Past News
| Faculty Promotions and Tenure | ||
| We are pleased to announce that J. Randall Jordan, M.D., has been promoted to Professor and William D. Mustain, Ph.D., and Hong Zhu, M.D., Ph.D., have been promoted to Associate Professor, and that Dr. Zhu, Dr. Karen T. Pitman, Dr. Thomas J. Payne, and Dr. John M. Schweinfurth were granted Tenure, effective July 1, 2008. | ||
| Dr. Jordan joined the department in June, 2002. He serves as Vice Chairman and Medical Director of the departmental clinics. He is very involved in resident teaching and has been named Faculty Teacher of the Year several years by residents. Dr. Jordan's practice focuses on facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery as well as cutaneous oncology of the head and neck. | ![]() |
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Dr. Mustain has been on faculty in our department since 1985 serving as Chief of the Division of Communicative Sciences and Director of the Vestibular Laboratory. He has created and instituted a hands-on training for our residents in audiology and speech language pathology. Dr. Mustain's areas of interest are newborn hearing and vestibular disorders. | |
| Dr. Zhu has been a member our department since March of 2002. She has served as a mentor for multiple students and residents and has helped us develop a nationally recognized Resident Research Program. Dr. Zhu serves as a grant reviewer for several national funding agenicies. She conducts vestibular and pharmacology research | ![]() |
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Dr. Payne, Professor, is Director of Clinical Research and serves as associate director of the ACT Center for Tobacco Treatment, Education and Research, nationally recognized for its clinical and educational activities. He is on the editorial board of directors for the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence, and provides scholarly reviews for many journals. Dr. Payne enhances our research education program by providing critical information regarding study design and grant writing. | |
| Dr. Pitman, Professor, joined the department in September, 2002. She specializes in head and neck oncologic and endocrine surgery and is part of the multidisciplinary head and neck cancer and thyroid teams. Dr. Pitman is regarded highly as a teacher in the operating room and clinics by students and residents. She was recently named chair of the General Otolaryngology Education Committee for the American Academy of Otolaryngology. | ![]() |
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Dr. Schweinfurth, Professor, has been with the department since January, 2003. His specialties include laryngology, voice and airway disorders. Dr. Schweinfurth was recently awarded an NIH R0-1 grant. He is an outstanding educator and serves on the Curriculum Committee and the Residency Review Committee, working to improve educational methodology and evaluation. | |
| Congratulations to these faculty for their well-deserved recognition. | ||
Graduation 2008
The Seventh Annual Lectureship and Resident Graduation in Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences was held Friday, June 13, 2008, with lectures beginning at 8:00 a.m. A dinner and awards ceremony followed that evening, and a golf tournament and barbecue concluded the activities on Saturday.
We were honored to have Michael G. Stewart, MD, MPH, FACS, an outstanding leader in the field of otolaryngology, as our Visiting Professor for this year's lectureship. He is currently the Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Otorhinolaryngologist-in-Chief at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medical Center. He is serving as the President of the Society of University Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons. His lectures were "Outcomes Research and Evidence-Based Medicine" and "Tonsillectomy Outcomes in Recurrent Tonsillitis". Research presentations were made by graduating residents, Corbin Mullis, MD, and Pearson Windham, MD and by senior residents, Jason Guillot, MD, and Andrea Lewis, MD. Dr. Stewart then also conducted a case studies conference with the residents.
The dinner and awards ceremony, honoring our graduates Drs. Mullis and WIndham, took place that evening at the Country Club of Jackson. Dr. Mullis will be moving back home to Georgia where he will be joining Dublin ENT Associates, in Dublin. Dr. Windham will be joining the practice of ENT Consultants of North Mississippi in Oxford.
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| Corbin and his wife, Misty | Pearson and his wife, Ashley |
Award winners for 2008 include:
Faculty Teacher of the Year - Thomas Eby, MD (voted on by residents)
Resident Teacher of the Year - Jason Guillot, MD, PGY-4 (voted on by residents and students)
Overall Resident Academic Award - Andrea Lewis, MD, PGY-4 (highest overall Otolaryngology Training Exam score)
Senior Resident Academic Award - Jason Guillot, MD, PGY-4 (highest Otolaryngology Training Exam score among PGY-4 and PGY-5 residents)
Junior Resident Academic Award - Michael Goodier, MD, PGY-2 (highest Otolaryngology Training Exam score among PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents
Resident Research Award - Jason Guillot, MD, PGY-4 (chosen by visiting professor at lectureship)
Mary B. Manasco Spirit Award - Andrea Lewis, MD, PGY-4 (award created in honor of education administrator; voted on by faculty for resident with outstanding attitude, collegiality, work ethic, cooperativeness, selflessness, competence and leadership)
Consultant of the Year Award - Three way tie - H. Chris Kinard, MD (Anesthesiology, UMC); Christian Koch, MD, PhD (Endocrinology, UMC); Stanley Musick (Anesthesiology, UMC)
Alumnus of the Year - Christine B. Franzese, MD (Residency Program Director and Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences and Residency, UMC)
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| Dr. Christine Franzese. Program Director, presenting Dr. Tom Eby with Teacher of the Year Award | Dr. Franzese presenting Dr. Andrea Lewis with the Resident Overall Academic Award and the Mary B. Manasco Spirit Award | |
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| Dr. Franzese presenting Dr. Jason Guillot with the Resident Teacher of the Year Award, the Resident Research Award and the Senior Resident Academic Award | Dr. Franzese presenting Dr. Michael Goodier with the Junior Resident Academic Award | |
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| Dr. Chris Kinard, Anesthesiology, receives a Consultant of the Year Award from Chairman, Dr. Scott Stringer | Dr. Stringer presenting Dr. Stan Musick, Anesthesiology, a Consultant of the Year Award | |
Another Outstanding Performance by Residents on Annual Otolaryngology Examination
Once again our residents achieved outstanding success on the 2008 Annual Otolaryngology Examination scoring at the 85th percentile of all program taking the examination. Seven of our residents scored at or above the 80 th percentile within their resident group. Also, three of them also scored in the top 10 percentile of all residents taking the examination.
Ear Reconstruction Surgery
Thanks to Dr. Jeff Carron and his team, two young girls, ages 8 and 9, not only have been given a chance to hear more normally, but to also have a more normal appearance.

Both girls were born without an ear on one side and now have prosthetic ears as replacements for the missing ears. The surgical procedure involved placing metal posts into the skull to anchor a prosthetic ear. The ear, made with the assistance of Dr. Harold Kolodney, oral and maxillofacial prosthetics, was designed from a template of the opposite ear. The girls also had bone-anchored hearing aids implanted at the same time to restore hearing benefits of the missing ear. The girls can now wear the prosthetics without the social embarrassment of missing an ear; they enjoy more normal hearing; they can wear eyeglasses and, of course, earrings! Below are before and after pictures of one of the girls, Corlee Gentry. Her mother, Dawn, indicates that she is very pleased with her new ear.
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University HealthSystem Consortium Rating
The Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences was among the best performing institutions for observed to expected inpatient mortality ratio in comparison to 91 academic medical centers that participate in the University HealthSystem Consortium's (UHC) Clinical Data Base (CDB). This finding is from UHCs Clinical Outcomes Report, which covers patient discharges for calendar year 2007; the Otolaryngology product line had no observed deaths during this period. UHC is an alliance of 101 academic medical centers and 170 of their affiliated hospitals representing approximately 90% of the nation's non-profit large academic medical centers.
Orthopedics and Otolaryngology Golf Match
The first annual Orthopedics versus Otolaryngology golf match set the precedent for future matches. In a close and fiercely competitive contest held at Annandale Golf Course on May 17, Team ENT defeated Team Ortho 2-1. Orthopedics had made it clear that it believed Team ENT's amazing two year run as national otolaryngology golf champions was meaningless because ENT was "minor league" compared to Orthopedics. Team ENT, led by Drs. Scott Stringer, Randy Jordan, Jamie Sisk, Ben Jeffcoat, Pearson Windham, and Mark Reed, let its clubs do the talking and convinced Orthopedics that they were wrong. Dr. Jeffcoat, team captain, came up with a masterful strategy for pairings that shocked Orthopedics. In the final and deciding match, Team ENT made the turn up three holes. Team Ortho's Drs. Kerk Mehrle and Allan Smith stormed back with a 70-plus foot birdie putt from off the green on 10, followed by a second consecutive birdie on #11 to close the gap. Arriving at #17, the match was tied. Dr. Jamie Sisk, resident alumnus who practices in Laurel, hit a career flop shot from behind #17's green to within 3 feet to secure Team ENT's par. The team was one hole up with one to play when Team Ortho missed their par putt. At #18, Team ENT secured the match with another birdie. The low round of the day went to Drs. Windham and Reed who shot a 66, handily knocking out their opponents 5 and 7. Team Ortho is anxious for redemption and is requesting another match as early as the fall. Team ENT will be ready.
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Team ENT (left to right): Drs. Scott Stringer, Randy Jordan, Jamie Sisk, Ben Jeffcoat, Pearson Windham, and Mark Reed. |
Dr. Eby Visits Japan - Dr. Sakagami Visits Mississippi
Dr. Thomas Eby was a guest speaker at the Barany Society meeting in Kyoto, Japan, April 1-4, 2008, invited by Masafumi Sakagami, MD, PhD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Hyogo College of Medicine. Dr. Eby presented a paper and poster about recent vestibular research within the department, and monitored a session at the meeting. Dr. Eby was also asked to speak to two otolaryngology societies in Osaka. Later that month, we were honored to have Professor Sakagami come to Jackson as a visiting professor. He gave an update on otologic surgery techniques in Japan at resident conference. Dr. Sakagami and his wife, Michiko, indicated that they thoroughly enjoyed their visit including the southern atmosphere, hospitality, and foods.
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| Dr. Sakagami with Dr. Eby in Japan | Dinner with the Sakagami's in Mississippi: (left to right) Dr. and Mrs. Sakagami, Dr. Eby, Dr. and Mrs. Randy Jordan, Dr. and Mrs. Scott Stringer |
New Residents 2008 - The Match
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Jonathan Paul Hayes is a native of Columbia, Missouri.
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| The Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences is very excited to have these three outstanding candidates join us, and we are looking forward to working with them! |
UHHS Named a Top Hospital Nationally
Alexander Graham Bell Cochlear Implant Fellowship Award
Our cochlear implant center, directed by Dr. Jeffrey Carron, has been selected to receive a 2008 AG Bell Cochlear Implant Fellowship Award in the amount of $15,000. Each year, cochlear implant centers vie for consideration of this award. Twelve centers from across the country were selected this year to receive the award to train professionals in the field of cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation. The fellowships fund mentoring and educational development for professionals in clinical and research audiology, speech-language pathology, auditory rehabilitation, and the education of individuals who are deaf or heard of hearing. This is quite an honor for the Cochlear Implant Center and is indicative of the dedication and efforts of the Center's staff.
Resident Wives Participate in Annual Taste of UMC

Pictured from left to right are Aimee Goodier, Betty Guillot, Lisa Jeffcoat, Amy Norris (front), Misty Mullis, Mandy Barber, and Megan Byrne.
Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Schweinfurth pictured holding award, with Dr. John Hall, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research (to Dr. Schweinfurth's right), Dr. Dan Jones, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs (back row left), and other inductees.
Repeat Golf Champs!
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Dr. Randy Jordan, Dr. Ben Jeffocoat (PGY-3), Dr. Pearson Windham (PGY-5), Dr. Mark Reed |
Naples, FL. January 11, 2008 ...
Dynasty. This is the word that is being used to describe the UMMC Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences golf team after their stunning repeat as champions of the Southern Section of the Triological golf tournament in Naples, Florida today. After the loss of key team member, Jamie Sisk, many did not think they could repeat. It was known that several other prominent teams, stung by last year's defeat by team UMMC, would be gunning to bring UMMC down this year. Ignoring this threat and rebuilding from last year, team UMMC methodically took care of business today beating the odds against a repeat. Drs. Reed, Jeffcoat, Windham and newcomer "Dr. Short Game" Jordan combined for a 13 under par round leaving the next closest team a distant five shots back. Department GM, Scott Stringer, pointed out that he was not surprised at the team's success given the record of the department succeeding at being among the best in the country in everything they do. Team captain, Mark Reed, says he is not ready to accept the dynasty label, hoping to keep his team focused and humble as they prepare for next year without departing senior, Pearson Windham. However, after two years of trying to chase down team Oto, the rest of the country knows that Team Oto-CS is going to be the team to beat for years to come. Sounds like a dynasty to this writer. Congratulations to them!
- Scott Stringer, MD, Chairman
Mississippi Blues Marathon Participants

Congratulations to our own Dr. Jason Guillot (PGY-4) for completing the inaugural Mississippi Blues Marathon held Saturday, January 5, 2008. Dr. Guillot was one of over 400 participants who ran the 26.2 mile course - deemed to be quite challenging with its rolling hills - throughout some of Jackson's most beautiful and historic areas. Marla Moore, PA, finished the half marathon along with close to 700 runners. Also participating was Lisa Carron (wife of Dr. Jeffrey Carron) who ran most of the marathon as part of training for the upcoming Mardi Gras marathon in New Orleans. The Mississippi Blues Marathon, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, was a first year success, with participants from 41 states and 3 countries.
For more information about the marathon, visit www.msbluesmarathon.com.
Residents Receive Travel Grants to Southern Section Meeting
Two residents have received travel awards of $500 to help offset travel expenses to attend the Southern Section Meeting of the Triological Society in Naples, Florida, January 10-12, 2008. The awards were based on abstracts and manuscripts that were chosen for presentation at the meeting. The residents receiving these grants are Dr. Pearson Windham, PGY-5, for his poster Endoscopic Management of a Massive Nasal Osteoma Presenting as an Orbital Abscess, and Dr. Michael Goodier, PGY-2, for his poster A Unique Method of Airway Management in a Patient with Type IV Laryngotracheal Cleft: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Dr. Kristen Otto Joins Department

Pfizer Medical Education Grant
The ACT Center for Tobacco Treatment, Education & Research was recently awarded a $264,000 IIR grant for the period 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008. This grant funds the establishment of integrated tobacco treatment services within four hospital-based healthcare systems, and will include a research component. The program focuses on three core areas:
- Training key clinics and inpatient units in the use of the NCI 5A brief intervention approach, including coordination of specialized services (i.e. quitlines and internet services).
- Training a team of Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists (CTTS) to deliver an intensive level of care.
- Consulting with administrative staff and key stakeholders to facilitate program acceptance, participation, monitoring, and completion of requirements.
Program results will be monitored to evaluate clinical impact of services; acceptability and sustainability of these services; and to examine predictors of provider cessation behaviors in delivering interventions.
Dr. Thomas Payne is the Principal Investigator, and Professor of Otolaryngology & Communicative Sciences. Co-Investigators include Drs. Karen Crews, Professor of Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry, Natalie Gaughf, Assistant Professor of Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry, and Patrick Smith, Professor of Family Medicine.
2008 Southern Section Meeting of The Triological Society
The Triological Society will hold its Southern Section Meeting in Naples, Florida, January 10-12, 2008. Once again, our department will be well represented on the program. Abstracts by five of our residents have been selected for poster presentations. The posters are Endoscopic Management of a Massive Nasal Osteoma Presenting as an Orbital Abscess, Dr. Pearson Windham, PGY-5; Extraocular Myogenic Potentials (OVEMP) Evoked by Acoustic Tone Pips with Different Frequencies, Dr. Andrea Lewis, PGY-4; Large Retropharyngeal Mass in a Pediatric Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type I, Dr. Kim Donnellan, PGY-3; Unusual Delayed Presentation of Extensive Facial and Cervical Subcutaneous Emphysema Resulting from Iatrogenic Nasopharyngeal Perforation, Dr. Ben Jeffcoat, PGY-3; and A Unique Method of Airway Management in a Patient with Type IV Laryngotracheal Cleft: Case Report and Review of the Literature, Michael Goodier, PGY-2.
The Face and Skin Center
For some time now, The Face Center, a division of our services, has been helping customers look their very best by offering the most scientifically advanced facial skin rejuvenation technology, skincare products, and surgical procedures available. Recently, these services have been expanded to include total skin care with the addition of a board-certified dermatologist to our staff. Now known as The Face and Skin Center of University Physicians, the center offers complete skin care, dermatology services, and facial plastic surgery. The goal of the staff at The Face and Skin Center is to exceed the expectations of customers with their expertise, personalized service, and exceptional value. This expert team includes Randy Jordan, MD, Nancye McCowan, MD, and Christy Childress, RN. To better serve our customers, The Face and Skin Center has opened a new office at The Township at Colony Park, 201 North Lake Avenue in Ridgeland. This 5,000-plus square-foot facility is state-of-the-art in every respect while affording a comfortable and relaxing environment for customers. Check our website frequently for updates or visit www.thefaceandskincenter.com.
Scott Stringer Appointment

New Faculty Member

Otolaryngology Honor Award
Tara Lynn Rosenberg was recognized recently at The School of Medicine Honors Day as the recipient of the 2008 Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences Award. The book award and certificate are awarded annually to a senior medical student for excellence in the field of otolaryngology. Tara also was selected by the graduating medical students as Medical Student of the Year and was the recipient of several other prestigious scholarships and awards. We are delighted that Tara will join our residency program in July as she pursues a career in otolaryngology.
2008 Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM) Presentations
Once again, the department will be well represented by our residents, students, and faculty at various meetings of the 111th annual COSM to be held in Orlando during May. Several abstracts were selected for poster or oral presentation. An abstract submitted by Dr. Corbin Mullis, "Tracheal Rupture in a Child Caused by Vomiting", sponsored by Dr. Jeff Carron, was selected for poster presentation at the Triological Society meeting. Dr. Jason Guillot's abstract "Cigarette Smoking and Regulatory T Cell Subpopulations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients" submitted in conjunction with Dr. Karen Pitman, Dr. Gailen Marshall, and Dr. Jadrien Young from Vanderbilt University, was also selected as a poster presentation at the Triological Society meeting. The American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) chose two papers submitted by Tara Rosenberg, M-4, and Dr. John Schweinfurth "Brown Fat Content of the Neonatal Larynx and Neck" and "Cell Density of Lamina Propria of Neonatal Vocal Folds" for oral presentation at their meeting. The ABEA also accepted an abstract by Matthew Sitton, M-4, in conjunction with Dr. Schweinfurth, entitled "Cervical Spine Problems Causing Dysphagia" as a poster presentation. Congratulations to all of these for their continued outstanding research efforts.
Resident Wives Participate in Annual Taste of UMC
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The wives of our residents enjoyed participating in the 2008 Taste of UMC, held Saturday, February 16, at the Jackson Medical Mall. The Taste of UMC is the major fund-raiser for the UMC Alliance in support of worthwhile projects including patient needs, the chapel fund, and art acquisitions. "Happy New Year" was the theme of their display, complete with confetti, champagne glasses, noisemakers, party hats and sunshades. Their menu featured "new year's caviar," a black-eyed pea and artichoke dip. |
Pictured from left to right are Aimee Goodier, Betty Guillot, Lisa Jeffcoat, Amy Norris (front), Misty Mullis, Mandy Barber, and Megan Byrne.
Best Doctors Designations
Once again, several faculty members were selected for inclusion in the "Best Doctors in America" database, an elite database containing names and profiles of the top 5% of physicians in the United States. Scott P. Stringer, MD, MS, professor and chair, Karen T. Pitman, MD, professor, and James R. House, III, clinical assistant professor, are included in the 2007-08 national database. Also included is R. Darryl Hamilton, MD, adjunct faculty member and assistant professor of medicine (oncology). "Best Doctors" is an acclaimed resource for matching patients around the world with the best medical care available. For more about the program, visit their website at www.bestdoctors.com.
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| Dr. Stringer | Dr. Pitman | Dr. House | Dr. Hamilton |
American Geriatrics Society Grant Awarded
Dr. John Schweinfurth was recently awarded a Geriatrics-for-Specialists Initiative grant from the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), through a program funded by The John A. Hartford Foundation. This program provides initiatives for training centers to develop, initiate and evaluate programs and curricula to increase education for residents in the geriatrics aspect of otolaryngology. The Geriatrics for Specialty Residents (GSR) program provides support to bring this expertise into residency programs. Dr. Schweinfurth will work in collaboration with the geriatrics program at UMC to address the urgent need to create a structure for developing future geriatric leaders in academic otolaryngology, thereby enhancing knowledge and skills in teaching these principles to specialist residents.
2007 Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
The Department and UMMC were well-represented at several otolaryngology meetings held in Washington, D.C. during September, including the annual American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation meeting.
Faculty and residents participated in various meeting sessions with several presentations. Dr. Andrea Lewis, PGY-4, gave an oral presentation of her work "Comparison of the Cost-Effectiveness of Diagnostic Testing for Inhalant Allergies" at the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy meeting at the Omni Shoreham hotel on September 16. This project was completed in conjunction with Dr. Christine Franzese and Dr. Scott Stringer. Dr. Corbin Mullis, PGY-5, presented a poster entitled "Advances in Minimal Access Cochlear Implantation" at the AAO-HNSF meeting held at the Washington Metro Convention Center. Dr. Jeffrey Carron, faculty sponsor of this project, was also in attendance. Dr. Scott Stringer made a presentation entitled "Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in the Setting of Sinus Balloon Catheterization" to the American Rhinologic Society on September 15. Dr. Randy Jordan gave a presentation "Extracorporeal Septoplasty - Correcting the Difficult Septal Deformity" at the AAO-HNSF meeting on September 16. Dr. Jordan was also a guest panelist for a session concerning functional rhinoplasty.
Other faculty members attending meetings were Dr. Thomas Eby and Dr. Karen Pitman. Additional resident representatives were Dr. Pearson Windham, PGY-5, Dr. Kim Donnellan, PGY-3, and Dr. Ben Jeffcoat, PGY-3. Physician extenders Tristen Harris, PA-C and Holly Armstrong, NP, along with clinical nurse coordinators Heidi Jackson and Cindy Rogers, attended various events. Department and clinic management staff Marilyn Roberts, Mary Guest, and Sabrina Reilly participated in administrative sessions.
The Department hosted an alumni dinner on Sunday, September 17th, at the 701 Pennsylvania Avenue Restaurant Bar and Grill. NeuroMaxx Surgical and Stryker were our corporate partners for this event.
Graduation 2007
The Sixth Annual Lectureship and Resident Graduation in Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences was held Friday, June 22, 2007, with lectures beginning at 8:00 a.m. A dinner and awards ceremony followed that evening, and a golf tournament concluded the activities on Saturday.


Award winners for 2007 included:
Faculty Teacher of the Year - Karen Pitman, MD (voted on by residents)
Resident Teacher of the Year - Kim Donnellan, MD, PGY-2 (voted on by residents and students)
Resident Academic Award - Jason Guillot, MD, PGY-3 (highest Otolaryngology Training Exam score)
Resident Research Award - Corbin Mullis, MD, PGY-4 (chosen by visiting professor at lectureship)
Mary B. Manasco Spirit Award - Kim Donnellan, MD, PGY-2 (award created in honor of education administrator; voted on by faculty for resident with outstanding attitude, collegiality, work ethic, cooperativeness, selflessness, competence and leadership)
Consultant of the Year Award - Fadel Ruiz, MD (Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, UMC)
Alumnus of the Year - James L. Connolly, MD (in private practice, Destin, Florida)
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Dept. Chairman Dr. Scott Stringer, Dr. Miyamoto, Dr. Sisk, and Dr. Garner |
Dr. Ron Cannon, immediate past president of AAO-HNS, and Dr. Miyamoto, current president | |
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| Faculty members Dr. Roark, Dr. Eby & Dr. Bishop | Dr. Stringer presenting Mary Manasco, Education Administrator, with appreciation gift | |
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| Dr. Franzese, Associate Residency Program Director, presenting Dr. Mullis with Resident Research Award | Dr. Franzese presenting Dr. Donnellan with Resident Teacher of the Year Award | |
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| Dr. Franzese presenting Dr. Guillot with Resident Academic Award | Incoming residents Dr. Byron Norris (left) and Dr. Alan Grimm (right) with Dr. Jeffrey Carron, Associate Professor |
Another RO1 Grant for Department

Faculty Promotions
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Karen Pitman and Dr. John Schweinfurth have been promoted to Professor effective July 1, 2007.


Congratulations to both of these for this well-deserved recognition.
Another Outstanding Performance by Residents on Annual Otolaryngology Examination
Once again our residents achieved outstanding success on the Annual Otolaryngology Examination achieving in 2007 a program scaled score surpassed by only 7 of 125 programs participating as illustrated below. For the third year in a row six of our residents scored at or above the 80 th percentile within their resident group. Also, three of them also scored in the top 10 percentile of all residents taking the examination.
Otolaryngology Honor Award
Ryan Corey Case was presented the Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences Award at Honors Day on May 3. This book award and certificate are awarded annually to a senior medical student for excellence in the field of otolaryngology. Ryan plans a career in otolaryngology and we are delighted he will join our residency program in July.
Mindy Ware Obtains Au.D.

Resident All Star Award

New Residents 2007
The Match
On March 17, the National Resident Matching Program notified our department that we had matched three outstanding students, Ryan Case, Byron Norris and Alan Grimm.



PGY-2

The Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences is very excited to have these four outstanding candidates join us, and we are looking forward to working with them!
Cochlear Implant Center Award
Our Cochlear Implant Center was selected to receive a $15,000 fellowship award by the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The University of Mississippi Medical Center was one of 13 institutions chosen from around the country to receive this award. The fellowship will fund training for professionals in the field of cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation. It will provide professionals up to 12 months of mentored work experience with a cochlear implant specialist to include candidate evaluation, device-fitting, rehabilitation, counseling and research.
Congratulations to the following team members:
Jeff Carron, MD
Tom Eby, MD
Charles Bishop, AuD
Kathy Irving, AuD
Lara Monico, MCD
Suzanne Roark, AuD
Mindy Ware, MS
This is an exceptional honor for our team and quite a testament to their success and professionalism!
For more information about the award and the Association, visit their website at http://www.agbell.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?p=Fellowship_Release_2007.
The Triological Society 2007 Combined Sections Meeting
The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc., or The Triological Society, held its first combined sections meeting (Western, Eastern, Southern, and Middle) on Marco Island, Florida, February 14-18, 2007. The Triological Society offers otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons throughout the country opportunities to update their knowledge and skills through educational meetings and scientific sessions offered each year.
The department was well-represented by both faculty and residents. Faculty members attending were Dr. Tom Eby, Dr. Christine Franzese, Dr. Mark Reed, Dr. John Schweinfurth, and Dr. Scott Stringer. Residents attending included PGY5's Dr. Justin Garner and Dr. Jamie Sisk; PGY4's Dr. Corbin Mullis and Dr. Pearson Windham; PGY3's Dr. Jason Guillot and Dr. Andrea Lewis; and PGY2's Dr. Kim Donnellan and Dr. Ben Jeffcoat.
An exceptional number of abstracts by our residents, the most of any single institution in the nation, were selected for both poster and oral presentation at the meeting. A total of 10 submissions by our residents were accepted and presented. Drs. Donnellan and Windham each submitted two and both were accepted. Dr. Mullis and co-author Dr. Franzese won third place in the Resident Research Competition for the Southern Section. They received the James Harrill Resident Research Award for their work entitled Cost Effective Analysis of 18-FDG Positron Emission Tomography in the Detection of Recurrent Laryngeal Carcinoma.
Not only did the department deliver exceptional performance in the educational and research arena, but also did quite well in the recreational arenas. Despite the cold and 20 mph winds, our team won first place in the Southern Section scramble golf tournament held Friday afternoon at the Rookery Golf Club. Drs. Reed, Jeffcoat, Sisk, and Windham brought home the championship trophy with a score of 8 under par (64), well ahead of the second place winners with 3 under. Dr. Sisk (a former caddy at the home of the Masters - the Augusta National Golf Club) won the closest to the hole competition. A second team comprised of Drs. Stringer, Schweinfurth, Franzese, and Garner also participated in the golf tournament. Dr. Eby represented the department in the tennis competition and received top honors. He was one of nine players in a round-robin doubles tournament.
Congratulations to our presenters and winners for their outstanding achievements during this event!
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| Drs. Reed, Windham, Jeffcoat & Sisk with trophy | Dr. Eby |
NIH Grant Award
Dr. John Schweinfurth was recently awarded an R01, five year research grant from the National Institutes of Health, in the total amount of $1,335,201. The project is entitled Characterization of Hearing Status in the Jackson Heart Study Cohort. Considering that grant awards by the NIH are very limited and carefully screened, this is quite an accomplishment. Not only is Dr. Schweinfurth a dedicated practicing physician, he is devoted to being a very active and successful member of our research team.
Club Excellence Inductee

VA Medical Center Ranking
In this year's annual evaluation of VA hospitals across the country, the G. V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson ranked tenth overall when considering a variety of performance measures. The Center ranked fourth nationally in quality of clinical care. We are very fortunate to have such a high quality VA partner in our program. Obviously, Dr. Christine Franzese, Chief of the Division of Otolaryngology at the VA, and our residents have been strong contributors to this success.
Residency Program Accreditation
Our residency program has received a full five year accreditation from the Residency Review Committee for Otolaryngology, a division of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, effective 2/2/2007. Five years is the maximum period granted and is reserved only for the strongest programs. This accomplishment is indicative of the excellent quality of our residency program, our outstanding staff, and of course, the dedication of our program coordinators Education Administrator Mary Manasco and Associate Program Director Dr. Christine Franzese who were responsible for representing our program to the RRC.
Wear Red Day
Department employees participated in the National Wear Red Day Friday, February 2, as part of the Go Red for Women campaign sponsored by national and local groups, including the American Heart Association. The Wear Red Day is a movement that began in 2002 to promote awareness of women's heart disease. Here are some of our red-clad employees showing their support for women's heart health:
Dr. Christine Franzese Presents at the 2007 ACGME Educational Conference
Dr. Christine Franzese, Residency Associate Program Director, was selected to deliver an oral presentation of her poster abstract When to Cut? Using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination to Evaluate Surgical Decision-Making during the 2007 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Educational Conference, March 1-4, in Kissimmee, Florida. Dr. Franzese has done extensive work in developing the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) program for residents. Her abstract was one of only nine selected by a ten member panel for the 2007 Marvin R. Dunn Poster Session from 144 submitted. This is a very prestigious honor for Dr. Franzese, the department, and for UMC, and is another way that we are establishing ourselves as a national leader in educational innovation. Congratulations to Dr. Franzese for this outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition.
2007 Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM) Presentations
An abstract submitted to the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) by Dr. Kim Donnellan, PGY2, has been selected for poster presentation at the 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting to be held during COSM in San Diego, April 25-27, 2007. Her poster Outcomes Following Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Therapy will be presented during the combined poster session. Also, fourth year medical student Ryan Case has been selected to orally present his work entitled Efficacy of Weight Loss in the Long-Term Management of Chronic Upper Airway Obstruction during the ABEA meeting. Congratulations to both of these for their outstanding research efforts.
New Technology Available for Treatment of Salivary Gland Disorders
For patients suffering from chronic salivary gland infections or salivary duct stones, there may be some help in sight. With the use of tiny fiberoptic telescopes, it is now possible to diagnose and treat many of these cases without major surgery. Previously, excision of the gland was the only available therapy for many patients. The new telescopes make it possible to use very small instruments to remove stones or strictures and can also be used with the holmium:yag laser to perform laser lithotripsy of larger stones. J. Randall Jordan, MD, FACS is introducing the new technology to UMC. Dr Jordan says that the ideal patient is one with a known stone in the mid to posterior portion of the submandibular duct that has not been able to be removed readily through the usual approaches. The ideal type of stone is less than 1 cm. Dr Jordan states that the long-term published success rates for cure are in excess of 90%. This technique has been popular in Europe for several years and is just now being introduced into the US. Previous studies revealed that in many cases of submandibular gland stones, the gland itself was normal on removal, and might have been functional if the stone could have been removed. Until recently, the fiberoptic telescope technology was not at the point where adequate images could be obtained with the small fibers necessary for endoscopy of the salivary gland ducts. Current technology allows very good image quality and enough room for an instrument channel as well. The technique is usually carried out under anesthesia in an operating room as an outpatient.
Chicago Marathon
Charles Bishop, AuD, Marla Moore, PA-C, and Andrea Lewis, MD, were among the 33,000 runners from all over the world who participated in the 29th annual Chicago Marathon on October 22, 2006. The trio successfully completed the 26.2 mile course through downtown Chicago. Weather conditions of 41 degrees and 20 mile per hour winds made the course even more challenging. Despite the weather, over 1,000,000 people lined the streets to cheer on the runners. Charles, Andrea, and Marla had been training since February for the marathon, working with a local group called Lifechange Marathon Makeover. Each of them was running 20-22 miles prior to the race. Congratulations to these three for attaining such a personal momentous achievement. It took a tremendous amount of dedication, determination, and perseverance to train for and finish such an event. The personal characteristics these three of our colleagues display typify the reason we have such a great department.
Dr. Bishop, Ms. Moore, and Dr. Lewis
Mississippi's 2007 "Top 40 Under 40"
Christine Franzese, MD, Assistant Professor, has been selected as one of Mississippi's elite "Top 40 Under 40" for 2007, sponsored by the Mississippi Business Journal. In its 14th year, this program recognizes young leaders for achievement in the business world and in their communities. Nominees are selected by an independent panel consisting of three judges. The "Top 40" will be honored at a luncheon January 17, 2007, at the Mississippi Trademart in Jackson, and will also be profiled in a special "Top 40" edition of the Mississippi Business Journal in February. Last year, more than 500 people attended the luncheon held in conjunction with the Mississippi Business & Technology Expo. Congratulations to Dr. Franzese on this very special honor!
Increase in Resident Complement Granted
We are pleased to announce that our residency program has just received approval from the ACGME for an increase in resident complement from 2 per year to 3 per year for every year increasing our total resident number from 10 to 15. We will be taking three PGY-1 residents in the 2007 NRMP match and trying to find a suitable person to start as a PGY-2 in July 2007. The other positions will be filled via future matches. This is an incredible compliment to each and every member of this department and their desire to teach.
Stringer Receives AAO-HNS Presidential Citation Award

UMC Well-Represented at Academy Events in Toronto
Dr. Randy Jordan attended the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery September 14-17 in Toronto. He remained in Toronto to attend the Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation annual meeting. Additional otolaryngology faculty attending the Academy meeting September 17-20 were Dr. Scott Stringer, Dr. Tom Eby, Dr. Jeff Carron, and Dr. Christine Franzese.
Dr. Michael Goodier (PGY-1) gave an oral presentation on Monday, September 18 on "Utility of Panendoscopy for Unknown Primary and Negative PET" detailing his research done in medical school at LSU, Shreveport. Dr. Andrea Lewis (PGY-3) presented a poster, entitled "Use of the Double-Skin Paddle Fibular Flap for Oral Defects with Continuous Chin Involvement" which she worked on with Dr. Richard Wein, former UMC faculty who is currently at Tufts-New England Medical Center. Other resident representatives were Dr. Justin Garner PGY-5, Dr. Jamie Sisk PGY-5, Dr. Corbin Mullis PGY-4, and Dr. Jason Guillot PGY-3.
Physician extenders Tristen Harris PA-C, Marla Moore PA-C, Holly Armstrong NP, clinical nurse coordinators Heidi Jackson, Cindy Rogers, and Christy Tucker, and administrators Marilyn Roberts, Mary Guest and Sabrina Reilly also attended sessions at the meeting.
The Department hosted an alumni dinner in conjunction with the Academy on Tuesday, September 19th at Harbour Street Steakhouse. Brad Odom and Patrick Harmon with NeuroMaxx Surgical were corporate partners for this event.
Health Fair
Dr. Randy Jordan and Christy Waggoner, RN, of The Face Center recently participated in a health fair held at The Hilton Hotel in Jackson. Sponsored by the Mississippi Nurses Foundation, the annual event attracts many presenters, including most local hospitals. The Center of Excellence in Women's Health at UMC is a major sponsor each year, providing various screening services and speakers for the event. The Face Center offered complimentary facial skin cancer screenings and digital imaging consultations to visitors. For more information about our facial plastic surgery and cosmetic skin care services, visit our website at www.thefaceandskincenter.com.
Scott Stringer Selected as University Physicians President

Jackson VA Medical Center Receives Outstanding Quality Ranking
Among 137 hospitals nationally, the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson ranked 12th overall for the year 2005 and tied for third in quality. This ranking was determined using key indicators including access, quality, and patient satisfaction. We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding partner in support of our educational and clinical programs.
Kathy Irving and Suzanne Roark earn AuD Degrees
Audiologists Kathy Irving and Suzanne Roark have completed all requirements for their Doctor of Audiology degrees, with official conferment August 5, 2006. They received the AuD from the Arizona School of Health Sciences in Mesa, Arizona, a program which offers a full spectrum curriculum of basic and clinical science education in the field of audiology. As doctors of audiology, Kathy and Suzanne will specialize in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. Completion of this advanced degree is indicative of the dedication Kathy and Suzanne have for their professional growth, for their patients, and for the department. They are looking forward to incorporating this knowledge into their practice, ultimately providing a better quality of life for their patients. Congratulations to Drs. Irving and Roark on this outstanding accomplishment!
Graduation 2006
The Fifth Annual Lectureship and Resident Graduation in Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences was held Friday, June 23, 2006, beginning at 8:00 a.m. A dinner and awards ceremony followed that evening.

A celebration and awards dinner took place that evening at the Country Club of Jackson in honor of our two graduates, Dr. Kimberly Elliott and Dr. Melanie Petro. Dr. Elliott will be entering private practice with Premier Medical Group in Mobile, Alabama, and Dr. Petro will be entering a cosmetic surgery fellowship with Dr. Stephen Metzinger at McCollough Clinic, Gulf Shores, Alabama.
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| Kimberly A. Elliott, MD | Melanie L. Petro, MD |
Award winners from this year included:
Resident Academic Award - Jason Guillot, MD, PGY-2 (highest Otolaryngology Training Exam score)
Resident Teacher of the Year - Melanie Petro, MD, PGY-5 and Jason Guillot, MD, PGY-2 (voted on by students and residents - tied for the award)
Faculty Teacher of the Year - J. Randall Jordan, MD (voted on by residents)
Resident Research Award - Jamie Sisk, MD, PGY-4 (chosen by visiting professor at lectureship)
Mary Manasco Spirit Award - Jason Guillot, MD, PGY-2(award created in honor of residency program coordinator; voted on by faculty for resident with outstanding attitude, collegiality, work ethic, cooperativeness, selflessness, competence and leadership)
Consultant of the Year Award - Darryl Hamilton, MD
Alumnus of the Year Award - Ron Cannon, MD
The residents also received individual gift certificates in recognition of their hard work and outstanding performance on the annual otolaryngology training examination.
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Dr. Franzese presents Drs. Elliott and Petro with their residency completion certificates. |
| Dr. Stringer congratulates graduating residents on completion of their programs. | ![]() |
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Dr. Franzese presents Dr. Sisk with Resident Research Award. |
| Dr. Jordan receives Faculty Teacher of the Year Award. | ![]() |
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Faculty, families, and friends visit during pre-dinner social. |
Dr. Tom Eby Joins Department

Dr. Eby has been at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for almost 20 years where he most recently served as George W. Barber, Jr. Foundation Professor. Dr. Eby earned his bachelor's degree at Stanford University and obtained his MD from the University of Wisconsin. He completed two years of residency in general surgery at the University of Minnesota Hospitals, and a residency in otolaryngology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Eby completed fellowships in otopathology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and neurotology at University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland under Dr. Fisch.
He is a member of numerous professional societies including the International Otopathology Society, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Fellow), American College of Surgeons (Fellow), the Triologic Society (Active Fellow), the American Otological Society, and the American Neurotology Society (Active Fellow). He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Subspecialty of Neurotology. Dr. Eby has served as an editorial reviewer for various professional publications including The Laryngoscope and Otology& Neurotology. As a testament to his outstanding teaching skills and dedication to education, he was selected as Faculty Member of the Year in the Division of Otolaryngology at the University of Alabama Birmingham.
Dr. Eby is married and has three children, Margaret, Brendan, and Conor. His spouse, Mary, is a physician as well and is actively involved in a variety of public health initiatives. His daughter is a rising junior at Barnard College where she serves as music reporter for her student newspaper and also is a disc jockey for the school radio station. Brendan will be starting college at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where he will be enrolled in the prestigious Blount Honors Program. Conor will be starting the eighth grade this fall and is a rising soccer star.
Dr. Franzese Second Runner-Up in State Pageant
Our own Dr. Christine Franzese, Assistant Professor, participated in the Mrs. Mississippi America pageant held in Madison, Saturday, June 10th. A New York native, Dr. Franzese completed her residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and chose to remain in Mississippi to begin her career. Over the past few years, she has become an unofficial ambassador for the state.

Not only is Dr. Franzese a highly skilled medical professional and a dedicated wife and mother, she exemplifies beauty, poise, and a community-minded spirit. As second runner-up, she received a trophy, roses, jewelry, and a tremendous amount of respect from the judges, contestants, and audience.
New Clinical Nurse Coordinator

COSM
Three residents in this program participated in the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings, May 19-22, in Chicago. Attending were PGY-4 Dr. Jamie Sisk and PGY-2's Dr. Jason Guillot and Dr. Andrea Lewis. Dr. Sisk's abstract entitled "Endoscopic Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in a Porcine Model" was selected as a poster presentation.
Faculty members Dr. Scott Stringer, Dr. Jeff Carron, Dr. Christine Franzese, and Dr. Mark Reed also participated in the meetings.
Residents Produce Another Outstanding Performance on Annual Otolaryngology Examination
Our residents achieved outstanding success on the Annual Otolaryngology Examination achieving in 2006 a program scaled score surpassed by only 7 of 122 programs participating as illustrated below. For the second year in a row five of our residents scored above the 80 th percentile within their resident group. Also, five of them scored above the 80 th percentile of all residents taking the examination.
Charles Bishop, Audiologist, Earns AuD Degree

Mississippi's First Ever Bilateral Cochlear Implantation
On April 14, 2006, the Cochlear Implant Team marked another first by performing the first ever bilateral cochlear implantation at UMC on a 12 month-old boy with profound deafness. We are pleased to be offering cutting edge implantable hearing technology to the residents of Mississippi. When compared to unilateral implantation, bilateral implantation has shown superior performance in selected patient groups, such as children with congenital, profound deafness and patients deafened by meningitis. As his parents summed it up, "it was truly a Good Friday."
Otolaryngology Honors Award
Jess Clifton Roberts was presented the Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences Award at Honors Day on May 5. This book award and certificated are awarded to a senior medical student for excellence in the field of otolaryngology. Jess plans a career in otolaryngology; he will begin his residency at Baylor Medical College in July.
MSO Annual Meeting
The Mississippi Society of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery held its Annual Spring Meeting and Scientific Assembly March 31 - April 2 at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. Two residents gave presentations. Dr. Justin Garner, PGY-4, was the recipient of the Resident Paper Award, for his paper Adult Outpatient Tracheostomy Care: Practices and Perspectives. Dr. Jamie Sisk, also a PGY-4, presented Presence of HPV in Tonsillectomy Specimens.
Several faculty members also gave presentations. In addition to giving the welcome and introductions, Dr. J. Randall Jordan presented Current Technology for Skin Rejuvenation. A talk entitled Antimicrobial Washes and Chronic Rhinosinusitis was given by Dr. Scott P. Stringer. Dr. Christine Franzese presented No Time for Journals? Evidence Based Medicine for Otolaryngologists and Dr. Karen Pitman gave a talk on Parathyroid Surgery Update 2006.
AOA Faculty of the Year Award

Research Grant Awarded as Result of Multi-Discipline Effort
Dr John Schweinfurth, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, Angie Brunson, Instructor, Speech-Language Pathology, and Kathy Wentland, Supervisor, Speech-Language Pathology have been awarded a two year $150,000 research grant from the Dennis W. Jahnigen Career Development Scholars Awards. Dr. Schweinfurth, Ms. Brunson, Ms. Wentland and consultant Dr. Tom Mosley, department of geriatrics, are part of a multi-disciplinary team assembled to study the effectiveness of new techniques to treat swallowing disorders in elderly victims of stroke. The study will begin July 1, 2006.
The award is sponsored by the American Geriatrics Society and is a tribute to the late Dr. Dennis Jahnigen, a leading educator, geriatrician, and director of the Center on Aging at the University of Colorado Health Center at the time of his death in 1998. The award was created to improve the knowledge base and increase understanding of geriatric facets of medical specialties, while encouraging physicians and surgeons to become interested in the geriatric aspects of their careers.

Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Services
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Mark Reed and Dr. Jeffrey Carron are merging their skills to form a children's services team, dedicated to the special care and needs of pediatric patients. In addition to having extensive and specialized training, both Dr. Reed and Dr. Carron have many years' experience providing otolaryngologic care to pediatric patients.


Both Dr. Reed and Dr. Carron are committed to providing the highest quality care with the utmost degree of professionalism and compassion. The skills and expertise of these two physicians will allow the department to provide comprehensive ear, nose, and throat services for the children of Mississippi and surrounding states in state-of-the-art facilities at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children.
Drs. Carron and Reed are both members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. For more information on the backgrounds and training of Dr. Reed and Dr. Carron, please refer to their bios under "Faculty/Staff".
Clinical Associate Professor Elected President of National AAO-HNS Foundation

A University of Mississippi School of Medicine graduate, Dr. Cannon completed an internal medicine internship at the City of Memphis Hospital. He was a surgical and otolaryngology resident at the Medical Center and later transferred to the University of Virginia Medical Center where he was chief resident. Serving on various boards and committees, Dr. Cannon is not only extremely active in the medical community, but also active in many civic organizations. He has been the recipient of many professional awards throughout his career, including recognition by his peers as one of the "Best Doctors in America." He is also an avid supporter of education, publishing numerous peer-reviewed articles as well as conducting continuing education seminars. Dr. Cannon practices full-time in Jackson.
VNS Therapy
The department now offers VNS Therapy through referring physicians for treatment of patients with seizure disorders or chronic depression resistant to medical management.
VNS or Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy has been used for several years in treating seizure disorders, and has been proven an effective long-term strategy for the treatment of chronic, severe depression. Significant, sustained improvements have been indicated through clinical trials, with only mild side effects. VNS consists of an implanted pulse generator and electrode that delivers impulses to the patient's left vagus nerve. The vagus nerve moderates the release of serotonin and norephinephrine neurotransmitters thought to be critical in mood regulation.
Dr. Richard Wein recently performed the first VNS implant in the Jackson area for a patient with treatment-resistant depression, and several additional procedures are scheduled. Dr. Wein, Dr. Karen Pitman, and Dr. Christine Franzese have received extensive training in implanting these devices. Once the implant has been placed, the patient is monitored by the referring physician.
The department continues to be a leader in offering the most contemporary and innovative treatment options for ear, nose, and throat disorders.
Southern Section of the Triological Society Representation
The department was very well represented at the Southern Section meeting of the Triological Society January 12 -14th in Naples, Florida. Faculty members, Dr. John Schweinfurth and Dr. Christine Franzese, and residents Dr. Jason Guillot (PGY-2), Dr. Kim Donnellan (PGY-1), Dr. Justin Garner (PGY-4), and Dr. Jamie Sisk (PGY-4) combined for five poster presentations and one oral presentation making us one of the best represented departments in the Southern Section. Also, we made a very strong showing in the golf tournament , placing third.
"Best Doctors" Designations
Scott P. Stringer, M.D., M.S., Professor and Chair, Karen T. Pitman, M.D., Associate Professor, and James R. House, III, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, were recently selected for inclusion in the "Best Doctors in America 2005-2006" database, a highly acclaimed resource for matching patients around the world with the best medical care available. This elite database contains the names and professional profiles of the top 4% of physicians within the United States and has recently received national media attention. Selection as a "Best Doctor" is a particularly distinctive honor since it is peer-based, from nomination to the actual selection process. For more information about the "Best Doctors" program, visit their website at www.bestdoctors.com.
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| Dr. Scott P. Stringer | Dr. Karen T. Pitman | Dr. James R. House, III |
Hearing aid sales/service
The Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences is pleased to announce the inception of hearing aid sales and service in Suite K of the Pavilion. A full range of audiological services, such as advanced hearing assessment, auditory electrophysiology, and in-depth hearing aid analysis, is now offered. The staff includes audiologist Charles Bishop, MA, CCC-A, ASHA certified, whose services are available to patients in Suite K. Charles has an extensive background, specializing in all aspects of audiology and the dispensation of hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.
At Suite K, otolaryngologists are always close at hand for any necessary consultations or medical clearance. Patients will appreciate the convenience of "one-stop shopping" in a courteous, customer-oriented environment. Appointments may be made by calling 601-984-5160 or via UMC GroupWise, "ENT - Appointment."
Congratulations

Marla Moore, PA-C, Joins Clinic Staff
Marla Moore, Physician Assistant, joined the department effective October 31, 2005. Marla obtained her bachelor's in physician assistant studies at the LSU Medical Center School of Allied Health Professions. She pursued her master's of physician assistant studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, specializing in otolaryngology, and was certified in 2000. She is also a doctor of pharmacy, and has been a registered pharmacist since 1995. Marla has several years of experience as a PA in otolaryngology in Louisiana and Mississippi. She is an active member of several professional organizations.
Intern Receives Travel Grant
Dr. Kimberly Donnellan recently received a travel grant to attend the 2005 Conference on Research Education in Training in Otolaryngology in Washington, DC November 2-4. She plans to extend her stay in Washington and attend part of the Society of University Otolaryngologists meeting held November 4-6.
Chairman Elected to National AAO-HNSF Auditing Committee
Dr. Stringer has recently been elected by his peers to serve as a member of the Auditing Committee for the Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Official results will be announced at the annual meeting and OTO expo in Los Angeles September 25-28.
UMC Well-Represented in Los Angeles
Dr. Randy Jordan presented a poster at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery September 22-24 in Los Angeles. The title of his presentation was "An Unusual Complication of Malar Augmentation." He remained in Los Angeles and attended the Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation annual meeting.
Other otolaryngology faculty attending the Academy meeting September 25-28 in Los Angeles were Dr. Scott Stringer, Dr. Karen Pitman, and Dr. Richard Wein. Representing the residency program were Dr. Kimberly Elliott PGY-5, Dr. Justin Garner PGY-3, Dr. Corbin Mullis PGY-2 and Dr. Pearson Windham PGY-2. Tristen Harris PA-C, clinical nurse coordinators Cindy Rogers, Christy Tucker, and Christy Waggoner, and administrators Mary Guest and Sabrina Reilly also attended sessions at the meeting.
The Department hosted an alumni dinner in conjunction with the Academy meeting on Tuesday, September 27th at McCormick and Schmick's restaurant. Brad Odom and Patrick Harmon with NeuroMaxx Surgical were corporate partners for this event.
Lectureship and Graduation Day


MSO

COSM

Triological Society


Residents Produce Outstanding Performance on Annual Otolaryngology Examination
Our residents achieved outstanding success on the 2004 Annual Otolaryngology Examination achieving a program scaled score surpassed by only 8 of 131 programs participating as illustrated below. Five of our residents scored above the 80 th percentile within their resident group. One of these residents scored in the top percentile of all residents taking the examination, and another scored in the top percentile for his resident group.
Matching Residents
On January 13, the Association of Academic Department of Otolaryngology Matching Program notified our department that we had matched two outstanding students, Kimberly Ann Donnellan and Benjamin Thomas Jeffcoat.


UMC Otolaryngology sponsor Head/Neck Cancer Screenings

NURSING / CRA Committee Awards Research Grant awarded

Monico's study proposal is a prospective study in the management of pain, and will be directed specifically to those patients undergoing head and neck surgical procedures for cancer treatment. He will be assessing pain intensity using visual analog scaling procedures and will compare the benefits for patients receiving various pain management delivery protocols using morphene sulphate. Other objectives are to assess the need for adjuvant analgesic medications and incidence of side effects.
Congratulations to Jesus Monico.
New Faculty Joins us in July
The Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences is pleased to announce the arrival of an outstanding new faculty member who will join us in July, 2004. With this recruitments, the department will have clinical expertise in all but one major subspecialty areas.
Christine Franzese, M.D. is a native of upstate New York and graduated from the SUNY Upstate School of Medicine. She will be completing her residency with us at the University of Mississippi in June. Dr. Franzese will be Chief of Otolaryngology at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. Her clinical and research focus will be in rhinology. Dr. Franzese brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our department and will be instrumental in creating oustanding VA clinical and educational programs. Dr. Franzese is married to Michael Shoemaker-Moyle, M.D., an attending faculty member in the Department of Medicine at UMMC.
We all welcome Christine to our faculty and look forward to many years of association with her as our department continues its phenomenal growth.
New Addition to Otolaryngology Faculty

Matching Residents
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| Andrea Furr | Jason Guillot |
On January 16, the Association of Academic Department of Otolaryngology Matching Program notified our department that we had matched two outstanding students, Andrea Marie Furr and Jason Morgan Guillot.
Andrea Marie Furr is from Houstoi and attended The University of Mississippi where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Andrea presently attends the University of Mississippi School of Medicine where she was elected as a junior to Alpha Omega Alpha. She has received numerous awards, including the Bradley Baker Memorial Scholarship, Raymond Alford Memorial Award, Culley Memorial Scholarship, Lippincott Book Award in Neurobiology and Anatomy. Andrea's stellar performance has given her a very high rank in the class, which is well deserved as shown by her extremely high scores on the USMLE Steps 1 and 2.
Jason Morgan Guillot is a native of Louisiana coming from Baton Rouge to attend Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi on an academic and baseball scholarship, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Jason is an avid rugby player and plays for the Jackson Rugby Team. Jason has been actively involved in otolaryngology research with our department while attending the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He was also elected as a junior to Alpha Omega Alpha. Jason's high rank in his medical school class and his outstanding scores on the USMLE Steps 1 and 2 reveal his dedication to great accomplishments in medicine.
The Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences is very excited to have matched two outstanding candidates, and we are looking forward to working with them!
Stringer makes top 500 "Best Doctors" list

Scott P. Stringer, M.D.
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216-4505
Dear Dr. Stringer:
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected by your peers to be included in Best Doctors in America 2003-2004.
The Best Doctors in America database contains the names and professional profiles of approximately 31,000 doctors in the United States, all chosen through an exhaustive peer-review survey in which thousands of doctors participated. Only those physicians who earn the concensus support of their peers are included. Listings cannot be bought. For this reason, inclusion in Best Doctors is considered a singular honor.
Since 1992, Best Doctors' listings have served as a vital resource to thousands of patients throughout the United States and across the world. The Best Doctors in America database represents the top 5% of doctors in over 400 subspecialties of medicine.
The Best Doctors in America database is the the preeminent listing of its kind. It has been featured on CBS "60 Minutes," NBC "The Today Show," and CNN "HEadline News," as well as in major print media including USA Today, The New york TImes, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, and in scores of major metropolitan magazines, as well as in major media outlets in Canada, Europe and Asia.
In an effort to help patients' make better use of our listings, Best Doctors, Inc. provides a variety of services to connect patients to the best medical care. These include referrals to doctors highly skilled in the patients' medical conditions, and the coordination of medical second opinions. Our Services touch the livels of thousands of patients each year.
In order for us to provide patients with better guidance, we ask prominent doctors such as yourselfg who have been included in the database for assistance in providing us with some additional information about themselves and their practices. Please complete the enclosed form and return it to our Polling and research Division at your earliest convenience.
Again, our congratulations.
Sincerely,
(Signed)
DickD. Briggs, Jr. M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
(Signed)
Kenneth Falchuk, M.D.
Board Member
Medical Consultant
(Signed)
Jose Halperin, M.D.
Board Member
Medical Consultant
JORDAN WINS CHILI CONTEST

According to Dr. Jordan, "you need to watch for flames when eating this dish...". Perhaps that is the reason why Dr. Jordan was photographed in proximity to the UMC-approved red fire extinguisher... to put out the flames of this epicurian delight.
Honor Award Presented to UMC physician

Dr. Pitman is a faculty member of the Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She graduated medical School from Uniformed Services, Completed a residency at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, and a fellowship in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery at the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine.
FUNDING AWARD FOR VESTIBULAR RESEARCH

Assistant Professor
BIO: Graduate School: School of Medicine and Dentistry Research, University of Rochester (Neuroscience Program, 1996); Director Vestibular Research Laboratory; Faculty since 1999; Interests: vestibular physiology.

Assistant Professor
BIO: Beijung Union University - Traditional Medicine College, Beijing Peoples republic of China 1992. M.D.: UMC 1994- current; Ph.D. Pharmachology; Postdoctorate fellowship at UMC 2002; assistant Professor since March 2002.
Dr. Wu Zhou and Dr. Hong Zhu have been awarded NIH R-01 and R-03 grants respectively contributing substantially to our current departmental extramural research funding of approximately $2,000,000.















































