The Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at WashU Medicine has a rich, 130-year history of leadership in the field that is built on the foundations of academic medicine: patient care, research, training, and service. Our past leaders include luminaries in the field of otolaryngology, such as John Blasdel Shapleigh, MD; Greenfield Sluder, MD; Lee Wallace Dean, MD; Theodore Walsh, MD; Joseph Ogura, MD; John Fredrickson, MD; Richard A. Chole, MD, PhD; Craig A. Buchman, MD; and, presently, Sidharth Puram, MD, PhD. Even from our earliest days — prior to the inception of the McMillan Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital (circa 1943) — excellence has been an integral part of the department's fabric. A look at former faculty and program graduates reveals many of the true innovators in our field. While we remain humbled by our beginnings and past achievements, we choose not to rest on our laurels. Rather, we aspire to further our commitment to improving patients' lives by leading our field and its clinical application.
Today, more than ever, we are driven to provide highest-quality, cutting-edge patient care that is both safe and effective. Our WashU physicians and team, together with our Honor Roll Award–winning hospital, Barnes-Jewish Hospital (U.S. News, 2024-25), are second to none when it comes to tackling the full spectrum of conditions involving the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. Our basic, translational, and clinical research programs are remarkable, providing answers to a variety of relevant questions that build on our foundations of knowledge, lay the groundwork for future clinical trials, and provide state-of-the-art patient solutions. Our educational programs for medical and graduate students, physicians in training, and established practitioners are committed to creating a culture of lifelong learning that firmly establishes our next generation of leaders in the field. Our residency program is highly rated by all metrics, providing balanced training across the clinical subspecialties and unique opportunities for growth and development as clinician-scientists (R25 training grant) and educators. We are most proud that these activities are ongoing in a work culture that values collegiality, inclusiveness, diversity, and mutual respect. The Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at WashU Medicine is a truly outstanding place!
The CID at WashU Medicine (Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery) is a consortium of graduate education, research, and clinical programs born out of the pioneering efforts of St. Louis physician Max Goldstein, MD. In 1914, he founded the Central Institute for the Deaf (CID), where doctors and teachers worked together to help deaf people. When the CID's school building opened two years later, its auditory/oral methods for instructing deaf children were groundbreaking.
WashU and the CID first joined forces in 1931, when the CID's established teacher training program became the first deaf education undergraduate program to affiliate with a university. Graduate programs in deaf education, audiology, and speech and hearing sciences soon followed.
Beginning in the 1930s, the CID's research efforts involved the study of the anatomy and science of hearing. During World War II, the CID's research on hearing loss in military personnel laid the foundation for the field of audiology. The CID also pioneered hearing testing and hearing aids, and it opened the country's first hearing aid clinic in 1941. In September 2003, a new affiliation transferred the CID's graduate degree programs, research programs, and adult audiology clinic — along with its building — to WashU Medicine. The CID school continues to operate on the WashU Medicine campus as CID: Central Institute for the Deaf.
Today, these programs continue to work together to fulfill a shared mission to serve people with hearing loss.
Contact Info
| Website: | http://oto.wustl.edu |
Sidharth V. Puram, MD, PhD, FACS
Department Head
Visit our website for more information about our faculty and their appointments.
A
Azadeh Afshari, M.S., D.Dent.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, West Virginia University, 2004
Master of Science, University of Texas Medical School Houston, 2013
Doctor of Dentistry, University of Texas Medical School Houston, 2014
B
Sean B Bailey, M.S., M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, Tulane University, 1981
Doctor of Medicine, Tulane University, 1987
Master of Science, Tulane University, 1988
Eric Barbarite, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Miami, 2013
Doctor of Medicine, University of Miami, 2017
Katelyn Berg, Au.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, Saint Olaf College, 2015
Doctor of Audiology, Vanderbilt University, 2019
Doctor of Philosophy, Vanderbilt University, 2024
Paul Bigg, D.M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Baccalaureatus, Washington University in St Louis, 2014
Doctor of Medical Dentistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2019
Gregory Harris Branham, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, University of South Carolina Columbia, 1979
Doctor of Medicine, University of South Carolina Columbia, 1983
Nicholas Branham
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Jennifer Brinkmeier, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, Williams College, 2002
Doctor of Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, 2007
C
Jamie H Cadieux, Au.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Doctor of Audiology, Washington University in St Louis, 2006
Rebecca D Chernock, M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, Brown University, 1999
Doctor of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2004
John Jeonhwan Chi, M.A., M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Division Chief - Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Bachelor of Science, Columbia University, 2001
Master of Arts, City College, 2003
Doctor of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center University Hospital in Brooklyn, 2007
Richard A Chole, Ph.D., M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Doctor of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1969
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Minnesota, 1977
William W. Clark, M.S., Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 1969
Master of Science, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 1973
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 1975
Sheldon C Cohen, D.Dent.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, Washington University in St Louis, 1973
Doctor of Dentistry, Southern Illinois University (Duplicate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale), 1976
Zachariah W Cole
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
D
Neha Datta, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, Rice University, 2006
Doctor of Medicine, Harvard University, 2012
Lisa S. Davidson, M.S., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Associate Director of Applied and Clinical Hearing Research
Bachelor of Science, East Tennessee State University, 1985
Master of Science, Washington University in St Louis, 1987
Doctor of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, 2003
Sheldon L Davis
Voluntary Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
Andrew J. Drescher, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Yale University, 1998
Doctor of Medicine, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 2002
Norman Steven Druck, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Arts, Washington University in St Louis, 1967
Doctor of Medicine, University of Illinois (Duplicate of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), 1970
Katherine Dunsky, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Doctor of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 2010
Nedim Durakovic, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, Brown University, 2007
Doctor of Medicine, Brown University, 2012
E
Julia Edgar
Voluntary Research Instructor in Otolaryngology
F
Nyssa F Farrell, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of South Carolina Columbia, 2010
Doctor of Medicine, University of South Carolina Columbia, 2014
Jill B Firszt, M.S., Ph.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1978
Master of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1982
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1998
G
William D Gay, D.Dent.
Associate Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Doctor of Dentistry, University of Tennessee, 1966
Joel Goebel, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, University of Notre Dame, 1976
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 1980
Rebecca Lindsay Grammer
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Heather Jean Grantham, M.Ed., Ph.D.
Voluntary Clinical Associate Professor of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Arts, Emory University, 1995
Master of Education, Smith College, 2005
Doctor of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, 2009
H
Richard Alexander Harbison, M.S., M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Denver, 2009
Doctor of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 2013
Master of Science, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, 2017
Eugenio Guidote Herbosa
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Jacques A Herzog, M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Division Chief
Assistant Dean for Community Based Medical Education
Bachelor of Arts, University of Missouri Columbia, 1980
Doctor of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, 1980
Keiko Hirose, M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Professor of Pediatrics
Doctor of Medicine, Harvard University, 1993
Lawrence M Hoffman, D.Dent.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Arts, Indiana University Bloomington, 1972
Doctor of Dentistry, Washington University in St Louis, 1976
James E Huettner, Ph.D.
Instructor in Otolaryngology (Pending Dean's Approval) (primary appointment)
Professor Emeritus of Cell Biology and Physiology
Bachelor of Science, Indiana University Bloomington, 1980
Bachelor of Arts, Indiana University Bloomington, 1981
Doctor of Philosophy, Harvard University, 1987
Timothy Hullar
Voluntary Research Professor of Otolaryngology
Margaret Naunheim Huston, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Division Chief of Laryngology
Bachelor of Arts, Duke University, 2009
Doctor of Medicine, University of Chicago, 2013
J
Ryan Scott Jackson, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, Saint Louis University, 2004
Doctor of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 2009
Arnold Scott Jacobson, M.S., D.Dent.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Arts, University of Missouri Columbia, 1970
Doctor of Dentistry, Washington University in St Louis, 1976
Master of Science, University of Missouri Columbia, 1977
Kapil Jadhav
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Pawina Jiramongkolchai, M.D., MSCI
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Doctor of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, 2015
Master of Science Clinical Investigation, Washington University in St Louis, 2019
K
Dorina Kallogjeri, M.P.H., M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Associate Director of Outcomes Research
Doctor of Medicine, University of Tirana, 1997
Master of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 2007
Eugenia Kardaris
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Andrew M Kim, M.S., D.Dent.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Voluntary Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery
Bachelor of Arts, California State University, 1978
Doctor of Dentistry, Washington University in St Louis, 1984
Master of Science, Ohio State University (Duplicate of Ohio State University-Main Campus), 1987
Jinkyung Kim, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Bachelor of Science, Chung-Ang University, 2006
Doctor of Philosophy, Pohang University of Science & Technology, 2012
Prashanth Konatham Haribabu
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Manoj Kumar, Ph.D., BPharm
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (Pending Dean Approval) (primary appointment)
Delhi University, 2009
West Virginia University, 2015
L
Aisling Sarah Leanne Last, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, Washington University in St Louis, 2014
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2019
Carl Wesley Lee, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Doctor of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 1992
Bachelor of Arts, Stanford University, 1998
David Seamus Leonard, M.H.A., MB.ChB.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Division Chief for Pediatric Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Arts, Dartmouth College, 1995
Foreign MD equivalent, National University of Ireland, 2000
Master of Health Administration, Harvard University, 2012
Judith E Lieu, M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Vice Chair Education Department of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, University of California Davis, 1988
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 1992
Miranda R Lindburg, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Washington University in St Louis, 2010
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2017
Xia Liu, MBBS
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Jiangsu University (江苏大学), 2008
Foreign MD equivalent, Jiangsu University (江苏大学), 2013
M
Richard W Maack, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Voluntary Teaching Instructor in Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, Muhlenberg College, 1981
Doctor of Medicine, University of Maryland (Duplicate of University of Maryland-College Park), 1985
Katrina Sue McClannahan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Minnesota, 2002
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Washington, 2017
Murray D McGrady, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1982
Doctor of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1986
Maithilee D Menezes, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Grinnell College, 1997
Doctor of Medicine, Grinnell College, 2002
David W. Molter, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, Duke University, 1980
Doctor of Medicine, Duke University, 1988
John Richard Monterubio
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Nancy Tye Murray, M.S., Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, Texas Christian University, 1977
Master of Science, University of Iowa, 1979
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Iowa, 1984
O
Margaret A Ogden, M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Vice Chair for Clinical Operations Dept of Otolaryngology
Division Chief
Bachelor of Arts, Amherst College, 1997
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2002
Kevin Kenneth Ohlemiller, Ph.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Indiana University Bloomington, 1983
Doctor of Philosophy, Northwestern University, 1990
Amanda J Ortmann, M.S., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Division Chief of Audiology
Bachelor of Science, Missouri Baptist University, 2001
Master of Science, Washington University in St Louis, 2003
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh, 2012
Adepitan Owosho
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
P
Randal C Paniello, M.A., M.B.A., M.S., Ph.D., M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Christy J. and Richard S. Hawes III Professorship
Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1979
Master of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1980
Doctor of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1984
Master of Business Administration, Washington University in St Louis, 1999
Master of Arts, Washington University in St Louis, 2010
Doctor of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, 2013
Bharat Panuganti, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Saint Louis University, 2011
Doctor of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 2015
Guangyong Peng, M.S., Ph.D., M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Professor of Pathology and Immunology
Doctor of Medicine, JIANGSU UNIVERSITY ZHENJIANG, 1993
Master of Science, Nanjing Medical University (南京医科大学), 1999
Doctor of Philosophy, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, 2002
Jay Francis Piccirillo, M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Vice Chair - Research
Professor of Occupational Therapy
Professor of Biostatistics
Professor of Medicine
Bachelor of Arts, University of Vermont, 1979
Doctor of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1985
Patrik Pipkorn, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Doctor of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 2007
Sidharth Venkata Puram, Ph.D., M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Professor of Genetics
Head of the Department of Otolaryngology
Lindburg Professorship in Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005
Doctor of Philosophy, Harvard University, 2011
Doctor of Medicine, Harvard University, 2013
R
Casey Krauss Reimer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Doctor of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, 2019
Jason T. Rich, M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Brigham Young University, 2000
Doctor of Medicine, Ohio State University-Main Campus, 2004
Matthew Rohlfing, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Wake Forest University, 2012
Doctor of Medicine, Wake Forest University, 2016
Lauren Tashima Roland, M.S., M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007
Doctor of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University-College of Medicine, 2011
Master of Science, Washington University in St Louis, 2015
Mark A Rutherford, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Missouri Columbia, 1999
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Oregon, 2005
S
Thomas Schiff, D.Dent.
Professor Emeritus of Diagnostic Services
Doctor of Dentistry, University of Alabama (Duplicate of University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa), 1961
John Stone Schneider, M.P.P., M.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Division Chief - Rhinology
Assistant Dean for Faculty Promotions and Career Development
Master of Public Policy, University of Chicago, 2007
Doctor of Medicine, University of Chicago, 2007
Donald G Sessions, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Arts, Princeton University, 1958
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 1962
Lavinia Sheets, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Developmental Biology
Associate Director of Basic/Translational Hearing Research
Bachelor of Science, Pacific University, 1996
Doctor of Philosophy, Oregon Health & Science University, 2007
Matthew Shew, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Bowdoin College, 2009
Doctor of Medicine, Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), 2014
Emily A. Spataro, M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Duke University, 2007
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2012
Richard Benjamin Speaker, MB.BCh.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of California Davis, 2004
Foreign MD equivalent, University College Dublin National University of Ireland, 2010
Gershon J Spector, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Arts, Johns Hopkns University Medical (Duplicate of Johns Hopkins University), 1960
Doctor of Medicine, University of Maryland (Duplicate of University of Maryland-College Park), 1964
T
Isolde E Thalmann, M.A., Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology
Bachelor of Science, Washington University in St Louis, 1968
Master of Arts, Washington University in St Louis, 1973
Doctor of Philosophy, California Western (Duplicate of California Western School of Law), 1982
U
Rosalie May Uchanski, M.S., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1978
Master of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1981
Doctor of Philosophy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1988
V
Michael Valente, M.S., Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology (Audiology)
Bachelor of Arts, Adelphi University, 1970
Master of Science, Adelphi University, 1972
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Illinois (Duplicate of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), 1975
W
Benjamin M Wahle, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Indianapolis, 2012
Doctor of Medicine, University of Indianapolis, 2017
Jarrett Walsh, Ph.D., M.D.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Georgia Southern University, 2003
Doctor of Philosophy, Medical University of South Carolina, 2011
Doctor of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 2011
Mark Edward Warchol, Ph.D.
Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Professor of Neuroscience
Bachelor of Science, University of Washington, 1981
Doctor of Philosophy, Northwestern University, 1989
June Kleinfeld Wolff, D.Dent.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Otolaryngology
Doctor of Dentistry, Washington University in St Louis, 1985
Y
Tatyana Aleksandrovna Yakusheva, M.S., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Master of Science, Saratov State University, 1997
Doctor of Philosophy, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 2002
Z
Paul Zolkind, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (primary appointment)
Associate Director of Head & Neck Research
Bachelor of Arts, Northwestern University, 2009
Doctor of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 2013
Otolaryngology Research Electives
During the fourth year, opportunities exist for many varieties of advanced clinical or research experiences.
The type of research will depend upon the current phase of the research program in each laboratory. Students should contact the director of each laboratory to negotiate.
Tatyana Yakusheva, PhD
Neuroscience Research Building
4370 Duncan Avenue
Phone: 314-362-1013
This lab studies the role of the vestibulocerebellum and its target nuclei for eye movement control and spatial orientation. We use a range of methodologies, including single and multiunit recordings, electrical brain stimulation, computational methods, pharmacology, and behavioral studies. Our main lines of research are as follows: 1) signal transformations carried out by the vestibulocerebellum during visual and vestibular stimulation; 2) neuronal computations performed by the anterior and posterior cerebellar vermis for spatial navigation in mice; 3) the role of the cerebellum-brainstem loop in motor learning in the vestibulo-ocular reflex; 4) the role of the vestibulocerebellum in neurogenerative diseases; and 5) the role of cerebellar cortex interneurons in cerebellar cortex function.
Students will be instructed in one or several techniques and are expected to contribute significantly to the development of specific lab projects.
Judith E.C. Lieu, MD, MSPH
8600 MCC, 8th Floor
Phone: 314-747-8205
The focus of the Lieu Lab is clinical outcomes research in pediatric otolaryngology. The techniques and methodologies of clinical epidemiology and health services research are applied to investigate clinical problems in children. Projects currently underway include the evaluation of the quality of life of children with hearing loss with the use of hearing amplification, the evaluation of a tablet audiometer to diagnose and monitor hearing loss in children, and the evaluation of which children with hearing loss are at risk for speech-language and literacy delays. Other projects of the student's choosing that would utilize these research techniques may also be pursued.
Kevin K. Ohlemiller, PhD
2205 Central Institute for the Deaf
Phone: 314-747-7179
The focus of this lab is on gene–environment interactions in cochlear injury. We study the interaction of genes and environment that increase cochlear injury due to noise and ototoxic exposure, with an emphasis on how these may yield apparent presbycusis. Because cochlear function and injury is the same in mice and humans and governed by the same genes, we use mostly mouse models. Methods employed include standard auditory brainstem response assessment and intracochlear recording, quantitative light microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and Western blots. We and our collaborators have identified specific genes and inbred strains of mice that mimic the three major forms of human presbycusis: sensory, neural, and strial. Sensory presbycusis appears to be promoted by alleles and mutations that impair protective factors (e.g., antioxidant enzymes) or that impair ion homeostasis. These may enhance cochlear injury from noise and ototoxins. Neural presbycusis can be modeled in part by mutations that impair inner hair cell/afferent synaptic function. Although it is not yet clear what types of genes and mutations can lead to strial presbycusis, we have discovered multiple mouse strains that show age-related endocochlear potential reduction along with distinctive strial pathology that includes fewer marginal cells as well as fewer and larger strial capillaries.
We have also published quantitative trait loci that impact the qualitative character of cochlear noise injury. Important implications of our findings are as follows: 1) that there exists no single "mammalian" archetype of cochlear noise injury; and 2) that noise injury to the organ of Corti in young adult animals depends in part on the status of the cochlear lateral wall. The latter relation appears to be genetically linked and to not apply to older adults.
We collaborate widely, both within WashU Medicine and nationally. Our research is eminently adaptable in difficulty and scale to students' schedules and other requirements. Students may expect to learn the full range of methods we employ, including physiology, immunocytochemistry, histopathology, and cellular/molecular techniques.
Jay F. Piccirillo, MD
8430 MCC, 8th Floor
Phone: 314-362-8641
The Clinical Outcomes Research Office focuses on clinical epidemiology and health services research, encompassing diagnosis, prognosis, harm, and treatment effectiveness as well as health care delivery. Our methodology is rooted in clinical research architecture, biostatistics, and data processing, allowing us to study various diseases and conditions.
Current projects include the following:
- Exploring patient factors associated with the perceived benefit of amplification for hearing loss
- Assessing treatment effectiveness for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
- Exploring new treatments for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia–associated epistaxis
- Evaluating outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer
Students will learn about clinical research methodology, statistics, results reporting, and critical appraisal.
OTO 8030 Otolaryngology for Visiting Students (Clinical Elective)
This is four-week rotation for visiting students seeking a sub-internship experience with the WashU Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Students participate as active team members within our clinical services, working closely with faculty and residents, and providing care in the clinic, hospital, and operating room settings. They also will have the opportunity to participate in educational activities and conferences. A typical rotation assignment would include 2 weeks on the Head and Neck service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and two additional 1-week experiences on other sub-specialty services (based on student’s choice and availability). Although optional, participation at some of our clinical sites will require off-campus travel.
Credit 4 units.
Typical periods offered: Medicine Year
OTO 8040 Otolaryngology (Clinical Elective)
This rotation introduces the student to clinical Otolaryngology (ENT), including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions in the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. This may include experiences in the clinic, hospital, and operating room, and may include time with audiology, speech-language pathology, and the vestibular laboratory. Students will also attend academic activities/conferences. The emphasis of the ENT Elective is to provide experience in common problems one would see in primary care or family practice. For example, this may be valuable for students going into primary care who would like ambulatory ENT experience, or going into pediatrics who would like pediatric ENT experience. Students should communicate with the course directors regarding their specific goals prior to start of rotation, so that their experience can be tailored accordingly. Students interested in ENT as a career are encouraged to take ENT as a rotation while on their Phase 2 Surgery Clerkship and then take the ENT ACR towards the beginning of Phase 3. Those who did not take ENT during Phase 2 should touch base with the course directors to make an appropriate plan.
Credit 2 units.
Typical periods offered: Medicine Year
OTO 9100 Otolaryngology Advanced Clinical Rotation (ACR)
The Otolaryngology Advanced Clinical Rotation (ENT-ACR) is a four-week rotation designed to provide a comprehensive sub-internship otolaryngology experience during the Phase III Gateway WUSM Curriculum. A typical schedule would include 2 weeks on the Head and Neck Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and 2 weeks on the Pediatric Otolaryngology Service at St. Louis Children's Hospital, although different service assignments may be considered at times based on availability. During the ACR, students will get direct practice with patient care, common bedside procedures (e.g., dressing changes, flexible Naso laryngoscopy; control of epistaxis; laceration repair), assisting in the operating room, and continuity of care via the clinic and inpatient rounding. They are expected to be active team members – helping with morning rounds, taking responsibility for assigned patients, communicating plans with nursing staff, and assisting with progress notes and orders. Throughout the day students are expected to maintain communication with staff regarding patient care and provide updates to otolaryngology residents and attendings. ACR students take two 12-hour weekend calls during the rotation, taken alongside the on-call ENT resident. Additional weekend assistance with rounds and cases will mirror internship expectations. Students interested in ENT as a career are encouraged to take the ENT ACR towards the beginning of Phase 3. Those who did not have a prior ENT rotation while on their Phase 2 Surgery Clerkship should touch base with the course directors for guidance.
Credit 4 units.
Typical periods offered: Medicine Year