Chair’s Message
Welcome to the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University.
It is an honour to serve as Chair of a department that has established itself as a national leader in clinical excellence, surgical innovation, education, and research. I would like to thank our outgoing Chair, Dr. Kevin Fung, for his tremendous leadership and for catalyzing our department’s growth with young and vibrant faculty. Over the years, we have developed into one of Canada’s most dynamic and forward-thinking Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery programs.What sets us apart? Our people. Our faculty members are not only highly skilled surgeons and educators, but also pioneers at the forefront of our discipline.
We provide state-of-the-art, patient-centered care across five key Divisions:
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Head and Neck Oncology, Reconstructive Surgery, and Laryngology
- Neurotology & Lateral Skull Base Surgery
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Rhinology, Sleep Surgery, & Anterior Skull Base Surgery
Beyond our divisions, we foster a culture of collaboration through specialized multidisciplinary programs including cochlear implantation, pediatric complex hearing loss, skull base surgery, facial nerve reanimation, pituitary tumors, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, vocal function, sialorrhea, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and cleft palate, among many others. Our commitment to surgical innovation is evident in our achievements, from performing North America’s first BONEBRIDGE implant to leading the way in Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) and pediatric auditory brainstem implants in Canada.
Academically, our department is a powerhouse. We boast one of the strongest research programs in the country, with our surgeon-scientists leading groundbreaking studies in imaging, auditory biophysics, facial nerve regeneration, and head and neck cancer translational research. Our research funding success, including numerous Tri-Council grants, reflects our ambitious vision and commitment to discovery.
We also take great pride in our educational mission. Our residency program is one of the most highly regarded in the country, and is considered a leader in competency-based medical education. We are dedicated to training the next generation of Otolaryngologists, ensuring that our undergraduate students and surgical residents receive an unparalleled learning experience.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to advancing the field, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional patient care. I invite you to explore our department and experience the passion, collaboration, and excellence that define our work.
Sumit Agrawal
Chair, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University
