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.

The winds of change have also brought us the merger between AU Health and Wellstar, inaugurating Wellstar MCG Health. This heralds new horizons and opens doors to a multitude of collaborative opportunities. With a more extensive network and combined expertise, we can offer our patients a broader spectrum of specialized services, even reaching those in the most remote areas of Georgia. Our learners stand to benefit from this diversified educational environment, and research opportunities are set to expand.

On a more somber note, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Frederick N. Klippert, Professor Emeritus of our department. Dr. Klippert was a highly esteemed figure, making lasting contributions to patient care, education, and research. He was deeply committed to community service and was honored with several awards, including the Georgia Society of Otolaryngology-HNS 2003 Gerald Gussack Award for Teaching and Patient Care. Our thoughts are with his surviving wife Julianne and their family during this difficult time.

Keep MCG Otolaryngology on your mind!

Best regards,

Stil Kountakis, MD, PhD
Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
MCG-Augusta University
Wellstar MCG Health