Transforming Otolaryngology Excellence
José P. Zevallos, MD, MPH, FACS
The Eugene N. Myers Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Deputy Director, Hillman Cancer Center
It is a tremendous privilege to share the work of the Department of OtolaryngologyHead & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and to highlight the remarkable advances that we have made in our fight against head and neck cancer, hearing loss, and other related otolaryngologic conditions. This has been a year of continued clinical and research growth for the Department.
With the support of the Eye & Ear Foundation, we have successfully recruited some of the best surgeons and scientists from across the United States to Pittsburgh. Our recruitment reflects key priorities for the Department, including providing world-class clinical care and conducting groundbreaking translational research.
The success of the Department is being recognized. This year, we had a significant improvement in our U.S. News & World Report rankings, from #44 to #19 in the nation.
Read more about our Department initiatives and successes in our FY 25 Annual Report.
Global Ranking
The University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine is #12 in CEOWORLD Magazine's global rankings for 2025, reflecting the unwavering commitment of our talented faculty and staff who advance our mission every day
In The News
Etiologies of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Chronic rhinosinusitis is probably one of the most common complaints that Dr. Eric Wang sees in his practice and in his world. “Even though we call it one thing, it probably is a variety of different pathologies that run into the same idea and topic,” he said in the Eye & Ear Foundation’s March 26, 2025, webinar, “Etiologies of Chronic Rhinosinusitis.” Read More
Lifesaving Care in Pittsburgh
Tracy Zappella, now 51, of Lake Orion, MI, was diagnosed in August 2023 with stage 4 basaloid squamous cell sinonasal cancer. When chemo and radiation didn’t get rid of the cancer, her case was presented to the tumor board at the University of Michigan. All six surgeons said surgery was not an option, which prompted a search for another doctor. She ended up receiving lifesaving care from Dr. Garret Choby, MD, and Dr. Georgios Zenonos, MD, in Pittsburgh Read More
An Engineer's Perspective on Medical Innovation
Pittsburgh CREATES was represented at the Eye & Ear Foundation’s April 23rd webinar, “An Engineer’s Perspective on Medical Innovation.” Co-Directors of CREATES, Peter Santa Maria, MD, PhD, and Carl Snyderman, MD, MBA, presented, along with CREATES’ lead engineer, Mohit Singhala, PhD. Read More
Tapping Into the Immune System to Diagnose and Treat Hearing Loss
The Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh has started an immunological hearing division thanks, in part due to a significant donation from the Greg Carr Foundation. Read More
Vocal Outreach: Care Beyond the Clinic
The Voice, Airway & Swallow Center within the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery has always strived to provide tailored outreach to the community Director Dr. Libby Smith, DO, FAOCO, is pleased to announce their ongoing and new initiatives to engage the community in health and wellness in voice. Read More
Management of Thyroid Cancer in the Era of Targeted Therapy
The Eye & Ear Foundation had its first webinar with Dr. Jessica H. Maxwell, MD, MPH, FACS, Associate Professor, Associate Residency Program Director, and Chief of Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, on June 25, titled “Management of Thyroid Cancer in the Era of Targeted Therapy.” Read More
Women in Otolaryngology
Women in Otolaryngology (WIO), a group of female otolaryngology attendings and trainees at UPMC created in 2021, meets to discuss the challenges that female surgeons face in the field. Part of a much larger national group that is part of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, WIO brings in outside speakers to provide knowledge, insight, support, and mentorship Read More
Christina Yver, MD, MBA, Director of the Facial Nerve Center, has assumed the role of Division Chief, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
New Faculty
MD
MD
Two surgeon scientists, Joshua Smith, MD, and Steven Chinn, MD, have been recruited and will focus on translational research in head and neck cancer. Dr. Smith’s research is focused on unraveling mechanisms of tumor immune evasion and discovery of translational biomarkers of response to immunotherapies in head and neck cancers. Dr. Chinn’s research is deeply translational, exploring the molecular genetics of head and neck cancers, including oral cavity cancer and HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer and larynx cancer, with a particular emphasis on cancer plasticity, transdifferentiation, and deconstructing the tumor microenvironment through the integration of spatial-omics, digital pathology/virtual staining, and artificial intelligence.
Webinar Recordings
Professional Voice Management
Ear Reconstruction
Etiologies of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Joshua Smith,
Steven Chinn,
Management of Thyroid Cancer in the Era of Targeted Therapy
All Recordings
The Eye & Ear Foundation
The Eye & Ear Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1985 to foster support for the Departments of Ophthalmology and OtolaryngologyHead & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh through the generous support of individuals and organizations.
In supporting these world-class Departments, we hold ourselves to the same high standards. We plan to keep moving forward, expanding our support network, and helping the Departments of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery stand peerless in the distinction of research and education and, ultimately, the highest level of care provided to our patients.
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