February 2026 » Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery » College of Medicine

The Gator ENT-TELL UF Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with a rendition of UF Health The Oaks clinic in the background.

PA ENT Lab

This February, ENT PA Constance Weaver facilitated an ENT lab as part of her curriculum as a professor in UF’s School of Physician Assistant Studies. Anatomically accurate models were provided for students to perfect numerous skills, with stations led by fellow PAs Aaron Prosser, Chloe Abolverdi, and Sebastian Cuitivia. Skill stations included flushing and removing objects from the eyes and ears, as well as practicing proper technique for packing nosebleeds. Some of these skills do not allow for practicing on each other, so it was great that the models were so life-like and provided hands-on experience. Through this lab, Constance was able to better prepare her students, exposing them to possible scenarios commonly found in the ENT space.

Professor Constance Weaver with other physician assistants around a display table

Photo provided by Danielle Ivanov

Stryker Lab

Earlier this month, Dr. Chen, Dr. Chapurin, and Dr. Lobo facilitated the Stryker Skull Base Course. The course acted to provide Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology residents with hands‑on training in essential open and endoscopic skull base approaches. Over two days, participants worked directly with faculty to practice anatomical dissections, refine surgical techniques, and deepen their understanding of complex cranial base anatomy. The course emphasized practical skill‑building, case‑based learning, and collaborative instruction to support residents’ operative readiness and anatomical mastery.

A semi trailer labeled "Stryker: Driven to make healthcare better" with a group of clinicians gathered in front.

Dr. Lobo, Dr. Chen and Dr. Chapurin pictured with 2 members of the Stryker team

Research Day

UF ENT was proud to have 7 posters presented by Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery trainees at UF Research Day, held at the O’Connell Center this February.

Projects spanned head & neck oncology, reconstructive surgery, nasal valve outcomes, pediatric airway trauma, and cancer biomarker research. The various topics were presented by David Uribe Sanchez (2 posters), Jerome Nashed, Edgar Uribe Sanchez, David Cohen, Kirollos Armosh, and Rachel Janke.

Sanchez and Janke pictured below, respectively.

Edgar Uribe Sanchez pictured with his poster from UF Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Research Day

Rachel Janke pictured with her poster from UF Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Research Day

This work reflects the strength of UF ENT’s faculty mentorship and our commitment to training future academic otolaryngologists.

Thank you!

We would like to say thank you to everyone who purchased items from the ENT pop-up shop. We are hoping this is something we can open periodically as it is so great to have our department represented. We hope you all enjoy!

‘Til Next Time

Thank you all for staying connected with UF Health’s ENT department. To stay as up to date as possible, be sure to follow us on our social media pages.

Cartoon drawing of an alligator near a swamp with a speech bubble that states "see ya later, gator".

Let us know what is new in your life!

We would love to know what is new in your life: job promotions, leadership positions, new children or grandchildren, or any other exciting life updates. Please send these updates to william.collins@ent.ufl.edu or nichole.haring@ent.ufl.edu and we can include them in future newsletters. If you or your practice are hiring, we’re also happy to share that with our alumni network!

If you are interested in learning more about giving back to the department, please click the link here.