A fervent energy of curiosity, innovation, and perseverance embodies the spirit of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 2023. This innate ambition and drive propelled research efforts and clinical capacities at our 14 locations around the New York metropolitan area. A record five new faculty members joined the Department: Michael Berger, MD, Head and Neck Surgeon at Mount Sinai West; Christopher Razavi, MD, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Mount Sinai Doctors East - 85th Street; Zachary Schwam, MD, Otologist/Neurotologist at Mount Sinai West; Stephanie Wong, MD, Pediatric Otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai Doctors East 85th Street; and Joshua Zeiger, MD, General Otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai Doctors Faculty Practice.

Our journey into uncharted territories of research and technology reached new heights with a groundbreaking development—the introduction of a specialized blood test capable of identifying the presence of head and neck tumor cells in their earliest stages. This liquid biopsy, embraced by the Center of Excellence for Head and Neck Cancer at the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, marks a paradigm shift in diagnostic approaches, offering a far less invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. What’s more, it proves versatile for both screening and surveillance, particularly among patients with HPV-related head and neck cancers.

In the realm of medialization laryngoplasty for paralyzed vocal cords, Diana Kirke, MD, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Icahn Mount Sinai, led a novel study utilizing three-dimensional modeling of the paraglottic space to streamline the operation, enhance surgical efficiency, and improve patient outcomes.

Mark Urken, MD, Chief of Head and Neck Oncology at Mount Sinai-Union Square, and Margaret Brandwein-Weber, MD, Professor of Pathology, Icahn Mount Sinai, and Chair of Pathology, Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Beth Israel, undertook a similar effort using 3D technology to create virtual replicas of surgical specimens and projecting them onto operating room monitors to enhance communications between pathologists and surgeons. Published in leading journals, their research demonstrated reduced reporting time, improved communication, and durable records for downstream care—a workflow enhancement now redefining standards for frozen section analysis.

Against the backdrop of the post-9/11 health challenges faced by World Trade Center (WTC) survivors, Maaike van Gerwen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor and Director of Research in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Icahn Mount Sinai, delved into the prevalence and aggressiveness of thyroid cancer among this cohort, leveraging metabolomics to analyze the accumulation of WTC dust components in the thyroid. She is seeking insights into thyroid cancer development, which may influence policies for reducing harmful exposures in the future. 

Combining multidisciplinary expertise and virtual planning, Daniel Buchbinder, MD, DMD, Chief of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Mount Sinai Health System, and Michael Turner, MD, DDS, Chief of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The Mount Sinai Hospital, achieved same-day implantation of temporary teeth after a mandibulectomy. The unique workflow involved 3D scans, virtual tumor resection, and precise prosthetic design, reducing wait times for permanent prosthesis from 18 months to just four to six months.

Aldo Londino, MD, Chief, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, reviewed 3,600 pediatric and 334,400 adult patients between 2004 and 2020 with differences in thyroid cancer outcomes. He emphasized the importance of personalized treatment plans for pediatrics and the need for further tailored strategies for this cohort.

On behalf of our faculty, researchers, and trainees, thank you for taking time to peruse the discoveries in this year’s specialty report.

Wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2024.