The Triological Society, a prestigious organization representing the pinnacle of achievement in otolaryngology, convened its annual Combined Sections Meeting in Orlando, Florida, from January 22-24, to honor distinguished professionals and acknowledge significant contributions to the field. This pivotal event brought together leading experts from across the nation, fostering a spirit of collaboration and recognizing the dedication and innovation that propel otolaryngology forward. The four sections of the Triological Society—Eastern, Middle, Southern, and Western—each highlighted their most esteemed members, celebrating their impactful careers and groundbreaking advancements.
A Confluence of Expertise and Recognition
The Combined Sections Meeting serves as a cornerstone event for the Triological Society, a body dedicated to the advancement of otolaryngology through research, education, and the recognition of outstanding practitioners. Established to foster collegiality and scientific exchange, the Society’s structure, divided into regional sections, ensures broad representation and engagement from otolaryngologists nationwide. The annual meeting provides a platform for these sections to showcase their honorees, underscoring the diverse yet interconnected nature of the specialty.
This year’s gathering in Orlando was no exception, with 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—leading the accolades. Their presentations illuminated the exceptional achievements of the recognized individuals, spanning a wide array of subspecialties within otolaryngology, from head and neck surgery to neurotology and advanced surgical techniques.
Eastern Section: Pioneering Innovation and Clinical Acumen
The Eastern Section’s proceedings prominently featured Bert W. O’Malley Jr., MD, as its distinguished Guest of Honor. Dr. O’Malley’s career is marked by extraordinary leadership and groundbreaking innovation, particularly in the realm of skull base surgery and robotic otolaryngology. He holds the esteemed position of president of the University of Maryland Medical Center and serves as executive vice president for the academic health division of the University of Maryland Medical System. As a professor of otorhinolaryngology—head and neck surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, he is also a practicing head and neck cancer surgeon.
Dr. O’Malley is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in skull base surgery, robotic surgery, and head and neck cancer treatment. His collaborative efforts led to the co-invention and development of transoral robotic surgery (TORS), a transformative approach that has significantly improved patient outcomes and reduced invasiveness for various head and neck procedures. He was instrumental in founding the world’s first human robotics head and neck surgery program and the first skull base surgery program, cementing his legacy as a visionary leader. Furthermore, Dr. O’Malley’s commitment to advancing surgical practice is evidenced by his role as co-principal investigator for the first Institutional Review Board-approved clinical trial for robotic surgery in his specialty. His leadership in clinical trials also contributed to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of TORS procedures in 2009 and 2014, underscoring the profound impact of his research and development.
The Eastern Section also bestowed Citation Awards upon two highly accomplished professionals: Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD, and Richard L. Doty, PhD.
Dr. Chandrasekhar’s multifaceted career encompasses clinical practice, academic leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit. She is a clinical professor of otolaryngology at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra—Northwell University and a clinical associate professor of otolaryngology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Her clinical expertise extends to directing neurotology at the JJ Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Bronx and her role as a partner in ENT and Allergy Associates, serving patients in New York and New Jersey. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Chandrasekhar is a consulting editor for the Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America and co-author of the comprehensive textbook, Temporal Bone Histology and Radiology Atlas. Demonstrating her commitment to translating research into practice, she founded KivviMed, Inc., a pharmaceutical startup focused on intranasal surfactant for Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media, an endeavor born from her thesis work.
Her leadership roles are equally impressive, having served as president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery and president of the American Otological Society. Her tenure as Eastern Section vice president and program chair for the Combined Sections Meeting further highlights her dedication to the Triological Society. Dr. Chandrasekhar’s numerous accolades include being named a Living Legend in the Hall of Distinction at AAO-HNS and receiving the Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Prize for Inspiring Women in Surgery from the American College of Surgeons, along with the Luminary Award from AAPI New Jersey.
Richard L. Doty, PhD, was recognized for his unparalleled contributions to the understanding of the chemical senses, particularly olfaction and gustation. 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 leading Penn’s Smell and Taste Center. He is also the founder of Sensonics International, the global leader in chemosensory testing equipment.
Dr. Doty’s prolific academic output includes over 500 professional publications, encompassing 12 books and contributions to prestigious journals such as Science, Nature, and The Lancet. His seminal works, including The Great Pheromone Myth (2010), Neurology of Olfaction (2009), and Smell and Taste Disorders (2018), have significantly shaped the field. He is the editor of the monumental Handbook of Olfaction and Gustation (3rd edition, 2015), widely regarded as the definitive text in the chemical senses. A particularly impactful innovation is the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), a standardized olfactory assessment translated into over 60 languages, akin to the eye chart for smell. More recently, he developed the first waterless empirical taste test (WETT), which, like UPSIT, is designed for self-administration and mail-based delivery. His numerous awards, including the James A. Shannon Award from the National Institutes of Health and the Olfactory Research Fund’s Scientific Sense of Smell Award, underscore his profound impact. The 2024 ScholarGPS recognition, ranking him #1 in Olfaction and #4 in Otolaryngology, further solidifies his standing as a preeminent researcher.
Middle Section: Advancing Hearing Restoration and Surgical Techniques
The Middle Section honored Jacques A. Herzog, MD, as its Guest of Honor, celebrating his pioneering work in otology and neurotology. Dr. Herzog is a professor and chief of the division of otology/neurotology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He presides over one of the nation’s largest cochlear implant programs and serves as assistant dean for community-based medical education. His extensive affiliations include fellowships with the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, the American Neurotology Society, the Triological Society, and the American Otologic Society.
Dr. Herzog played a pivotal role in the early development of multichannel cochlear implantation in the United States, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to advancing hearing restoration. He founded the Center for Hearing and Balance Disorders, a program that garnered national acclaim for its leadership in cochlear implantation and comprehensive otologic and neurotologic care. His research has yielded significant insights into the cognitive outcomes of older adults undergoing cochlear implantation, culminating in his 2023 Triological Society thesis, which represented the largest single-center study to date on long-term cognitive function in this population.
The Citation Awardees for the Middle Section were Oliver F. Adunka, MD, and Amit Walia, MD, MSCI.
Dr. Adunka is a distinguished academic otologist, neurotologist, and lateral skull base surgeon at The Ohio State University in Columbus. He holds the positions of vice chair for clinical operations and director of the division of otology, neurotology, and cranial base surgery. As a tenured professor and the William H. Saunders, MD Endowed Professor, he also leads pediatric otology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. His clinical practice encompasses the full spectrum of adult and pediatric otology, neurotology, and complex skull base surgery, with a particular emphasis on hearing restoration through cochlear implantation.
A central theme of Dr. Adunka’s academic pursuits has been the enhancement of hearing preservation and cochlear physiology. His early research significantly influenced modern atraumatic cochlear implant techniques and electrode designs. His leadership in the first U.S. multicenter electric-acoustic stimulation trial was instrumental in the FDA’s approval of hybrid hearing technology. He subsequently pioneered the use of intraoperative electrocochleography (ECochG) as a real-time physiologic tool to guide cochlear implantation, transforming a concept into an FDA-approved clinical technology. He is currently the principal investigator of a multi-center National Institutes of Health U01 trial investigating the clinical utility of residual hearing in cochlear implant recipients.
Amit Walia, MD, MSCI, is a neurotology and skull base surgery fellow and instructor in the department of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery at Washington University in St. Louis. He completed his T32-supported residency training at Washington University, where he worked closely with Dr. Craig Buchman. His research, conducted under Dr. Buchman’s mentorship, has focused on cochlear electrophysiology, aiming to deepen the understanding of cochlear mechanics and improve outcomes for cochlear implant recipients. This body of work has resulted in multiple patents, foundational publications, and significant research funding, establishing a vital and growing area of investigation within the field.
Southern Section: Dedication to Pediatric Care and Global Health
The Southern Section honored Kenneth M. Grundfast, MD, as its Guest of Honor, recognizing his extensive career dedicated to pediatric otolaryngology and his leadership in advancing the field. After completing his residency at the Boston University—Tufts University combined otolaryngology program, Dr. Grundfast pursued a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He then joined the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine before becoming chair of the department of otolaryngology at Children’s National Medical Center. A significant period of his career included a sabbatical to study deafness genetics at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, after which he assumed the role of chair of the department of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Grundfast has an extensive publication record, has held numerous leadership positions in professional organizations, and served as an assistant dean at Boston University School of Medicine.
The Southern Section’s Citation Awardees were Charles A. Hughes, MD, MBA, MPH, and Lamont R. Jones, MD, MBA.
Dr. Hughes brings over 30 years of experience in pediatric otolaryngology, managing a wide range of ear, nose, and throat disorders in children. His service to the Department of Defense spans more than two decades, including roles with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and NASA as a flight surgeon. He also served as the U.S. Navy Reserve Otolaryngology Specialty Leader and Consultant to the Surgeon General, and contributed to advisory boards for Tricare and the Defense Health Board. His recent involvements include serving as the U.S. 7th Fleet representative and consultant to the COVID Task Force at Kadena Air Force Base and Task Force Safeguard at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa.
In 2015, Dr. Hughes was instrumental in establishing the pediatric otolaryngology division at Texas Children’s Hospital—The Woodlands, serving as its first surgeon. In 2018, he was recruited by 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, and he is set to embark on a new chapter in 2026 at Orlando Health, Florida, where he will lead the establishment of a pediatric otolaryngology division for the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
Lamont R. Jones, MD, MBA, is an associate chief medical officer of the Henry Ford Medical Group and a professor of otolaryngology at Michigan State University and Wayne State University. He is an internationally respected surgeon-scientist whose research focuses 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 has secured over $1.5 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health and various foundations to investigate clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for keloid disease. He also serves as a translational research advisor, specializing in preclinical and clinical trials for keloid drug discovery. His extensive experience includes international lectures, significant board involvement, and dedicated volunteer work through local initiatives and international medical missions.
Western Section: Innovations in Voice, Airway, and Head and Neck Oncology
The Western Section recognized Andrew Allen Erman, MA/CCC-SLP, as its Guest of Honor. Mr. Erman, now retired, formerly served as the director of Speech Pathology Services at UCLA Health System. His clinical expertise was centered on the assessment and treatment of swallowing and communication disorders in head and neck cancer patients. He collaborated closely with Dr. Chhetri of UCLA Head and Neck Surgery to enhance patient care, including the implementation of in-the-chair tracheoesophageal punctures and the refinement of patient candidacy criteria for partial epiglottiectomy to improve swallowing function. Their productive collaboration resulted in joint lectures, journal articles, and textbook chapters.
The Western Section’s Citation Awardees were Jennifer L. Long, MD, PhD, and Maie A. St. John, MD, PhD.
Dr. Long is a renowned laryngologist and professor at the University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA). She holds the position of vice chair of research for the department of head and neck surgery at UCLA and is the founding director of UCLA’s R25 Mentored Research Pathway for residents and medical students in otolaryngology. She also serves as a physician and principal investigator at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System. Dr. Long’s clinical interests encompass all aspects of voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Her translational research laboratory is dedicated to regenerative medicine approaches for treating these disorders and has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Laryngological Association, the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, and the Broad Stem Cell Research Center. She is actively involved in research mentoring, both locally at UCLA and nationally through 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, is an esteemed surgeon, scientist, and educator. She holds the Andelot Professorship, directs the department of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery, and serves as otolaryngologist-in-chief at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dr. St. John’s laboratory research investigates the mechanisms of tumor progression and metastasis, with a focus on translating these findings into the development of novel therapeutics. Her clinical expertise lies in intraoperative tumor margin delineation for head and neck cancers, enabling precision surgery. Her work has fostered robust interdepartmental research programs in head and neck surgery and bioengineering, leading to clinical trials and patent applications, and has been consistently supported by the National Institutes of Health, charitable foundations, and industry.
Dr. St. John is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including 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 the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery CORE grants, NIH/NIDCR, NCI, and NIBIB study sections. Her commitment to education is recognized through multiple awards for teaching and research. Alongside her demanding surgical practice, Dr. St. John is deeply involved in clinical research and mentors young physician-scientists. She is a prolific author and a highly sought-after international lecturer.
Special Awards Recognizing Emerging Talent and Lifetime Achievement
Beyond the section-specific recognitions, the Combined Sections Meeting also celebrated exceptional contributions through specialized awards.
The Middle Section George Adams, MD, Young Faculty Award was presented to Joseph Zenga, MD. Dr. Zenga is an associate professor and vice-chair of research in head and neck surgery, otolaryngology at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. His research interests lie in basic and translational immunotherapy for head and neck cancer, with a particular focus on identifying and therapeutically utilizing tumor antigen-specific T cells. This research employs innovative single-cell techniques, including individual tumor cell-T cell co-culture and single-cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing. In addition to his work in translational immuno-oncology, he co-leads several novel clinical trials investigating the use of radiotherapy to enhance the immune response in head and neck cancer.
The 13th Annual Patrick E. Brookhouser, MD Award of Excellence was bestowed upon Mark S. Persky, MD. Dr. Persky is a highly regarded expert in head and neck surgery, specializing in 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 publication and lecture history on these subjects. 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 member of prestigious organizations including the American Laryngological Association, the American Head and Neck Society, the American Broncho-Esophagological Association, and the North American Skull Base Society.
The Binderup Prize was awarded to Daniel G. Deschler, MD. Dr. Deschler holds the position of vice-chair for academic affairs for the department of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. He co-directs the Michael Dingman Fellowship in Head and Neck/Microvascular Surgery and is a professor of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery 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. Alongside his wife, Eileen Reynolds, MD, he serves as a faculty dean for Leverett House at Harvard University.
Dr. Deschler has authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications, numerous books, book chapters, and educational reviews. He contributes to the editorial boards of the Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, Head & Neck, and Laryngoscope. He is the otolaryngology section editor for UpToDate, chairs the Thesis Committee of the Triological Society, and has held multiple leadership roles within the American Head and Neck Society. His clinical expertise spans head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgery, including advanced malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, salivary gland diseases, microvascular reconstruction, and general head and neck reconstruction. His research interests align with these areas, focusing on speech outcomes following pharyngeal/laryngeal surgery and reconstruction, as well as management strategies for advanced head and neck malignancies.
The recognition of these distinguished individuals at the Combined Sections Meeting underscores the Triological Society’s commitment to celebrating excellence, fostering innovation, and advancing the field of otolaryngology for the benefit of patients worldwide. The event served as a powerful reminder of the dedication, scientific rigor, and visionary leadership that define the specialty’s most accomplished practitioners.