News
Feature: Thinking big
February 25, 2022
As Chair/Chief of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Dr. Kevin Fung isn’t so much its leader as the conductor of an orchestra. And the music his department makes is being heard around the world.Nova Scotia Mom Inspired to Help Others
February 08, 2022
Kiersten Rajaraman, an ear, nose, throat surgeon from Halifax, says she wasn't prepared for the challenges of breastfeeding her newborn.Robert Koch and AHead Simulations in the News
June 29, 2020
Robert Koch is a former student of Dr. Sumit Agrawal, Dr. Hanif Ladak, and Dr. Leigh Sowerby. Robert completed his BESc degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering and his MESc in Biomedical Engineering at Western, and he appeared on the June 23, 2020 CTV News. Please click the title header to watch.COVID-19 nasal testing an opportunity for former London-based business
June 05, 2020
A company founded in London, and still doing its medical research here, wants to improve testing for COVID-19. Ahead Simulations is making models to help teach health care professionals how to properly swab a nose, a difficult procedure when testing for the coronavirus, said Rob Koch, company founder...Alumnus in the news - Dr. Maya Sardesai - Assistant Dean for Student Development at UW School of Medicine
May 05, 2020
Maya Sardesai, MD, MEd will begin her new role as Assistant Dean for Student Development on July 1, 2020. Dr. Sardesai is currently an Associate Professor in Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Washington...London researchers probe odd symptom of COVID-19: Sudden loss of smell
April 28, 2020
London researchers are joining the global coronavirus fight, sniffing around for answers about an odd symptom of the infection. Scientists at Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute, the medical research arm of London’s hospitals, are joining a global consortium studying the sudden loss of smell reported by many COVID-19 patients...Randy Bowden
February 11, 2020
When Randy Bowden lost his taste buds, he says it was one of the lowest points in his life. It may seem like an insignificant side effect, given other complications that can come with cancer treatments. Yet to someone who cared so much about food, it was worse than the cancer diagnosis itself...Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery resident to improve global surgery care in Ethiopia
November 28, 2019
In early 2020, third-year resident Dr. Hannah Ernst will travel to Mekelle, Ethiopia on a global surgery rotation. She’ll be working with Dr. Joshua Wiedermann, a Fellow at the School, who has been joining more than a year to establish a sustainable education program at the hospital in Mekelle.Head and Neck Cancer: A Focus on Surgery and Survivorship
September 24, 2019
One of only two surgeon/scientists of his kind in Canada, Dr. Adrian Mendez recently joined the Head and Neck Cancer team at LHSC! Dr. Mendez has contributed a vast body of knowledge to the field of head and neck cancer research – most recently developing a brand new method aimed at improving the quality of life of his patients...CARL revolutionizing audiology education
July 30, 2019
Developed by Western Engineering graduates in consultation with the National Centre for Audiology, CARL has quickly become an invaluable tool for students and professionals in training, research and product demonstrations...Congratulations Dr. Danielle MacNeil: 2019 Cochrane Scholar
July 30, 2019
The AAO-HNS/F leadership and SAGE, publisher of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, have identified a need to train otolaryngologists in the conduct and publication of systematic literature reviews... (For more information, visit: https://www.entnet.org/content/cochrane-scholars-program)Helping People to Hear
June 27, 2019
Using advanced techniques at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan, scientists have created three-dimensional images of the complex interior anatomy of the human ear, information that is key to improving the design and placement of cochlear implants.The Opioid Crisis: Intervention from the Ground Up
May 28, 2019
The use of opioids to manage acute pain has increased substantially, with serious consequences. The total amount of opioid tablets prescribed to patients in acute pain settings has increased over time, with Ontario having the highest rate of opioid dispensing...Gene mutation may mean better outcome for smokers who develop cancer
April 17, 2019
A new discovery when it comes to head and neck cancer could improve treatment options for patients. Head and neck cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Canada...Inaugural 2019 Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Retreat
March 24, 2019
On March 5th, 2019, Dr. Danielle MacNeil directed the first London Regional Cancer Program Head and Neck Cancer Disease Site Survivorship Retreat. This event centred around a multidisciplinary discussion of ways to improve services to Head and Neck Cancer patients from diagnosis through treatment and long-term...Tackling area opioid crisis with prescribing changes
February 19, 2019
To help address the severe opioid crisis in Ontario, some changes to how these drugs are prescribed for acute pain care are now in effect for our London and region hospital partners. A special Opioid Stewardship Council of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care...Robert Koch 2018 Governor General Gold Medal Winner
October 17, 2018
Robert Koch, a former Masters student in the School of Biomedical Engineering has received the 2018 Governor General's Gold Medal. This is a highly prestigious award and a great honor. Congratulations to Robert and his supervisors Dr. Hanif Ladak (Medical Biophysics and ECE) and Dr. Sumit Agrawal (Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery), who are also active members of the School of Biomedical Engineering, for this great achievement.Inaugural Global Surgery, Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine Journal Club
September 26, 2018
Please join us for the Inaugural Global Surgery, Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine Journal Club. Presentations including: "Teaching the Teacher: Developing a Residency Training Program for Guyana", and "The Lancet Global Surgery Commission 2030 - An introduction". This event will be held Thursday, October 11, 2018, in the Advanced Medical Group boardroom (230 Victoria St., London) from 6:30-8:00 pm. Presentation will be given by Dr. Leigh Sowerby. Parking available. RSVP by October 09, 2018 to internationalization@schulich.uwo.caDepartment of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 45th Annual Residents' Research Day
September 19, 2018
Please save the date for our 45th Annual Residents' Research Day, to be held Friday, May 10th at King's University College. Our Distinguished Visiting Professor will be Dr. Albert Merati, with Dr. Gregory Chernoff as our Distinguished Guest Alumnus.Excellence in our Department!
June 28, 2018
Congratulations to the 'Triple A' Administrative Team (Ann Jones, Allison Berger & Angelika Edwards), Dr. Brian Rotenberg, and Dr. Leigh Sowerby.Memo to faculty and staff: Process to appoint Acting Dean
June 27, 2018
Colleagues, as you are all now aware, Dean Michael Strong will be assuming his new role as President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on October 1, 2018...Congratulations to Dr. Horace Cheng (PGY4) on his 1st Place Poster Prize at COSM 2018
May 24, 2018
COSM 2018 | April 18 - 22 in National Harbour, Maryland.Visiting Professor - Dr. Richard J. Wong (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center)
May 24, 2018
"Cancer's got some nerve: understanding perineural invasion"Congratulations to Dr. Julie Strychowsky!
January 02, 2018
Dr. Strychowsky (Pediatric Otolaryngologist) has been accepted to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.Article on visualizing the middle ear makes the cover of Hearing Research
October 13, 2017
Auditory Biophysics Laboratory: Dr. Mai Elfarnawany's article on visualizing the middle ear using synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging (SR-PCI) made the cover of the journal Hearing Research.The faces of CBD: Dr. Brian Rotenberg
October 03, 2017
Early insights: implementing CBD.Congratulations to Dr. Sumit Agrawal and his team for winning the AAOHNS Simulation competition!
October 03, 2017ENTtoday features article on 3D modeling!
September 28, 2017
Constructing a patient-specific computer model of the upper airway in sleep apnea patients.Stryker's M.O.R.E. (Mobile Operating Room Experience) Visits University Hospital!
September 14, 2017
Stryker's Mobile Lab was at University Hospital on September 6th, 2017. Trainees and consultants from the Department of Otolaryngology took part in a T-bone course sponsored by Stryker inside their one of a kind M.O.R.E. (Mobile Operating Room Experience) Lab.Congratulations to Dr. Anthony Nichols (Otolaryngology) and Dr. David Palma (Radiation Oncology) on completing accrual of their multi-centre randomized trial ORATOR
June 14, 2017
Phase II Randomized Trial for Early-stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx: Radiotherapy vs Trans-oral Robotic Surgery (ORATOR)CBME: Lessons from Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
March 14, 2017
As an early adopter of CBME, members of the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery provide insight into competency-based medical education.Peng You (PGY2) wins for best overall presentation (February 6, 2017)
February 09, 2017
Peng You (PGY2) won the best overall presentation for the Division of Paediatric Surgery 2nd Annual Research Day for his talk "Improving learning and confidence through structured otoscopy teaching - A prospective interventional study".Tray Bien! Reducing the number of instruments on operating room trays in otolaryngology is adding up to savings
February 03, 2017
Financial accountability, cost savings and streamlining are very familiar terms for hospitals in Ontario. Publically funded health care organizations constantly have to find savings wherever possible. And as hospitals tighten their belts they depend on bright ideas from staff and physicians. Surgeons Dr. Leigh Sowerby and Brian Rotenberg with St. Joseph’s Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Program, found savings not only in equipment costs but also in time.The entrepreneur: Hanif Ladak
January 19, 2017
Hanif Ladak has partnered with MED-EL, a company that develops cochlear implants, on yet another project. “One of the challenges with cochlear implants is programming the implant after surgery,” explained Ladak. “We are using imaging to assist with development of programming methodology to optimize hearing outcomes,” he added. The University’s strength in Otolaryngology and imaging make it a natural leader in this research area.Dr. Leigh Sowerby inducted
June 15, 2016
Congratulations to Dr. Leigh Sowerby who was inducted as a fellow to the American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society in May 2016Students' business plan for ear health software takes first place
May 21, 2016
A team of students mentored by Dr. Sumit Agrawal, WORLDiscoveries and ENT Simulation Technologies, Inc have won the Proteus Innovation Competition.400+ students from four healthcare professions team up for Interprofessional Education Day
May 20, 2016
Collaboration between healthcare providers from different fields is essential for optimal patient care. Interprofessional teamwork is linked not only to improved patient outcomes, but also to decreased healthcare costs and a more efficient and effective working environment for healthcare providers.Anthony Nichols announced as a 2016 Awards of Excellence award recipient
April 18, 2016
The Department of Otolaryngology would like to congratuate Anthony Nichols for being a 2016 Awards of Excellence award recipient.Triological Residents Bowl - January 2016
January 28, 2016
Every year the Triological Society hosts a "Resident Bowl" competition during which programs from across the USA send resident teams to try and bring home the trophy.Annual Bootcamp in The Pulse
December 17, 2015
The annual Emergencies in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Bootcamp is quickly becoming an international affair.Otolaryngology Graduate
November 26, 2015
Dr. Doug Angel aims to have an impact on patients and doctors-in-trainingDr. Anthony Nichols receives grant for head and neck cancer research
August 03, 2015
Dr. Anthony Nichols has received $515,090 for his research on head and neck cancer. The disease and its treatment can have a profound negative impact on patient quality of life in terms of speech, the ability to eat, facial disfigurement and pain. Only one half of patients with advanced disease survive making the need to develop more effective and less toxic therapies important. PI3K inhibitors are a class of drug that have shown promise in treating a variety of cancers. Dr. Nichols research will focus on identifying the genetic changes involved in cancer cells to determine which tumours are susceptible to these drugs and how drug resistance can be prevented.Recent Interview with Dr. Leigh Sowerby
July 30, 2015
Showing surgeons massive cost of disposable supplies leads to big savings for hospitals.Interview with Dr. Kevin Fung
February 24, 2015
Dr. Kevin Fung shares his insights on choosing a specialty, what makes a suitable candidate, and achieving a work-life balance.Wild whiskers the recipe for Manuary
January 09, 2015
It isn't commonly known, but head and neck cancers have quietly become the second fastest growing form of the disease in North America. In an effort to combat this problem, the men and women behind the Manuary Campaign are preparing for the 5th annual London event, in which the Head and Neck Surgery Department at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) aims to raise $25,000 to support ongoing research.Dr. Christopher Chin – Home is where the heart is
January 08, 2015
Some residents need to travel far from their hometowns to attend the best programs in their field, but not Dr. Christopher Chin.From the desk of George Kim – Building on our momentum
January 08, 2015
It’s exciting to see the momentum build on the initial work for the DEN Strategic Plan. The Committees continue to meet regularly and action is being taken on a variety of fronts.Faculty Evaluation – a powerful process that enriches the faculty and student experience
January 08, 2015
Faculty evaluation is a bit of a numbers game.The importance of the research experience in undergraduate medical education.
January 08, 2015
The development of strong research skills and the provision of medical care are inextricably linked.New Faculty
September 11, 2014
The arrival of two New Faculty members.CBC News Interview with Dr. Sowerby
December 13, 2022
CBC The Current (31:32) interviewed Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Professor Dr. Leigh Sowerby about how the COVID-19 virus impacts a person’s sense of smell.Otolaryngology Research Day
December 13, 2022
Research excellence was the theme of the day at the 44th Annual Residents’ Research Day in May 2018. With presentations from residents, special lectures from Dr. Konstantina Stankovic and resident alumnus Dr. Shamir Chandarana, and industry exhibitors, the annual event was engaging and inspiring.Chair/Chief Newsletter Message
December 13, 2022
The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, is a top performing academic department in Canada, across all pillars of our tripartite mission.Pushing the limits of discovery
December 13, 2022
With two basic science labs focusing on head and neck cancer, and auditory biophysics and a number of other research programs exploring health economics, patient safety, quality improvement, big data, simulation and competency based education, the Department is invested in the future of health care and medical education, and pushing the limits of discovery.Alumni Updates
December 13, 2022
Alumni from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery are doing great things in their careers, enjoying life and having fun with family, friends, travel and more. Catch up with Doug Angel, Patrick Gullane, Mark Raymond, Hatim Shawli and so many others.Transition to CBME - a success story
December 13, 2022
Dr. Brian Rotenberg has been leading the department's transition to competency-based medical education. This is the biggest change to the residency program in many years.International influence
December 13, 2022
What began as a discussion between colleagues about how to fill a training gap for residents, has grown into a nationally and internationally known boot camp, that puts trainees through their paces.A message from Dr. Parnes, CME and Alumni Liaison
December 13, 2022
I hope you enjoy our first department e-newsletter. There are some great stories, news on research, training and our new world of CBME, as well as some great updates from all of you.Global Impact
December 13, 2022
Dr. Shawn Legall has spent the past 10 months completing a fellowship with the Department under the mentorship of Dr. Leigh Sowerby. Now, he's heading back to Guyana as the Program Coordinator for a new postgraduate training program.Resident Profiles
December 13, 2022
Meet Drs. Benjami van der Woerd, PGY3, Hannah Ernst, PGY2, Neil Mundi, PGY4 and Rakhna Araslanova, PGY5 - four of our outstanding residents. Find out about what's inspired them, what challenges them and how they are enjoying their residency experiences.Training excellence
December 13, 2022
Working alongside leaders in Otolaryngolgy, from every field within the specialty and having access to high surgical volumes gave Dr. Chin the confidence he needed to continue with his fellowship training and now his practice.Set up for success
December 13, 2022
Dr. Amanda Hu now serves as a Clinical Associate Professor and Undergraduate Medical Education Director in the Division of Otolaryngology – HNS at the University of British Columbia, and she credits her training and mentorship from Dr. Fung for changing her career.
