USC Otolaryngology

Dr. Albert Han on Reshaping the Tumor Microenvironment for Innovative Cancer Therapies Related News Chief Resident Dr. Ido Badash Gives His Perspective on Graduating June 18, 2025 From electrical engineering to the inner ear: how Radha Kalluri, PhD, uses the physical sciences […]

Dr. Albert Y. Han's passion for science began in childhood and now drives groundbreaking head and neck cancer research at USC. Learn how Dr. Han is reshaping cancer treatment and inspiring future innovators. ➡️ bit.ly/41jZeDx

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Alexis Cruz is achieving his academic dreams, thanks to his family's dedication and the long-term care from the USC Caruso Family Center for Childhood Communication. Cochlear implants have transformed his way of hearing and learning! 👂Learn more: bit.ly/45hs2NZ

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Meet the future of Otolaryngology! New USC OHNS residents Haidee Chen, Melodyanne Cheng, Tyler Gallagher, and CSTP resident Kimberly Ramirez shared their unique paths, passions, and aspirations as they begin their first year. Read their stories ➡️ bit.ly/4135Yp4

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Join this event on July 21 at 11:00 a.m. featuring past NEMO Prize recipients who will present 6- and 12-month progress reports on their funded projects. Click here to register: usc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Congratulations to Albert Y. Han, MD, PhD, on receiving the Triological Society Career Development Award for his research project titled “Targeting Glutamine Transporter Networks in HPV16+ Oropharyngeal Carcinogenesis.”

#Otolaryngology #CancerResearch

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We're thrilled to welcome three outstanding new fellows to our department this week! Dr. Ido Badash (Rhinology), Dr. Dylan Bertoni (Laryngology), and Dr. Swar Vimawala (Head & Neck) each bring top-tier training and a passion for advancing patient care. Excited for what’s ahead!

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We are proud to share that Ksenia Gnedeva, Ph.D., has been awarded a grant from the Department of Defense’s Neurofibromatosis Research Program for her project “YAP Inhibition for Treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma.”

#USCOHNS #Otolaryngology #HearingResearch #VestibularSchwannoma

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“Where courage is born and hope grows strong.” Dr. Uttam Sinha pioneered the cancer survivorship program at USC OHNS, introducing a mentorship model that pairs newly diagnosed patients with survivors to provide guidance, support, and hope. Learn more: bit.ly/44ZPiRH

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Congratulations to Dr. Janet Choi, recipient of the NIH OBSSR Matilda White Riley ESI Paper Award! Her presentation on hearing loss and healthy aging exemplifies excellence and impact in health-related behavioral and social sciences. Learn more about the study: bit.ly/46BJnUe

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Have you ever had an ear infection? Outer ear infections cause pain when touched and may drain fluid. Middle ear infections cause pressure and muffled hearing. Knowing the difference is key to treatment, says Dr. Seiji Shibata. Learn more: bit.ly/4liDkIV

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USC OHNS wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July! 🎆

#USCOHNS #Otolaryngology #Happy4thJuly

A recent study led by Dr. Janet Choi shows that hearing aids and cochlear implants not only improve hearing but also enhance social engagement, boost confidence, and support overall well-being in adults with hearing loss. Learn more: bit.ly/44bMjFE

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Sinusitis Treatment Provides Breath of Fresh Air For decades, Salvador Barba coped with severe sinusitis, which made it difficult to breathe. Thanks to the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he at last found relief. To read the full story, click here: https://www.keckmedicine.org/magazine/breathing-after-sinusitis-treatments/ #sinusitistreatment #keckmedicine #health #usc

After years of struggling with severe sinusitis, Salvador Barba found life-changing relief through the expert care of Dr. Bozena Wrobel. He’s now breathing easy and living life to the fullest. Learn more: bit.ly/4ntkujC

This week we are excited to welcome three new members to our department (from left to right):

Julien Azimzadeh, MD, PhD – 2025–2027 Neurotology Fellow
Samantha Rodriguez, AuD – Audiologist
Ella Jackert, BS – 2025 CSTP Medical Student Research Trainee

Welcome to the team!

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From left to right: Kimberly Ramirez (R1), Haidee Chen (PGY1), Tyler Gallagher (PGY1), Melodyanne Cheng (PGY1), and Kevin Biju (PGY1)

A warm welcome to our new PGY1 and R1 residents! They kicked off their journey with orientations last week, and we look forward to supporting their growth, learning, and achievements in the year ahead.✨

#USCOHNS #Otolaryngology #OTOResidents #ENTResidency

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“Operating with our faculty every day has inspired me to hone my skills and achieve mastership.” Chief Resident Dr. Ido Badash reflects on 5 years of training at #USCOHNS as he graduates and looks ahead to fellowship. Read more➡️ bit.ly/4k0aqfb

#Otolaryngology #ENTResidency

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👂Are ear infections contagious? When one child gets one and others soon follow, it’s natural to wonder if it can spread. Seiji Shibata, MD, PhD, breaks down what you need to know about ear infections. Learn more: bit.ly/4jUqLBO

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Congratulations to our 2025 graduating residents and fellows! We are incredibly proud of your achievements and the dedication you have shown throughout your training. We know you will continue making a powerful impact in your patients’ lives. Here’s to the next chapter! 🎉👏

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2025 State of the Department & Resident Research Symposium On June 13 2025, Dr. John Oghalai delivered the annual State of the Department address, outlining key priorities, upcoming goals, and notable accomplishments over the past year. The event also brought together our faculty, residents, and staff for Dr. Eben L. Rosenthal's guest lecture, the annual department photo, and the residents' research symposium. Here’s to continued growth, collaboration, and innovation!

Last Friday, we held our annual State of the Department and Research Symposium. USC OHNS Chair Dr. John Oghalai shared key accomplishments and goals, Dr. Eben Rosenthal delivered a guest lecture, and our residents showcased their research. Onward with growth and innovation!
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Neurotologist Dr. David Friedland believes in shared decision-making, working closely with each patient to understand their diagnosis and explore personalized treatment options tailored to their unique health, values, and lifestyle. Learn more: bit.ly/4kIH4mK

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We are proud to share that Dr. Albert Y. Han has received the AHNS/AAO-HNSF Young Investigator Research Development Award for his research project: "Investigating Stroma-Driven Tumor Support Pathways in HPV+ Oropharyngeal Cancer." Congrats on the recognition! ✨

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The USC OHNS Applegate Lab and USC Voice Center were proud to represent at the Voice Foundation Symposium! Our team shared three presentations on our novel Optical Coherence Tomography Laryngoscope, sparking great interest!

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Tired of constant sinus infections that just won’t go away?👃If medications aren’t helping anymore, it might be time to explore other options. ➡️ Here’s what to consider: bit.ly/3HknfDj

#USCOHNS #Otolaryngology #Rhinology #ChronicSinusitis #SinusRelief #SinusSurgery

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YouTube video by Keck Medicine of USC The Wait-and-Watch Treatment Strategy for Acoustic Neuroma

Considering your options after an acoustic neuroma diagnosis? In this video, Dr. John Oghalai answers the top questions patients ask.
#USCOHNS #Otolaryngology #AcousticNeuroma #PatientSupport

www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3t_...

Dr. Janet Choi was recently featured as a Star Reviewer in the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Bulletin! She shared her best practices as an editorial board member for the OHNS journal. Learn more: bit.ly/3H6Tx4K

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🗣️This #NationalSpeechLanguageHearingMonth, we are spotlighting Dr. Cecilia Perez, who is redefining multilingual support one charla at a time. From Boyle Heights to Echo Park, her bilingual workshops bridge language, disability, and the community.✨ Learn more: bit.ly/3H7MXLe

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On May 17, Cohort 3 of the MS in Speech-Language Pathology program participated in the Keck School of Medicine of USC Commencement. 23 C3 students joined over 200 KSOM grads, took the SLP Oath, crossed the stage, and celebrated with proud faculty, family, and friends. Congratulations and Fight On! 🎓

Dr. Brian Applegate’s research publication, “Quantitative measurement of tympanic membrane structure and symmetry with optical coherence tomography in normal human subjects,” is featured on the cover of the latest Journal of Biomedical Optics! Learn more: bit.ly/4duBBNl

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USC OHNS had a wonderful time at the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM) held in New Orleans last week! We are proud of the leadership, scholarship, and teamwork showcased by our faculty, residents, and students!

#USCOHNS #Otolaryngology #ENT #2025COSM

Meet Joni K. Doherty, MD Dr. Doherty is an otolaryngologist with Keck Medicine of USC with subspecialty certification in neurotology. Here’s what you won’t find on her resume.

Meet Dr. Joni Doherty, Division Chief of Otology, Neurotology & Skull Base Surgery at #USCOHNS. Here's a glimpse into what inspires her beyond the world of medicine.

Learn more: bit.ly/4jVL3f4

#USCOHNS #Otolaryngology #Neurotology #MeetTheDoctor

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