medical College of Georgia of Augusta University in 1999 for his residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and stayed on for a fellowship in Rhinology-Advanced Sinus Surgery. He graduated magna cum laude from Duke University and completed medical school at the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Chris’ passion is medical student and resident education and so after completing his training at MCG in 2005, he returned to his hometown of San Antonio as an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. His deep appreciation for the self-sacrifice involved in Uniformed Service eventually helped him transition to his present position as Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery of Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and Chief of ENT at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio. Chris is also maintaining an appointment as Adjunct Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Chris is actively involved at the national level and has held leadership positions within the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, and the American Rhinologic Society. He has always maintained impeccable ethical standards and he was the founding chairman of the Ethics Committee of the American Rhinologic Society from 2008-2011. During his tenure the committee developed the code of ethics governing the association of ARS members and industry. Dr. McMains has authored many peer-reviewed papers and book chapters and continues to present research and lecture at academic meetings worldwide. Even though he has a busy schedule he continues to serve as a Major in the Texas Army National Guard. Chris lives in his hometown of San Antonio with his wife, Rebecca, and daughter, Olivia. We are proud to have Dr. Chris McMains in the ranks of alumni of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
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augusta.edu/mcg/otolaryngology
Winter 2016
OTO OBSERVER
Winter 2016
OTOLARYNGOLOGY/HEAD & NECK SURGERY TEAM Chairman Stil Kountakis, MD, PhD
General Otolaryngology Michael Groves, MD Arthur Torsiglieri, MD
OTO OBSERVER
Vice-Chairman Gregory Postma, MD
Head & Neck Surgery/Oncology Jimmy Brown, DDS, MD J. Kenneth Byrd, MD Scott DeRossi, DMD Michael W. Groves, MD Jessica Peck, MD Darko Pucar, MD, PhD C. Arturo Solares, MD John Vender, MD Heather Bentley, FNP-C
Audiology Stephanie Barrett, AuD Sarah King, AuD Sarah Storey, AuD Endocrine Surgery Edward Chin, MD William Duke, MD Rene Harper, MD Anthony Mulloy, DO Laura Mulloy, DO Darko Pucar, MD David Terris, MD
Laryngology William Pearson Jr., PhD Gregory Postma, MD Paul Weinberger, MD
Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Jimmy Brown, DDS, MD Jessica Peck, MD C. Arturo Solares, MD
Pediatric Otolaryngology Jack Borders Jr., MD George Harris IV, MD J. Drew Prosser, MD Brian Shirley, CPNP
No-hassle referrals Your time is valuable. To make an appointment for your patient, please call:
Rhinology/Skull Base Surgery J. Kenneth Byrd, MD Stil Kountakis, MD, PhD C. Arturo Solares, MD
Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Appointments Adults
706-721-4400
Pediatric 706-721-5500 Adult Head & Neck Cancer
Otology/Neurotology Sarah Mowry, MD Marc LeDuc, PA-C
706-721-6744
Introducing a new physician referral tool making it simple for you and your patients – augustahealth.org/referral
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Augusta University 1120 15th Street, Suite BP 4109 Augusta, GA 30912 706-721-6100 10
Convenient Locations Pediatric AUGUSTA CHOG 706-721-8522 West Wheeler 706-664-9803 GREENSBORO Lake Oconee
706-453-9803
WASHINGTON Wills Memorial
706-678-9334
Adult AUGUSTA GRMC 706-721-CARE GREENSBORO Lake Oconee
706-453-9803
WASHINGTON Wills Memorial
706-678-9334
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Dr. Drew Prosser comforts a young patient before an exam.
Communications and Marketing 1120 15th Street, AD 1121 Augusta, Georgia 30912
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Wrong address? Need to update your information? Tell us by email at updateinfo@augusta.edu Go online to augusta.edu/updateinfo Or call us at 706-721-4001
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Otologist/Neurotologist: We are seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor who wishes to join a thriving academic Neurotology/Otology practice. Fellowship/Postdoctoral training required. To apply and receive additional information about the generous support associated with this opportunity, please send a curriculum vitae to Dr. Stil Kountakis, skountakis@augusta.edu.
Jan. 22-24: Triological Society Combined Sections Meeting Miami Beach, Florida triological.org
Fellowships:
n Endocrine/Head and Neck Surgery
Contact Dr. David Terris, dterris@augusta.edu n Rhinology/Skull Base Surgery Contact Dr. Stil Kountakis, skountakis@augusta.edu n Laryngology Contact Dr. Gregory Postma, gpostma@augusta.edu n Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery Contact Dr. Jimmy Brown, jbrown3@augusta.edu
March 2-5: 360 Skull Base Symposium Augusta University Campus, Augusta, Georgia augusta.edu/ce/medicalce/2016/skullbase.php April 21-24: Southern States Rhinology Symposium Kiawah Island, South Carolina southernstatesrhinology.org May 18-22: Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings Chicago, Illinois cosm.md June 17-18: Fourteenth Annual Porubsky Symposium and Resident/Fellow Graduation Augusta University Campus, Augusta, Georgia augusta.edu/ce/medicalce/2016/
Augusta University is an Equal Opportunity,
Affirmative Action, and Equal Access employer.