Inside This Issue

Faculty HighlightsMessage from the ChairHonors Thyroid Book TranslatedMcKinnon Edits Journal

Staff HighlightsColeman Celebrates 30 YearsCarter Receives AwardBorders/Seybt HonoredGHSU Repeats as Champion

Clinical SpotlightRobotic ThyroidectomyAngie Gerbasi Joins TeamConsultant of the YearCochlear ImplantsSkull Base Lab

Faculty SpotlightFaculty and Areas of Interest

ResearchWeinberger Takes the ReinsPublications

Resident & Alumni NewsHail and FarewellDonor Acknowledgements Residency and Fellowships

Expand__________________________

Associate Editor: Donna M. Black

Physician-Scientist Recruited toLaryngology Program

Paul Weinberger will be joining the faculty atGHSU this summer, and will bring with him awealth of expertise in translational researchand cutting edge surgical techniques forairway reconstruction from his fellowshiptraining in London. Dr. Weinberger’s researchcenters on biomarker discovery and validation,and inflammatory modulators in the setting oftracheal stenosis. His clinical specialty isairway reconstruction and minimally invasivesurgical treatment of tracheal and laryngealstenosis.

Dr. Weinberger graduated from Georgia State University in 1997 andreceived his MD from MCG. He completed a clinical researchfellowship at Yale University, residency at GHSU (voted Resident of theYear), and fellowships in laryngology (GHSU) and airway reconstruction(Royal National ENT Hospital). His many honors include the AHNSFanconi Award and the AMA National Leadership Award. He serves onthe Associate Member Council of the AACR and is a member of theNCI Cancer Genome Atlas Thyroid Group.

Dr. Weinberger will have a dual appointment in the Center forBiotechnology and Genomic Medicine, where he will carry outtranslational research in dedicated departmental laboratory space.

Volume 9, Issue 1 SPRING 2011

Meet Our

Faculty

(centerfold)

Phone Numbers and Web SiteAddress

Appointments: (706) 721-4400Academic Ofc: (706) 721-6100Fax: (706) 721-0112

To learn more about recent events inthe department, visit:

www.georgiahealth.edu/otolaryngology

Paul Weinberger

The OTO ObserverThe Newsletter of the Department of Otolaryngology

McKinnon Edits Operative Techniques Dr. McKinnon was invited to guest edit a companionpair of issues of the journal Operative Techniques inOtolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery entitledTechniques for the Ear (Part I and II). This projectfeatures the work of a number of thought leaders inthe field ofotology/neurotologyincluding JohnNiparko, CraigBuchman, JohnMcElveen, Jr.,and ThomasBalkany,among others.

Thyroid Book Translatedto Turkish

Dr. Terris’ highly-acclaimedbook of medical and surgicalmanagement of thyroid andparathyroid diseases has beena best-seller since it wasintroduced 18 months ago.The vigorous sales in the USand abroad have prompted atranslation into the Turkishlanguage.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS SPRING 2011

HonorsJack Borders was selected as a member of theGHSU Academy of Medical Educators and wasnamed to Best Doctors in America. He received aGHSU Patient’s Choice Award and Family ChoiceAward. He has recently completed mission work inHaiti and is currently working on obtaining his MBA.

Stil Kountakis was named to Best Doctors inAmerica and served as guest examiner for theAmerican Board of Otolaryngology oral exam andguest speaker for the Turkish Society ofOtolaryngology.

Greg Postma was visiting professor at GeorgeWashington University, UTHSC-San Antonio, andUniversity Hospital in Madrid, and was guestspeaker for the European Laryngologic and TaiwanOtolaryngologic societies. He was elected

Secretary-Treasurer of the Georgia Society of OHNS and President-Elect of the ABEA. Hereceived the Distinguished Service Award from theAAO-HNS.

Arturo Solares was visiting professor at PrincessAlexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia and theCleveland Clinic.

David Terris was elected President of the GeorgiaSociety of Otolaryngology. He was visitingprofessor at Cairo University, the University ofToronto, the University of Pennsylvania, YaleUniversity and Tulane University, and guest speakerfor the Korean, Italian, Mississippi and HoustonOtolaryngology societies, the Saudi Arabia Surgerysociety, and the Korean Thyroid Association.

Message from the ChairThis has been a tremendousyear of change in Augusta aswe near our tenth year as adepartment. A new Dean, anew President, a new HospitalCEO, and (you may havenoticed) a new name. We areGeorgia Health SciencesUniversity (GHSU), betterreflecting the large enterprise

we have become, which includes five differentschools, hundreds of degree programs andthousands of students.

It was also a sensational Masters in Augusta inApril. Eight competitors had a share of the lead inthe final round, with South African Charl Schwartzeldonning the green jacket. Read more about ourexciting year inside.

David J. Terris, M.D., F.A.C.S.Porubsky Professor and Chairman

GHSU Repeats asChampionThe GHSU golf team repeated aschampions of the TriologicalSociety’s Pillsbury Residency GolfChallenge held at GrayHawk GolfClub in Scottsdale, AZ. Thereturn of Dr. Kountakis led theteam to a 5 stroke victory over thenearest competitor. For thesecond year in a row residentDrew Prosser won the long drivecontest. Dr. Postma, sidelined from recentshoulder surgery, served as team coach/motivatorutilizing text messages to cheer on and refocus theteam. We are looking forward to a chance for a“three-peat” in 2012.

Carter Receives GoldenPen Award

Barb Carter received the GoldenPen Award from GHSU, whichhonors employees who havedemonstrated extraordinaryaccomplishment and leadershipthrough publication in aprofessional journal or through aspeaking engagement at aprofessional conference. Barb had

two protocols published and presented at theSociety of OHN Nurses, and she contributed to theTelephone Triage for OHN Nurses. She wasawarded an engraved golden pen for heraccomplishments.

Borders/Seybt ReceiveAwards

Drs. Jack Borders and MelanieSeybt were each selected toreceive the Exemplary TeachingAward from theGHSU School ofMedicine basedupon theirsubstantialoutstanding

contributions to resident/studentteaching. These were both richlydeserved, and we are proud of theirefforts.

SPRING 2011 STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Coleman Celebrates 30YearsAnnette Coleman, LPN iscelebrating 30 years with GHSUthis year. She worked in theinpatient units until 1995 whenshe transferred to the outpatientOtolaryngology Practice Site.She has been working withHead and Neck patients for 25years, and is an essentialmember of our team.Congratulations Ms. Coleman!

Annette Coleman,LPN

Barbara Carter,RN, MSN

Jack C. Borders,Jr, MD

Melanie W.Seybt, MD

Drew Prosser, MD

Giving Opportunities

Designate Your Gift to GHSU Otolaryngologynn Porubsky Library Fund..........................$__________nn Barton Otolaryngology Fund................ $__________nn Temporal Bone Lab Fund .................... $__________nn Otolaryngology Research Fund ...........$__________nn Area of Greatest Need......................... $__________nn Other: ________________________...$__________

TOTAL ...........$__________nn Check enclosed to MCG Foundation, Inc. nn CREDIT CARD please complete the following

____MC ____Visa ____AE ____DiscoverCard # _______________________________________Exp._______Name on card:_________________________________Signature Required: ____________________________Full Name ____________________________________Address _____________________________________City ____________________State_______Zip_______Daytime Telephone _____________________________Email Address _________________________________

Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent provided bylaw. GHSU fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30. For

more information, call 706-721-6100 or visitwww.georgiahealth.edu/giving.

Robotic Thyroidectomy

Dr. David Terris developed a novel faceliftapproach for robotic thyroidectomy that he hassuccessfully performed together with Drs. Seybtand Singer (see Publications).

Audiology Expands

Angela Gerbasi has joinedthe Audiology program asdemand for hearing services(and especially hearing aids)has grown. Her specialinterests include hearing aidfitting and programming,tinnitus management, andelectrophysiological testing.

Consultant of the Year

We are pleased to announcethat John Vender, a pivotalmember of the Skull Baseteam assembled by ArturoSolares, has beenunanimously selected as theDepartmental Consultant ofthe Year.

Cochlear Implants

Dr. Brian McKinnon has expanded the implantprogram at GHSU to include deaf children. Wenow offer the full array of partially and fullyimplantable otologic devices.

Skull Base Lab Opens

The opening of the Skull Base Laboratoryrepresents an important milestone for the SkullBase Center, headed up by Arturo Solares, thatwill facilitate the training of national andinternational visiting surgeons. The first post-doctoral fellow is Marcos Mirambeaux from theDominican Republic (seen here with student JasonVan Rompaey from Sydney, Australia), who hasalready enjoyed a very productive experience.

CLINICAL SPOTLIGHT SPRING 2011

Four Fellowships AvailableEndocrine/Head and Neck Surgery (contact Dr. David Terris: dterris@georgiahealth.edu)

Rhinology/Sinus Surgery (contact Dr. Stil Kountakis: skountakis@georgiahealth.edu)Laryngology (contact Dr. Gregory Postma: gpostma@georgiahealth.edu)

Otology/Pediatric (contact Dr. Brian McKinnon: brmckinnon@georgiahealth.edu)

SPRING 2011 FACULTY SPOTLIGHTDepartmental Faculty and Areas of Interest

Jack C. Borders, Jr., MDPediatric Otolaryngology

Brian J. McKinnon, MD, MBAO t o l o g y / N e u r o t o l o g y

Jimmy Brown, DDS, MD, FA C SHead and Neck Surgery

Achih H. Chen, MDFacial Plastic and

Reconstructive Surgery

Scott S. DeRossi, DMDOral Medicine

C. Anthony Hughes, MDPediatric Otolaryngology

Lana L. Jackson, MDHead and Neck Surgery

Frederick N. Klippert, MDGeneral Otolaryngology

Stil Kountakis, MD, PhD, FA C SRhinology and Sinus Surgery

Edward Porubsky, MD, FA C SGeneral Otolaryngology

Gregory N. Postma, MDLaryngology

Melanie W. Seybt, MDEndocrine Surgery

C. Arturo Solares, MDSkull Base Surgery

David J. Terris, MD, FA C SEndocrine Surgery

John R. Ve n d e r, MDN e u r o s u r g e r y

Paul M. We i n b e r g e r, MDL a r y n g o l o g y

RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC SPRING 2011

Weinberger Takes the Reins as Director of Research

Paul Weinberger has hit the ground running as our newest faculty member (see coverstory). Among his numerous new responsibilities, he has taken over from Arturo Solaresas Director of Research for the department. He is already underway with the recruitment ofa new research coordinator.

Paul Weinberger

PPuubblliiccaattiioonnssSinger MC, Seybt MW, Terris DJ. Robotic faceliftthyroidectomy: I. Pre-clinical simulation and morphometricassessment. Laryngoscope (In press).

Terris DJ, Singer MC, Seybt MW. Robotic faceliftthyroidectomy: II. Clinical feasibility and safety.Laryngoscope (In press).

Terris DJ, Singer MC, Seybt MW. Robotic faceliftthyroidectomy: Patient selection and technicalconsiderations. Surg Lap Endos Percut Tech (In press).

Seybt MW, Terris DJ. Outpatient thyroidectomy: Experiencein over 200 patients. Laryngoscope 120(5):959-63, 2010.

Bhatt N, Perakis H, Watts TL, Borders JC. Traumatichemorrhage and rapid expansion of a cervical lymphaticmalformation. ENT J 90(1):20-2, 2011.

Champagne JP, Antisdel JL, Woodard TD, Kountakis SE.Epidemiologic factors affect surgical outcomes in allergicfungal sinusitis. Laryngoscope 120(11):2322-4, 2010.

Prosser JD, Figueroa R, Ong YK, Carrau RL, Solares CA.Quantitative analysis of endoscopic endonasal approachesto the infratemporal fossa. Laryngoscope (In press).

Prosser JD, Vender JR, Solares CA. Traumaticcerebrospinal fluid leaks. Otolaryngol Clin North Am (Inpress).

Bhatt N, McKinnon BJ. Medical tourism and cochlearimplants. Cochlear Implants Int 11(3):125-32, 2010.

Iverson K, McKinnon BJ. Cochlear implantation followingrenal transplantation using Med-EL pulsar. Otolaryngol HeadNeck Surgery (In press).

Miller BL, Waller JL, McKinnon BJ. Craniofacial injuries dueto golf cart trauma. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg (In press).

Iverson KC, Bhatti PT, Falcone J, Figueroa R, McKinnon BJ.Cochlear implantation using thin film array electrodes.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg (In press).

Parham K, McKinnon BJ, Eibling D, Gates GA. Challengesand opportunities in presbycusis. Otolaryngol Head NeckSurg (In press).

Singer AD, Weinberger PM, Seybt MW, Jackson LL, TeagueDJ, Figueroa RE. Imaging characterization of folliculardendritic cell sarcoma of the neck. ENT J 89(7):2967, 2010.

Weinberger PM, Merkley MA, Khichi SS, Lee JR, Psyrri A,Jackson LL, Dynan WS. Human papillomavirus-active headand neck cancer and ethnic health disparities.Laryngoscope 20(8):1531-7, 2010.

Robb Jr PK, Weinberger PM, Perakis H, Li A, Klein AM,Johns III MM, Adkins L, Postma GN. Asthma is associatedwith clinically aggressive recurrent respiratorypapillomatosis. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 137:368-72, 2011.

Chen A, Moretz AH, Perakis H, Champagne J, Markarian A,Kamer F. Medial crura suture technique. Amer J CosmeticSurg 27(3):9-12, 2010.

Holsinger FC, Terris DJ, Kuppersmith RB. Roboticthyroidectomy: Operative technique using a transaxillaryendoscopic approach without CO2 insufflation. OtolaryngolClin North Am 43(2):381-8, 2010.

Seybt MW, Terris DJ. Minimally invasive thyroid andparathyroid surgery – Where are we now and where are wegoing? Otolaryngol Clin North Am 43(2):375-80, 2010.

Terris DJ. Application of post-surgical stimulatedthyroglobulin for radioiodine remnant ablation selection inlow-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. Head Neck 32(6):698-9,2010.

Terris DJ, Seybt MW, Vaughters RB III. A new minimallyinvasive lingual thyroidectomy technique. Thyroid20(12):1367-9, 2010.

Seybt MW, Kuppersmith RB, Holsinger FC, Terris DJ.Robotic axillary thyroidectomy: Multi-institutional clinicalexperience with the daVinci. Laryngoscope 120 Suppl4:S182, 2010.

Farrag TY, Weinberger PM, Seybt MW, Terris DJ. Point-of-care rapid intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay ofneedle aspirates from parathyroid tissue: A substitute forfrozen sections. Am J Otolaryngol (In press).

To share your news with the other alumni, please send updates to Donna Black atdonnab@georgiahealth.edu or call 706-721-6100.

SPRING 2011 RESIDENT AND ALUMNI UPDATEHail

Brett ComerUniv of KentuckyRhinology Fellow

Eyad Khabbaz(Fellow) will

pursue AcademicRhinology

Farewell

Mickey FisherRush Medical

PGY-1 Resident

Residency andFellowships Expand

We are pleased that the Otolaryngology ResidencyReview Committee approved a residency positionexpansion, effective July 1, 2011. This will increasethe number of incoming interns from 2 to 3 for thegroup starting their training this coming academicyear. Our department has grown considerably andwith 14 clinical faculty members we offer tremendousunderutilized resident learning opportunities.

In another important educational initiative, weannounce the recruitment of Dr. Hachem Jammal asour first subspecialty fellow in PediatricOtolaryngology (with a special emphasis in Otology).This brings to 4 our fellowships, adding tosubspecialty training that includes rhinology,laryngology and endocrine surgery.

– Stil Kountakis

Jason Champagne (Chief Resident) will

pursue fellowship in FacialPlastic Surgery at UCSF

Helen Perakis (Chief Resident)will pursue fellowship in

General Plastic Surgery atUniv of Minnesota

Donor Acknowledgements

The ongoing success of any major department ofOtolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery dependsheavily on the philanthropic investments inacademics made by alumni, grateful patients andother friends of the department.

We gratefully acknowledge the following donors:

Master’s Club ($1000 or more)James E. Bush, MDAllen Butler, MDFiras Farhat, MDRichard L. Hebert, II, MDWilliam H. Moretz, Jr., MDRobin Schilling, MDDavid J. Terris, MDElizabeth Whitaker, MD

President’s Club ($500 - $999)Timothy D. Knudsen, MDWilliam H. Moretz, III, MD

Chairman’s Club ($100 - $499)Thomas Crews, MDEdward A. Porubsky, MD

Ashli O’RourkeUniv of Virginia

Laryngology Fellow

Jamie SegelWayne State UnivPGY-1 Resident

Lauren Crosby Univ of SC

PGY-1 Resident

Hachem JammalTawam HospitalOtology Fellow

Michele Morrison(Fellow) will join thePortsmouth Naval

Medical Ctr

Michael Singer willstay as Minimally

Invasive EndocrineSurgery Fellow

1079 4/11

Department of Otolaryngology1120 Fifteenth StreetAugusta, Georgia 30912-4060

The OTO Observer

Newsletter

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 210

Augusta, Georgia

Minimally Invasive and RoboticManagement of Thyroid and

Parathyroid Diseases_______________________

September 23-24, 2011Augusta, Georgia

Distinguished Guest Faculty

Herb Chen, M.D.David Cooper, M.D.Clive Grant, M.D.

F. Christopher Holsinger, M.D.Christina Kile, M.D.

Virginia LiVolsi, M.D.Gregory Randolph, M.D.

David Terris, M.D.

Program Chairs

Michael Singer, M.D. and Paolo Miccoli, M.D.

Register early. Participation in the Lab is limited.

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Faculty and Areas of Interest

David J. Terris, MD, ChairmanThyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Stil Kountakis, MD, Vice ChairmanRhinology and Sinus Surgery Jack C. Borders, Jr., MDPediatric OtolaryngologyJimmy J. Brown, DDS, MDHead and Neck SurgeryAchih H. Chen, MDFacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Scott S. DeRossi, DMDOral MedicineC. Anthony Hughes, MDPediatric OtolaryngologyLana L. Jackson, MDHead and Neck SurgeryFrederick N. Klippert, MDGeneral OtolaryngologyBrian J. McKinnon, MDOtology and NeurotologyEdward S. Porubsky, MDGeneral OtolaryngologyGregory N. Postma, MDLaryngology and Swallowing DisordersMelanie W. Seybt, MDThyroid and Parathyroid SurgeryC. Arturo Solares, MDHead and Neck SurgeryJohn R. Vender, MDNeurosurgeryPaul M. Weinberger, MDLaryngology and Swallowing Disorders