A message from the Chair: Bill Collins
There are many aspects of our job in academics that we like (as well as a few that we’ll admit in a private moment that we don’t like!). A complicated surgical case that goes well. A research project that pans out and results in publication in a major journal. Teaching a resident to do a case for the first time. But of all the “highs” of being an academic surgeon, perhaps my favorite is seeing the success of our residency graduates. We know that all of you are doing great things everyday out in your respective practices and communities. But every once in awhile, we get to spend some time with a graduate, or even just talk to them about some of their cases. And to know that our program helped propel them on their path to success makes all of our efforts worthwhile.
Facial Plastics Spotlight:
In the fall of 2021, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson was recruited to serve as our Division Chief of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery. He joins Dr. Jimmy Brown, who is also our Division Chief for Comprehensive Otolaryngology, in providing state of the art care for patients with Facial Plastic Surgery needs. In addition to primary and revision rhinoplasty, our division manages both reconstructive and cosmetic needs, including blepharoplasty, cosmetic aging face procedures, local and regional flap reconstruction following skin cancer resection, and maxillofacial trauma. Upon joining our UF faculty, Dr. Johnson has provided a whole new offering of facial reanimation procedures, including comprehensive oculoplastic management. Future practice expansion plans will include plasma rich protein injections and microneedling. in select patients.
In addition to his work in Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brown also heads up our Sleep Surgery program, and offers a range of both surgical and non-surgical options for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. These include, Oral Appliances for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea to the Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulation device, for moderate to severe disease.
Alumni Spotlight: Kian Karimi
On Friday, October 28th, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Kian Karimi (UF ENT residency class of 2010) as a visiting professor. Dr. Karimi was joined here in Gainesville by his lovely wife, Dr. Deena Pourang, and presented a compelling Grand Rounds lecture to our faculty and residents about his career course, as well as some of his most memorable and formative surgical cases since he has been out in practice. Following his graduation in 2010, Dr. Karimi pursued a fellowship in Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery in Toronto, and then headed west to establish his practice in Southern California. He has built a successful facial plastics practice in a highly competitive, and parlayed media appearances on Buzzfeed, The Doctors, and EXTRA among other outlets to help grow his referral base. Since 2015, he has served as the Medical Director and Founder of Rejuva Medical Aesthetics. He has also has continued to serve as the Course Chairman for the Los Angeles Multi-specialty Cosmetic Academy, and the Advisory Board Chair of Rhinoplasty for Cosmetic Town.
What is your favorite memory of residency?
“My favorite memory of residency was winning the “Resident Teacher of the Year” award. Teaching has always been one of my passions which is why I am so grateful to my own teachers and mentors. This award, which I won two years in a row, reinforced my desire to continue to teach, which I still do despite being in solo private practice. “
Who was your most outstanding mentor from residency?
“My most outstanding mentor was Dr. Robert Adelson – he was one of my many inspirations to go into facial plastic surgery and helped me tremendously throughout the application process. I am not sure if one could have a more dedicated faculty member than Dr. Adelson – I consider him a lifelong mentor, colleague, and friend. ”
What one thing or place about Gainesville did you most look forward to seeing when you came back?“It was surreal being back in the old conference room at “Old Shands” where we had our didactics and meetings. I was amazed to see the new campus and tour the recently built hospitals and new facilities and clinics at the mall. My wife and I did get a chance to eat at “The Top” and “DragonFly” so that was a nice serving of Gainesville nostalgia that we enjoyed.”
In Memoriam:
We are sad to report of the passing of one of our residency alumni. Dr. Paul Nemiroff, MD, PhD, UF ENT class of 1986, passed away on August 11, 2022 at the age of 73. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/latimes/name/paul-nemiroff-obituary?id=36414250 Dr. Nemiroff had quite a career: in addition to being an accomplished otolaryngologist, he served as the medical correspondent for TV stations in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, was an Army veteran having served in the 101st Airborne Division, was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, an avid marathon runner, and was once in consideration for the job of Surgeon General of the United States. No doubt that he touched many, many lives over the course of his storied and diverse career.
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 are interested in learning more about giving back to the department, please click the link here.