The OTO OBSERVER
The Newsletter of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
October 2023
Chair’s Note
Dear Readers,
As we usher in the fall season, I'm filled with a sense of optimism and anticipation as I update you on the latest happenings in our Otolaryngology Department here at MCG and the newly formed Wellstar MCG Health. We've successfully onboarded a talented group of interns, and their enthusiasm is palpable. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this essential process.
Honors and Awards
Our faculty continue to be recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Welcome to the Department of
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
We are excited to welcome to the department two new faculty members and four new providers: Jason G. May, MD, Forest W. Weir, MD, Alex Dawson, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA, Kristie Wilson, AuD, CCC-A, Taylor Hughes, PA-C, and Audrey Lown, RN, FNP-BC, CNOR, CNIV.
Hail and Farewell
We are pleased to announce the results of this year’s very successful residency match. Stephen Nash from University of Louisville, Jamie Russell from University of South Carolina and Brandon Tapasak from University of Central Florida join us. Additionally, Joshua Ziehm joins us as the 16th Endocrine Surgery fellow, and Evan Compton joins us as the 17th Laryngology fellow.
We also congratulate our graduating Residents and Fellows. They will surely go on to have fruitful Otolaryngology careers, taking with them the knowledge and experiences from MCG.
In Memoriam
Remembering Dr. Frederick N. Klippert
We regret to inform you of the passing of Dr. Frederick N. Klippert, a respected Professor Emeritus in our Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Medical College of Georgia-Augusta University.
Clinical Spotlight
New Frontiers in the Endoscopic Management of Subglottic and Tracheal Stenosis: Early Experience with a New Non-Occlusive Airway Dilation Balloon
Christopher M. Johnson, MD
Research Highlights
Dr. Sarah Hodge and the Division of Otology and Neurotology were chosen as a site for a Cochlear Implant Center of Excellence pilot study by Cochlear of Americas.
Dr. J. Kenneth Byrd is a co-investigator on a recent RO1 grant award of over $3.99 million from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).
Resident and Alumni News
Dr. J. Drew Prosser is commemorated for his exceptional years of service as Residency Program director. We welcome Dr. Christopher M. Johnson and Dr. Sarah Hodge as Residency Program Director and Associate Residency Program Director.
Residents travel near and far to present their research.
CME Opportunities
Southern States Rhinology Symposium
April 18-20, 2024
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Annual Porubsky Symposium & Alumni Event
June 7-8, 2024
Augusta, Georgia
The OTO OBSERVER
The Newsletter of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
October 2023
© 2023 MCG Otolaryngology
