Division of Laryngology, Rhinology and General Otolaryngology
The Division of Laryngology, Rhinology and General Otolaryngology is the most recently established Division in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan. Care is provided for adult patients in the core subspecialties of laryngology and rhinology, as well as for patients falling within the broad scope of general otolaryngology. Faculty are established leaders in their fields, with national reputations for clinical care and academic leadership. Patient care, education, research, and service are the missions of this Division.
The Laryngology Program provides evaluation and treatment for disorders of the larynx and associated structures. This includes voice, swallowing, and breathing problems, and encompasses both benign and malignant diseases. Under the direction of Norman D. Hogikyan, M.D., F.A.C.S., Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Associate Professor of Music, the program includes care at the main UMHS Medical Center in Ann Arbor, as well as the University of Michigan Vocal Health Center in Livonia, Michigan.
State-of-the-art instrumentation including laryngeal videostroboscopy is used for clinical voice evaluations, and the full range of medical and surgical therapeutic options are available to patients. There is a close working collaboration with the UMHS Speech Pathology Program. In addition to a laryngologist and speech pathologist, the Multidisciplinary Clinic for Occupational and Professional Voice Users at the Vocal Health Center also includes voice training faculty from the Division of Vocal Arts, University of Michigan School of Music.
The Rhinology Program provides evaluation and treatment for diseases and disorders of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Rhinology faculty include Jeffrey E. Terrell, M.D., Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Director of the Michigan Sinus Center, and Melissa A. Pynnonen, M.D., Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Care is provided both at the main Taubman Outpatient Center in Ann Arbor, and the Michigan Sinus Center in Livonia, Michigan.
Chronic sinusitis is a common disorder, which has been reported by as many as 35 million Americans. Until relatively recently, chronic sinusitis has been difficult to diagnose. With the advances in computer imaging (CT Scans), endoscopic instruments and basic research on mechanisms of sinusitis, doctors have a new set of tools to diagnose and treat patients with chronic sinus disorders. Our faculty utilize state-of-the-art technology and expertise in providing patients with the highest quality evaluation and treatment for nasal and sinus disorders. The Michigan Sinus Center expands the care concept to include a multidisciplinary clinic. Through close collaboration with faculty from Allergy and Immunology, Pulmonary Medicine, and other specialties, goals of the Michigan Sinus Center are to provide high quality, efficient, multidisciplinary care for patients with difficult to treat sinusitis or other disorders of the nose and sinuses.
Gregory T. Wolf, M.D., F.A.C.S., Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, brings tremendous experience in the treatment of head and neck tumors and in general otolaryngology to this Division. A pioneer in organ-sparing treatment for advanced head and neck cancer, he is also recognized nationally and internationally for his surgical expertise.
All faculty and staff in the Division are also active in General Otolaryngology care. Brian Kilbarger, M.S., PA-C, brings a strong background in internal medicine as well as otolaryngology expertise to this clinical mission. He works together with faculty to provide care for patients with a broad range of ear, nose and throat complaints.
While delivery of superb clinical care in all areas is a fundamental goal of this Division, the missions of education, research and service are also pursued vigorously. Clinical and didactic teaching of residents and medical students takes place on a daily basis, and faculty also instruct in courses for undergraduates, graduate students, and continuing medical education. Drs. Terrell and Hogikyan have each been honored in the past as teacher of the year in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Both clinical and basic science research endeavors are ongoing, and include outcomes and quality of life studies in rhinology and laryngology, and exploration of gene therapy for the paralyzed larynx. Service to the community and beyond is another essential activity and includes lectures to public school students about tobacco use, free throat cancer screening, and informational lectures to community groups. Dr. Pynnonen joined a recent UMHS mission trip to Honduras to provide humanitarian medical and surgical care.
The Division of Laryngology, Rhinology and General Otolaryngology is committed to making the Michigan Difference in all of our missions.
