• Overview
  
  
• Centers
  
  Center for Cranial Based Surgery
  • Penn Center for Head and Neck Cancer
  • Hearing Sciences Center
  • Center for Implantable Hearing Devices
  • The Smell and Taste Center
  • Penn Center for Voice and Swallowing at Presbyterian Medical Center Services
    

Divisions

• Division of Audiology
• Division of Facial Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
• Division of Head and Neck Surgery
• Division of Laryngology
• Division of General Otolaryngology
• Divsion of Otology-Neurotology
• Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Division of Rhinology and Sinus Surgery
• Division of Speech-Language Pathology
  
  

The administrative organization of the Department began in 1870, before the Hospital opened. Successive Chairmen have left their mark on the Department and it has continued to grow and develop. The departmental space has recently been refurbished and expanded. The research space was renovated and expanded in 1992 and a new and much larger clinical area was opened in 1995. The recruitment of additional clinical and research faculty has paralleled the increase in space and major expansion is currently underway in our clinic and academic offices and will be completed by August of 2005.

The three part mission of the department is, providing outstanding clinical care for our patients, creating a learning environment that will allow for training of the finest students, residents and fellows in the country, and engaging in clinical and basic research that is at the cutting edge of our specialty.

The Department includes several clinical divisions and centers including the University of Pennsylvania Center for Head and Neck Cancer, the Center for Cranial Base Surgery, the Balance Center, and the Division of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. In addition there are divisions of Pediatric Otolaryngology and of Rhinology.

The Smell and Taste Center
Director, Richard L. Doty, Ph.D.

The University of Pennsylvania Smell and Taste Center was established under the scientific leadership of Richard Doty Ph.D. in 1980 as the result of funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and other sources. This unique Center, devoted to the senses of taste and smell, has achieved world-wide prominence for both its research and clinical activities, and is currently planning for the expansion of its clinical services, research programs and staff.The Center focuses on three primary goals: first, to provide clinical evaluation, treatment and counseling for patients experiencing taste and smell disorders; second, to provide the facilities and an intellectual focus for research in both basic and applied aspects of chemoreception; and third, to provide training for the students and doctoral-level scientists and other interested medical personnel in both basic and applied aspects of chemoreception science. Publications resulting from the Center's work number several hundred.The Core Facility of the Center is located in the Ravdin Building of the hospital. This facility houses the administrative offices of the Center, traditional testing and stimulus preparation rooms, two human air dilution olfactometers, and the Hoffman controlled-environment room. The olfactometers provide highly accurate measurements of odorant stimuli used in human chemosensory studies allow for the electrophysiological measurement of odor evoked potentials. In addition, these systems are employed at the MRI facility for functional imaging studies (FMRI). Other major equipment housed in the Core Facility include computerized acoustic and anterior rhinometric measurement systems, a multi-channel polygraph, a computerized regional taste testing system gas chromatograph with both photo- and flame- ionization detectors, and a dozen microcomputers used for on-line collection, analysis, and presentation of patient data.

Hearing Sciences Center
Director, James C. Saunders, Ph.D.

The Hearing Sciences Center is a multidisciplinary center developed by the Department to integrate the research activities of a number of scientists and laboratories on the Penn Campus working in the area of hearing research. The keystone of the Center is the Auditory Research Laboratory, located in Departmental research space in the John Morgan Building, in the heart of the biomedical and neuroscience research sectors of the School of Medicine. The Hearing Sciences Center is under the direction of James C. Saunders Ph.D. who has received the University's highest award for his teaching in research methodology and in auditory neurobiology.Research opportunities in the Auditory Research Laboratory are organized within three primary areas. These are: a) hair cell micro mechanics, b) hair cell regeneration, and c) signal processing at the auditory cortex. The hair cell studies use isolated hair cells kept alive in culture medium. The hair bundles are stimulated at high frequencies with a water microjet and are observed in slow motion using stroboscopically illuminated video microscopy. Current studies include the relation between mechanical input and the receptor potential response of the cell, and the effects of overstimulation on the mechanical response of the sensory hairs. Patch clamping is also used to measure the hair cell receptor currents during hair bundle stimulation. These currents are being examined in overstimulated hair cells. Hair-cell regeneration is studied in young chicks exposed to intense sound. These studies are designed to explain the mechanisms of hair cell loss and replacement in the chick cochlea. Discharge patterns in cochlear nerve units are also examined to describe the functional loss and recovery following acoustic trauma. The auditory cortex experiments are currently examining cellular discharges to computer generated moving sounds.Other research opportunities in the Hearing Sciences Center include the Department's Developmental Auditory Biology laboratory. Research is underway to better understand the cellular mechanics underlying the development of hearing in mammals. The development of neural pathways between the ear and brain are being examined. An additional very interesting opportunity exists within the field of molecular biology to study the functioning of sound damaged, and regenerating hair cells. Co-operative research is currently being initiated between the Auditory Research Laboratory and several other laboratories in the Hearing Sciences Center to evaluate the molecular biology of the isolated hair cell in different phases of activity.

James C. Saunders, Ph.D. in the auditory research laboratory

Divsions

Division of Audiology
Director, Diane Holstein, M.S., CCC-A

The Audiology Section of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) provides services to individuals seeking help with balance, tinnitus and hearing problems. The Audiologists work closely with the patient’s physician(s) to provide a patient centered approach to care. Our goal is to help people with balance and hearing problems function optimally in their activities of daily living. We have state of the art facilities and equipment to facilitate achieving this goal.  Services offered include but are not limited to the following: audiologic (hearing) assessments, balance function testing, electrophysiologic testing, hearing aid assessments /hearing aid and assistive listening device dispensing, and cochlear implant/implantable hearing device assessment, activation and programming.

Division of Facial Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
Director, Ara A. Chalian, M.D.

Surgical defects generated by head and neck oncologic activities provide considerable volume of experience in reconstructive surgery. This includes not only strong experience with pedicled composite flaps but also experience in the use of free flap reconstructions with microvascular anastomosis. Additionally, the Department works closely with the Department of Dermatology in the flap closure of facial and head and neck defects resulting from Moh's chemosurgery. The Department participates as a member of the University of Pennsylvania Center for Human Appearance. Resident experience in facial cosmetic surgery is developed by interaction with the Departmental Cosmetic Surgery Program. Facial Trauma is a significant component of several rotations and faculty with special interest and expertise in this area provide subspecialty teaching. Residents may attend a microvascular laboratory course giving hands-on instruction in arterial and venous anastomosis in the rat. The full range of topics within the field of reconstructive surgery of the head and neck is covered clinically as well as in lecture format.

Divsion of Head and Neck Surgery
Director, Gregory S. Weinstein, M.D., Professor and Vice-Chair

Division of Laryngology

Significant advances have occurred in recent years in the diagnosis and surgery of laryngeal pathology. The department has a voice laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art, microprocessor-based, digital signal processing equipment, and laryngeal stroboscopy with video documentation. The entire range of phonosurgery is practiced. Research in laryngology has included such topics as speech patterns in patients with multiple sclerosis. The laboratory provides rich research opportunities for the resident in training. Additionally, the Department now houses the Tucker Laryngeal Collection, a whole organ section collection which provides an excellent resource for clinical research.

Division of General Otolaryngology
Director, Erica R.Thaler, M.D., AssociateProfessor

The General Otolaryngology Division comprises the Otolaryngologists in the Department with a broad spectum of surgical interests, and areas of expertise which overlap with multiple other Divisions. This includes surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis, voice disorders, thyroid and parotid tumors, sleep apnea, and swallowing disorders that require surgical management such as Zenker's diverticulum.These surgeons are located at each PENN Hospital throughout the city.

Division of Otology-Neurotology
Director, Douglas C. Bigelow, M.D., Associate Professor

The Department has an extremely active program in clinical otology-neurotology and has a close working relationship with the Division of Neurosurgery. In collaboration with Neurosurgery and other interested specialties, the Department has developed a multi-disciplinary Skull Base Center. A significant number of skull base and posterior fossa cases are performed each month, in addition to more routine otologic operations such as middle ear and mastoid procedures.

The Department opened a multi-disciplinary Balance Center in 1995. The Center provides both the most sophisticated diagnostic and rehabilitative equipment and the opportunity for exciting clinical research. There is an ongoing and active adult and pediatric cochlear implant program which has performed implantation and rehabilitation for more patients then any other Center in the area. Resident education in otology/neurotology is based on clinical experience in ambulatory and inpatient care with emphasis on operative techniques of the temporal bone in the new Sargent Temporal Bone Laboratory. Didactic lectures in temporal bone anatomy and histopathology supplement this experience providing the resident with a comprehensive understanding of this anatomic region.

Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology
Director, William P. Potsic, M.D., M.M.M.

The Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology is based at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), under the direction of Dr. William P. Potsic. The division is staffed by one of the largest clinical faculties of pediatric otolaryngology in the country and provides innovative and comprehensive pediatric otolaryngology care to patients.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is the oldest children’s hospital in the United States and is located adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center Campus. Inpatient services include general pediatrics, medical and surgical specialties, radiology, anesthesia and critical care medicine. Ambulatory care in pediatric otolaryngology is provided to children ranging in age from newborns to 19 years of age at the Richard D. Wood Ambulatory Care Center adjacent to CHOP’s inpatient facility and at 6 regional Specialty Care Centers. Over 30,000 outpatient visits are made yearly to the division of pediatric otolaryngology from a referral area that encompasses southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. Annually, over 8000 operative procedures are performed by the pediatric otolaryngology staff of attending, fellow and resident surgeons at CHOP’s main campus and 3 Ambulatory Surgical Facilities. These procedures address problems in all areas of pediatric otolaryngology: otology, bronchoesophagology, cochlear implantation, head and neck surgery, nasal and sinus disease, and airway reconstruction.

CHOP pediatric otolaryngology directs The Center for Pediatric Airway Disorders. Children with all types of airway problems, such as subglottic stenosis and chronic tracheostomies are treated by a multi-disciplinary team that includes otolaryngology, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, pulmonology and critical care. A separate Voice Clinic has been established to treat children with voice disorders.

Audiology and Speech pathology services are provided through the Center for Childhood Communication (CCC). The CCC is a state-of-art facility that combines the highest quality patient care with innovative research. Its goal is to translate new discoveries in hearing, language, voice and speech disorders into clinical applications.

Division of Rhinology and Sinus Surgery
Director, David W. Kennedy, M.D., Professor and Vice-Dean

The University of Pennsylvania Medical Center attracts patients with rhinologic disease from all parts of the world and these patients, combined with patients who are self referred or regionally referred provide an unparalleled opportunity for resident exposure and training in this growing an increasingly important field.

Resident training in rhinology and endoscopic sinus surgery begins with a full understanding of nasal and paranasal sinus anatomy and pathophysiology. This is achieved through formal didactic sessions (both lectures and videotapes), anatomic fresh cadaver dissection, and routine office nasal endoscopy.Residents work closely with our attending staff while using the world's most advanced technology. Quality viewing and video systems are used for teaching in both the operating room and outpatient clinics. Research opportunities including ongoing work on the pathogenesis of chronic sinus disease, mucociliary clearance of the paranasal sinuses, rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry, fungal sinusitis and staging systems for sinusitis. Several research projects are also on-going with collaboration of the Smell and Taste Center.Upon successful completion of the didactic/clinical training program, residents should have the background training necessary to become leaders in this area.

Division of Speech-Language Pathology
Interim Associate Director, Patricia Dooley, MS, CCC-SLP

The Speech Language Pathology Division of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for deficits related to speech, language, cognitive, voice and swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Difficulties in swallowing and/or communication often occur with surgeries of the head and neck, cerebral vascular accidents (stroke), brain tumors, head injuries and neuromuscular diseases. Services offered include the following: Dysphagia clinical evaluation, Videofluoroscopic study (with the radiologist), Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (with an attendant physician), Videostroboscopic Voice evaluation, Kay Computer Speech Lab and various appropriate treatment strategies.

Many patients present with problems requiring close consultation between the speech-language pathologist and the referring physician, or multidisciplinary care involving other appropriate medical subspecialists. The University of Pennsylvania Health System is an environment in which the patient can be assured of close collaboration with appropriate medical specialists for those patients who require it. The services provided by the Speech Language Pathology Division are designed to help patients develop effective communication abilities and restore safe eating and drinking function.