From the “Sub-Sterile”
Around our program we have a term called “getting sub-steriled.” This is when folks gather in the sub-sterile room between 2 operating rooms and have spur of the moment, frank and honest talks. These could be good talks in which two faculty members talk “shop” about a case or patient, or could be a moment of brutally honest feedback delivered to a resident in the privacy of the sub-sterile room. Regardless, the sub-sterile room is where conversations can happen freely in a safe environment for the betterment of all.
For this initial alumni newsletter, I thought that the introductory message from the chair should be titled “From the Sub-sterile” to capture the spirit of those conversations that we all remember. Our goal with this newsletter is to update you all, and let you know what is happening with the home department back in Gainesville. Over the years we have grown, and as is true in our specialty, are becoming more sub-specialized with each passing year. We now have 7 separate clinical divisions, and continue to enhance our clinical programs and research efforts. But one thing has never changed- our unwavering commitment to providing outstanding surgical care and train the next generation of Otolaryngologists
We hope you enjoy this!
Update from Head & Neck!
The Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology / Microvascular Surgery is finishing off another strong academic year. We are currently 4 strong: Dr. Danan, Dr. Hughley, Dr. Conrad and Dr. Dz. All members perform the spectrum of head and neck surgery from endocrine surgery, to complex mucosal cancer ablation, to robotic surgery and to microvascular free flap reconstruction. We are performing 140-160 free flap cases per year and see patients from all over Florida.
We are on our 4th fellow, Dr. Robert Liebman, who will be graduating in June. He is currently working on finalizing his next destination as a Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist / Microvascular Surgeon in private practice. Our incoming fellow, Dr. Jared Crothers, will be joining us from the Air Force Otolaryngology program.
We continue to develop clinical programs including Virtual Surgical Planning and simultaneous dental implant placement in free flap reconstruction. This allows us to reconstruct bony defects as accurately as possible and patient the possibility of full oral reconstruction and restoration after major head and neck cancer surgery.
Quality improvement is always at the forefront of our efforts. Current quality initiatives include: improving pre-operative education with dedicated education sessions with our Nurse Navigator (Jade Lemmon) and our clinic PA (Emily Parker), improved patient discharge instructions and streamlined post-operative recovery pathways.
We are proud to recognize our Head & Neck faculty who have moved into new leadership roles:
To refer patients to our Head & Neck Team, please call (352) 265-0920.
Congratulations to our Graduates!
June means that it is time to say good-bye to our graduating residents and fellow. We are proud to have been a part of their training and know that they will go out and represent the Gator ENT Nation proudly!
Let us know what’s 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.