Calendar year 2025 was a productive and strategically important year for the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The department made measurable progress across clinical care, education, and research, with gains in faculty recruitment, patient access, quality performance, research productivity, and national visibility. These efforts reflect a sustained commitment to disciplined growth and to strengthening the department’s academic mission.
I am grateful to our faculty, trainees, and staff for their professionalism and collective effort, which continue to position the department for long-term success.
Clinical Care
Clinical care remained a central focus in 2025, with sustained attention to quality, outcomes, access, and operational reliability.
To meet continued demand, we welcomed several outstanding new clinicians: Dr. Elliana DeVore (Laryngology), Dr. Robert Macielak (Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery), Dr. Victoria Nguyen (Allergy and Immunology), Dr. Rekha Raveendran (Division Director, Allergy and Immunology), and Dr. Jeffrey Steitz (Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). Each brings unique expertise that further strengthens our clinical and academic programs.
Within the Head and Neck Surgery Division, we extend our best wishes to Dr. Matthew Old as he begins his new role as Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Washington, where he also holds the Allison T. Wanamaker Endowed Chair. We are pleased to share that Dr. Stephen Kang has assumed the role of Division Director for Head and Neck Surgery.
In collaboration with the College of Medicine, Dr. Lauren Miller and Dr. Vinay Rathi led a data-driven initiative to improve mortality, length-of-stay, and discharge-to-home metrics. This work contributed meaningfully to improved clinical performance and supported the department’s No. 15 national ranking in U.S. News & World Report.
Multidisciplinary collaboration remains a hallmark of our clinical enterprise. Integrated skull base surgery, a monthly esophageal disorders conference, and an innovative allergy and immunology division exemplify our commitment to patient-centered, team-based care. Programmatic advances included support for the Dysphagia Program and launch of a new clinical trial, expansion of intralymphatic immunotherapy, and improved patient access.
Education and Research
Education and research remained core strengths in 2025. The residency program advanced from No. 5 to No. 4 in the Doximity rankings, reflecting sustained investment in trainee education and mentorship. The department also achieved a Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research ranking of No. 18, underscoring its growing national research profile.
Research productivity reached its highest level to date. Total awards exceeded $10.1 million, including $6.5 million in NIH funding. The department maintained 37 active grants (28 NIH), supported 27 active clinical trials across cancer and non-cancer indications, and achieved a record 255 peer-reviewed publications.
Looking forward, a key strategic initiative is pursuit of an NIH R25 research training grant led by Dr. Emily Plowman and Dr. Oliver Adunka. This effort will strengthen research training infrastructure, expand resident research opportunities, and support planned residency program growth.
The Surgical Skills Laboratory was comprehensively updated, with active course planning underway to support simulation-based education and professional development.
Service and Philanthropy
Service and global engagement remain integral to the department’s mission and provide exceptional educational opportunities for trainees. Global outreach efforts in Kenya and the Dominican Republic, led by Drs. Old and Dodson, continue to build sustainable care partnerships while exposing residents and fellows to diverse health care environments and complex pathology.
Philanthropy plays a critical role in supporting education and service. In 2025, the department established a new Resident Education Fund to enhance the trainee experience through support for national meeting travel, educational courses, leadership development programs, and resident-driven educational initiatives—ensuring broad access to academic and professional opportunities.
Leadership and Recognition
Our faculty remain deeply engaged in leadership and professional service. Many were named to leadership roles within national and international organizations during 2025, reflecting the department’s influence across the specialty. Numerous faculty were also recognized among Castle Connolly Top Doctors. Additional highlights are detailed on page 33 of this report.
The progress achieved in 2025 reflects the collective efforts of our faculty, trainees, and staff and provides a strong foundation for continued advancement.
Sincerely,
James Rocco, MD, PhD
Professor and Chair
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center