The Triological Society, a distinguished body representing leaders in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, convened its annual Combined Sections Meeting in Orlando, Florida, from January 22-24, 2024. This pivotal event served as a platform for the society’s four regional sections—Eastern, Middle, Southern, and Western—to formally recognize and honor distinguished otolaryngologists who have significantly advanced the field through their clinical expertise, innovative research, and dedicated leadership. The proceedings highlighted the remarkable achievements of individuals across the nation, underscoring the dynamic and evolving landscape of otolaryngology.
The meeting, held at a premier venue in Orlando, brought together a significant gathering of the nation’s foremost experts in ear, nose, and throat medicine and surgery. This annual assembly is a cornerstone event for the Triological Society, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the celebration of pioneering work. The four section vice presidents—Natasha Mirza, MD, of the Eastern Section; Craig A. Buchman, MD, of the Middle Section; Earl H. Harley, MD, of the Southern Section; and Dinesh K. Chhetri, MD, of the Western Section—presided over the awards ceremonies, acknowledging the esteemed guests of honor and citation winners for their profound contributions.
Eastern Section: Honoring Innovation and Dedication
The Eastern Section ceremony paid tribute to individuals whose work has fundamentally shaped the understanding and treatment of conditions within otolaryngology.
Bert W. O’Malley Jr., MD: A Pioneer in Skull Base and Robotic Surgery
The Eastern Section proudly recognized Bert W. O’Malley Jr., MD, as its Guest of Honor. Dr. O’Malley’s illustrious career is marked by transformative contributions to surgical innovation, particularly in the fields of skull base surgery, robotic surgery, and head and neck cancer. His leadership roles are extensive, including serving as the President of the University of Maryland Medical Center, Executive Vice President for the Academic Health Division of the University of Maryland Medical System, and Professor of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Dr. O’Malley’s groundbreaking work includes the co-invention and development of transoral robotic surgery (TORS), a revolutionary minimally invasive technique that has significantly improved patient outcomes and recovery times for certain head and neck cancers. He was instrumental in establishing the world’s first human robotics head and neck surgery program and the first skull base surgery program. His commitment to research is evidenced by his role as co-principal investigator for the first Institutional Review Board-approved clinical trial for robotic surgery in his specialty. Furthermore, his leadership in clinical trials led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of TORS procedures in 2009 and 2014, solidifying its place as a standard of care. His international renown stems from his consistent pursuit of advanced surgical techniques and his dedication to improving patient care through cutting-edge technology.
Citation Awardees: Diverse Contributions to the Field
The Eastern Section also bestowed Citation Awards upon two distinguished professionals who have made significant impacts:
Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD: A clinical professor of otolaryngology at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra—Northwell University and clinical associate professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Chandrasekhar is a recognized leader in neurotology. She directs neurotology at the JJ Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center and is a partner in ENT and Allergy Associates, serving patients in New York and New Jersey. Her academic contributions include serving as a consulting editor for the Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America and co-authoring the comprehensive textbook Temporal Bone Histology and Radiology Atlas. Dr. Chandrasekhar also leads KivviMed, Inc., a pharmaceutical startup focused on intranasal surfactant for Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to novel therapeutic development.
Her extensive leadership experience includes serving as president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and president of the American Otological Society. She previously served as the Eastern Section vice president and program chair for the Combined Sections Meeting of the Triological Society. Her accolades are numerous, including being named a Living Legend in the Hall of Distinction at AAO-HNS, receiving the Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Prize for Inspiring Women in Surgery from the American College of Surgeons, and the Luminary Award from AAPI New Jersey.
Richard L. Doty, PhD: A distinguished professor in the department of otorhinolaryngology: head and neck surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins Medical School, Dr. Doty has dedicated nearly five decades to the study of olfaction and gustation. He headed Penn’s Smell and Taste Center for close to 50 years and founded Sensonics International, a global leader in chemosensory testing. His prolific publication record includes over 500 professional articles and 12 books, with contributions to prestigious journals such as Science, Nature, and The Lancet. His seminal works, including The Great Pheromone Myth and Smell and Taste Disorders, have significantly advanced the understanding of chemical senses.
Dr. Doty is the editor of the widely acclaimed Handbook of Olfaction and Gustation, considered a definitive resource in the field. He is also the inventor of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), a standardized olfactory test translated into over 60 languages and hailed as the olfactory equivalent of the eye chart. More recently, he developed the first waterless empirical taste test (WETT), designed for self-administration and mail delivery. His research has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the James A. Shannon Award from the National Institutes of Health and the 2024 ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholar award, where he was recognized as #1 in Olfaction and #4 in Otolaryngology.
Middle Section: Advancing Hearing Restoration and Surgical Techniques
The Middle Section focused its accolades on individuals who have made profound advancements in hearing restoration and the refinement of surgical practices.
Jacques A. Herzog, MD: Leading Cochlear Implant Programs and Research
Jacques A. Herzog, MD, was honored as the Middle Section’s Guest of Honor for his pivotal role in otology and neurotology. As a professor and chief of the division of otology/neurotology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Herzog leads one of the largest cochlear implant programs in the United States. He also serves as assistant dean for community-based medical education.
Dr. Herzog’s career is characterized by a lifelong commitment to advancing hearing restoration. He was a key figure in the pioneering development of multichannel cochlear implantation in the U.S. and founded the Center for Hearing and Balance Disorders, a program that achieved national recognition for its leadership in cochlear implantation and comprehensive otologic and neurotologic care. His research has provided critical insights into cognitive outcomes in older adults undergoing cochlear implantation, culminating in his 2023 Triological Society thesis, which represented the largest single-center study to date evaluating long-term cognitive function in this demographic. His contributions underscore the multidisciplinary approach necessary for successful hearing rehabilitation.
Citation Awardees: Enhancing Surgical Precision and Understanding
The Middle Section recognized two exceptional physicians for their impactful contributions:
Oliver F. Adunka, MD: An academic otologist, neurotologist, and lateral skull base surgeon at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Dr. Adunka holds significant leadership positions as vice chair for clinical operations and director of the division of otology, neurotology, and cranial base surgery. He is also a tenured professor and the William H. Saunders, MD Endowed Professor, and directs pediatric otology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Adunka’s clinical practice encompasses the full spectrum of adult and pediatric otology, neurotology, and complex skull base surgery, with a specialized focus on hearing restoration through cochlear implantation. His academic work has been central to advancing hearing preservation and cochlear physiology. Early research by Dr. Adunka informed the development of modern atraumatic cochlear implant techniques and electrode designs. His leadership in the first U.S. multicenter electric-acoustic stimulation trial contributed to FDA approval of hybrid hearing technology. He further innovated by developing intraoperative electrocochleography (ECochG) as a real-time physiologic tool to guide cochlear implantation, a technique that has transitioned from concept to FDA-approved clinical technology. He currently leads a multi-center National Institutes of Health U01 trial investigating the clinical utility of residual hearing in cochlear implant recipients.
Amit Walia, MD, MSCI: A fellow and instructor in neurotology and skull base surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Walia’s work focuses on cochlear electrophysiology to enhance the understanding of cochlear mechanics and improve outcomes for cochlear implant recipients. His research, conducted under the mentorship of Craig Buchman, MD, has resulted in multiple patents, foundational publications, and competitively funded research grants, establishing a significant area of investigation within the field. His dedication to translational research promises to further refine cochlear implant technology and patient care.
Southern Section: Dedication to Pediatric Care and Keloid Research
The Southern Section celebrated individuals whose careers have been marked by exceptional service in pediatric otolaryngology and groundbreaking research in specific otologic conditions.
Kenneth M. Grundfast, MD: A Legacy in Pediatric Otolaryngology and Deafness Genetics
The Southern Section honored Kenneth M. Grundfast, MD, as its Guest of Honor. Dr. Grundfast’s career has been dedicated to the field of pediatric otolaryngology, with a significant period of study in deafness genetics at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Following his residency at Boston University—Tufts University and a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, he held faculty positions at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He later served as Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at Children’s National Medical Center before returning to Boston University School of Medicine as Chair of the department.
Dr. Grundfast has a distinguished record of extensive publications, numerous leadership roles in professional organizations, and service as an assistant dean at Boston University School of Medicine. His contributions have significantly advanced the care of children with complex ear, nose, and throat conditions, and his research into the genetic basis of deafness has provided valuable insights into congenital hearing loss.
Citation Awardees: Impacting Military Health and Surgical Innovation
The Southern Section presented Citation Awards to two exemplary professionals:
Charles A. Hughes, MD, MBA, MPH: With over 30 years of experience in pediatric otolaryngology, Dr. Hughes is a comprehensive provider for all pediatric ear, nose, and throat disorders. His service to the Department of Defense spans over two decades, including roles as a flight surgeon for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and NASA. He has held critical leadership positions, including U.S. Navy Reserve Otolaryngology Specialty Leader and Consultant to the Surgeon General, and served on advisory boards for Tricare and the Defense Health Board. He was recently a key representative for the U.S. 7th Fleet and consultant to the COVID Task Force at Kadena Air Force Base, as well as Task Force Safeguard at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa.
Dr. Hughes has been instrumental in building pediatric otolaryngology divisions at major institutions. He was the first surgeon for Texas Children’s Hospital—The Woodlands in 2015, establishing its pediatric otolaryngology division. In 2018, he was recruited to Providence Health to help establish a children’s hospital. In 2021, he returned to Texas as a professor at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. In 2026, he is set to embark on a new endeavor at Orlando Health in Florida to establish a pediatric otolaryngology division for the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, further extending his impact on pediatric healthcare.
Lamont R. Jones, MD, MBA: As Associate Chief Medical Officer of the Henry Ford Medical Group and Professor of Otolaryngology at Michigan State University and Wayne State University, Dr. Jones is an internationally respected surgeon-scientist focusing on the treatment and pathogenesis of keloid disease. His clinical interests also include craniofacial reconstruction, facial cosmetics, and trauma. Dr. Jones has authored numerous publications and book chapters and secured over $1.5 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) and foundation funding to investigate keloid disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. He serves as a translational research advisor specializing in preclinical and clinical trials for keloid drug discovery. His extensive board experience and commitment to volunteer work, both locally and on international medical missions, highlight his dedication to global health equity.
Western Section: Innovations in Laryngology and Head and Neck Oncology
The Western Section recognized leaders in laryngology and head and neck oncology, highlighting advancements in voice, airway, and swallowing disorders, as well as the sophisticated management of head and neck cancers.
Andrew Allen Erman, MA/CCC-SLP: Enhancing Swallowing and Communication in Cancer Patients
The Western Section honored Andrew Allen Erman, MA/CCC-SLP, as its Guest of Honor. Mr. Erman, now retired, was formerly the Director of Speech Pathology Services at UCLA Health System. His clinical focus was the assessment and treatment of head and neck cancer patients experiencing swallowing and communication disorders. He collaborated closely with Dr. Dinesh K. Chhetri of UCLA Head and Neck Surgery to enhance patient care, particularly in areas such as in-the-chair tracheoesophageal punctures and establishing patient candidacy criteria for partial epiglottiectomy to improve swallowing function. Their joint work on lectures, journal articles, and textbook chapters exemplifies a powerful interdisciplinary approach to patient management.
Citation Awardees: Advancing Regenerative Medicine and Tumor Biology
The Western Section recognized two prominent figures for their contributions:
Jennifer L. Long, MD, PhD: A laryngologist and professor at the University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA), Dr. Long holds significant leadership roles as vice chair of research for the department of head and neck surgery at UCLA, founding director of UCLA’s R25 Mentored Research Pathway for residents and medical students in otolaryngology, and as a physician and principal investigator at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System. Her clinical interests span all aspects of voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Dr. Long’s translational research laboratory is dedicated to studying regenerative medicine approaches for treating these disorders, with funding from the NIH, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Laryngological Association, the AAO-HNS, and the Broad Stem Cell Research Center. She is actively involved in research mentoring at UCLA and nationally, contributing to the Triological Society’s Thesis Committee, the Neely Mentoring Network, the ALA’s Research Advancement Committee, and the Laryngology Research Collaborative.
Maie A. St. John, MD, PhD: Dr. St. John is a highly respected surgeon, scientist, and educator, currently serving as Andelot Professor, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, and Otolaryngologist-in-Chief at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Her laboratory investigates the mechanisms of tumor progression and metastasis, aiming to translate these findings into novel therapeutics. Clinically, Dr. St. John specializes in intraoperative tumor margin delineation for head and neck cancer resections, enabling precision surgery. Her efforts have fostered robust interdepartmental research programs in head and neck surgery and bioengineering, leading to clinical trials and patent applications, consistently supported by the NIH, charitable foundations, and industry. She holds numerous leadership positions, including on the executive council of the American Head and Neck Society, the Triological Society, the American College of Surgeons board of governors advisory council, and the American Laryngological Association. She serves as a senior examiner for the American Board of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery and as a reviewer for various NIH study sections and AAO-HNS CORE grants. Dr. St. John is a prolific author, a sought-after international lecturer, and deeply involved in training future physician-scientists.
Special Awards: Recognizing Emerging Talent and Sustained Excellence
Beyond the section-specific honors, the Triological Society also presented awards recognizing broader contributions and emerging leadership.
Middle Section George Adams Young Faculty Award
Joseph Zenga, MD: Dr. Zenga, an associate professor and vice-chair of research in head and neck surgery, otolaryngology at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, received the George Adams Young Faculty Award. His research focuses on basic and translational immunotherapy in head and neck cancer, with a particular emphasis on the identification and therapeutic use of tumor antigen-specific T cells. His laboratory employs innovative single-cell techniques, including individual tumor cell-T cell co-culture and single-cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing. Dr. Zenga also co-leads clinical trials exploring the use of radiotherapy to enhance immune responses in head and neck cancer.
13th Annual Patrick E. Brookhouser, MD Award of Excellence
Mark S. Persky, MD: Dr. Persky, a recognized expert in head and neck surgery, was honored with the 13th Annual Patrick E. Brookhouser, MD Award of Excellence. His specialized expertise includes the treatment of tumors of the head, neck, skull base, and thyroid gland, as well as congenital vascular malformations and hemangiomas. He has an extensive record of publications and lectures on these topics. In 2023, he was appointed Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and has retired from clinical practice. He is a distinguished member of several prominent professional organizations, including the American Laryngological Association and the American Head and Neck Society.
Binderup Prize
Daniel G. Deschler, MD: Dr. Deschler received the Binderup Prize for his significant contributions to the field. He serves as the vice-chair for academic affairs for the department of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, co-directs the Michael Dingman Fellowship in Head and Neck/Microvascular Surgery, and is a professor at Harvard Medical School. He also holds the inaugural Dr. Eugene N. and Barbara L. Myers Chair in Head and Neck Surgery at Mass Eye and Ear. Dr. Deschler has authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications and numerous books and book chapters. He sits on the editorial boards of prestigious journals such as the Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology and Head & Neck, and is the otolaryngology section editor for UpToDate. He chairs the Thesis Committee of the Triological Society and has held multiple leadership roles in the American Head and Neck Society. His clinical and research interests encompass head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgery, including advanced malignancies, salivary gland diseases, microvascular reconstruction, and speech outcomes following surgery.
The Combined Sections Meeting of the Triological Society not only celebrated the achievements of these distinguished individuals but also underscored the collective commitment of the otolaryngology community to advancing patient care, fostering groundbreaking research, and shaping the future of the specialty. The Orlando gathering served as a powerful testament to the ongoing dedication and innovation within the field, promising continued progress in addressing complex conditions of the head and neck.