Laryngeal and tracheal anomalies continue to challenge pediatric otolaryngologists the world over. Dr. Robin Cotton is among the world's finest airway surgeons, having pioneered the techniques now generally accepted throughout the medical community. As such, the division receives many complex national and international referrals. Dr. Michael Rutter continues to assist Dr. Cotton in developing the airway practice nationally and internationally.
Building on initial research success that made him a Procter Scholar, Dr. Ravi Elluru continues his NIH funded work, "Genetic Determinants of Respiratory Tract Cartilage." The project is looking at the role of Sox 9 and Fibroblast Growth Factor 18, among other genes, in patterning the development of the upper respiratory tract. Publications that have arisen from this research have led to two different awards from the otolaryngology community. Dr. Elluru has also recently assumed directorship of the Center for Pediatric Voice Disorders, a multidisciplinary group, focused on understanding and treating diseases of the larynx. Dr. Elluru also maintains a robust clinical practice in airway reconstruction and the management of head and neck vascular anomalies.
Dr. Ellis Arjmand, MD, PhD joined the division in July 2004 as the new director of the Center for Hearing and Deafness Research. Dr. Arjmand hit the ground running by establishing a new interdisciplinary clinic for children with hearing impairment. The program is designed for children who have just been diagnosed with hearing loss, and as a second-opinion diagnostic service for children who have been seen elsewhere. One-day evaluation is offered, especially for patients coming from out of town. Other participating departments are Ophthalmology, Developmental Pediatrics, Human Genetics, Neurology, Radiology, Audiology, Speech Pathology, and Social Services.
Furthering the research mission of both the Otolaryngology division and Center for Hearing and Deafness Research, David Brown, PhD was recruited in April 2005 as the director of Audiological Research. Dr. Brown's research interests are in the areas of hearing screening and diagnostic testing in newborns. Using such tools as otoacoustic emissions and evoked potentials we will be better able to determine an infants hearing ability which will lead to better treatment and outcomes for that child. Edith Eads was also recruited in October 2004 as the division's research audiologist. Ms. Eads will be working closely with Dr. Arjmand and Dr. Brown as well as research nurse coordinator, Angie Duggins, to facilitate the audiological research projects that arise out of CHDR.
In addition to continuing his own research program, Dr. Daniel Choo continues to build collaborative research relationships. He is part of a 5-year, 3.4 million dollar NIH grant with P.I. Scott Holland looking at cortical activation in deaf infants prior to cochlear implantation. He is also part of 7-year, multi-institutional collaborative effort, the largest award ever issued by the NIDCD, looking to screen for CMV.
Dr. John Greinwald. Jr., and other Cincinnati Children's researchers continue their work on the state sponsored Biomedical Research and Technology Transfer (BRTT) grant awarded by Governor Robert Taft. This project continues to work toward the creation of the gene chip. This chip technology will eventually allow mass screening of all known genetic abnormalities causing hearing loss. What once took time and many tests to accomplish will be identified with a single, cost-effective test. This project has progressed nicely over the past year and is currently in the validation phase.
Demonstrating his passion for process improvement (PI), Dr. J. Paul Willging continues to monitor the PI initiatives of this division. Dr. Willging was also chair of the P2 Education Materials Task Force whose charge is to develop a hospital template for consistent educational materials for patients and families related to the perioperative process and surgical procedures. Additionally, Dr. Willging continues to act as the pediatric otolaryngology residency director for the division. Dr. Willging was also recognized on the Best Doctor list for 2004 as well as was given The Distinguished Service Award for 2005 by the Southwestern Ohio Speech, Language & Hearing Association.
Dr. Shott and Dr. Myer continue to provide the highest level of general pediatric otolaryngology care. Dr. Shott is committed to improving the care of Down syndrome patients and continues her research with aid from Human Genetics. She is also president-elect of SENTAC (Society for Ear, Nose, and Throat Advances in Children). Dr. Myer is actively involved in ongoing clinical trials research and works closely with drug and equipment vendors to supply the division with the latest innovative products. Dr Myer was also named director of the otolaryngology residency program.
