UPMC Ear, Nose & Throat Physicians and Faculty
Janice A. Alicandro, PA-C
Ms. Alicandro received her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Pittsburgh and her master's degree from St. Francis College in Lorretto, Pa. Her patient care focus is otologic problems (diseases of the ear) and patients with dizziness and balance disorders.
Dr. Alper is an associate professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and a staff pediatric otolaryngologist at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Dr. Alper graduated from medical school and completed his residency in Turkey. Dr. Alper came to Pittsburgh in 1992 to continue his research on otitis media, completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship in 1996, and joined the faculty at the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. His interests are general pediatric otolaryngology, pediatric otology, ear diseases and hearing loss, and airway and sinus diseases. Dr. Alper is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, three books, and 15 book chapters. His research interest on otitis media had a track record of NIH funding, including a number of grants of which he was either the principal or co-investigator. Dr. Alper is the director of the ACGME-accredited Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
Dr. Bluestone is a professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He completed his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed a residency at the University of Illinois Hospitals. A pioneer in pediatric otolaryngology, Dr. Bluestone created Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Pediatric Otolaryngology Department in 1975 and served as its first full-time director. Since then, his unparalleled clinical care, teaching and research in pediatric otolaryngology have earned him national and international recognition. In 1980, he founded Children's Hospital's Otitis Media Research Center, which has gained international recognition for its contributions to the current understanding of the causes and treatments of otitis media in infants and children. His research interests primarily focus on otitis media, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and sinusitis in children. Dr. Bluestone is board-certified in otolaryngology and has been credited with establishing Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC as the leading authority in innovative treatment options for children with ear, nose, and throat diseases.
Kathryn Brown, MS, PT, NCS
Ms. Brown is a licensed physical therapist and neurologic clinical specialist who treats patients at the Center for Balance Disorders.
Sara Byers, MA, CCC-SLP
Sara Byers is a medical speech pathologist in department of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. Ms. Byers’ clinical and educational training is in adult acute care speech-language pathology with a specific focus upon dysphagia, tracheostomized and ventilator-dependent patients, as well as patients with neurogenic and geriatric disorders.
Dr. Carrau is the medical director of the UPMC Swallowing Disorders Center, a professor of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, and director of the Maxillofacial Trauma Service. He also serves as the co-director of the UPMC Salivary Gland Stone and Infection Center. Dr. Carrau is a member of the UPMC Minimally Invasive endoNeurosurgical Center (MINC), where he has helped to engineer and spearhead novel minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of tumors and disorders of the sino-nasal tract, skull base, and brain. In addition, he is a physician in the Division of Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergy, where he is active in all surgical aspects of sino-nasal disorders, including the treatment of chronic sinusitis, nasal polyposis, and cranial base surgery.
Dr. Casselbrant is the Eberly Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the director of the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Dr. Casselbrant obtained her MD and PhD at the University of Lund, Sweden. She completed her residency at Malmo General Hospital, Malmo, Sweden, and a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship in the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She is board-certified in otolaryngology. Dr. Caselbrant was the director of the Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program from 1989 to 2006. Dr. Casselbrant’s expertise is in general pediatric otolaryngology, focusing on otitis media and balance disorders. She has published more than 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals, as well as book chapters. Her research interest is otitis media, and she has been continuously funded by the NIH since 1985 as a principal or co-investigator.
Sara Chenoweth, MA, CCC-SLP
Sara Chenoweth completed her undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her fellowship training at UPMC, and continues to provide services in the acute care and rehabilitation settings at UPMC St. Margaret. She evaluates and treats adults with various swallowing, speech, language, and cognitive-linguistic disorders. She is interested in the stroke and geriatric populations, as well as those with speech, language, cognitive or swallowing disorders secondary to various congenital and acquired disabilities.
Dr. Chi is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and serves as the medical director of the Hearing Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Dr. Chi received his medical degree from the University of Michigan. He completed his residency at the University of Virginia and his clinical and research fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. His research and clinical interests are in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss.
James L. Coyle, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BRS-S
Jim Coyle is an Instructor in the Communication Science and Disorders Department at the University of Pittsburgh, where he teaches Dysphagia, Medical Speech Pathology and Neuroscience coursework, performs adult inpatient and outpatient dysphagia consultations, and trains student SLP’s in acute and intensive care practice in the University’s Medical Center. At Pitt, he has co-developed a Clinical Doctorate program in medical Speech Language Pathology. His interests include evidence based practice, single subject methodology, and dysphagia outcomes measurement. He is a Board Recognized Specialist in Swallowing Disorders.
Jim Coyle teaches Dysphagia, Medical Speech Pathology and Neuroscience coursework at the University of Pittsburgh, where he also works with dysphagic patients and trains student SLP’s in the University’s Medical Center. His interests include evidence based practice and dysphagia outcomes measurement. He is a Board Recognized Specialist in Swallowing Disorders.
Dr. Dohar is an associate professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and is a full-time staff pediatric otolaryngologist at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Following receipt of his medical degree from the Ohio State University, Dr. Dohar completed his residency training at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic where he also received his master's degree. He completed a clinical and research fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is the clinical director of the Voice, Resonance, and Swallowing Center, research director of the Airway Center, and co-director of the wound healing program. His interests include voice and swallowing disorders, bronchoesophagology, and congenital and chronic ear disease.
Erica Dolgoff, MS CCC-SLP
Erica Dolgoff received a bachelor's degree in physical education non-teaching from Ithaca College, her master's degree in speech language pathology from Gallaudet University, and completed her Clinical Fellowship at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Her areas of interest in the acute medical setting include assessment and treatment of cervical spine surgery related dysphagia, as well as evaluating cognitive-communication difficulties in persons with severe head injuries. She also provides education to staff, patients and families regarding hearing loss and effective strategies for improved communication.
Dr. Eibling is a professor of otolaryngology, and vice chair for education in the Department of Otolaryngology. He holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders within the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. His primary clinical activities are at the VA Pittsburgh, where he is Chief of the Division of Otolaryngology. Dr.Eibling is board-certified in otolaryngology and has also has received certification from the Joint Council for Approval of Advanced Training in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. His primary academic interest is in using information visualization to improve the quality and safety of health care delivery.
Dr. Ferguson is the director of the Division of Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergy and an associate professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Her interests include the diagnosis and management (both medically and surgically) of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. In particular, she specializes in patients who have not responded to prior medical or surgical therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis. She has been listed yearly on the list of Best Doctors in America® since 1998. Dr. Ferguson is a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and has been actively involved in the practice of allergy treatment for more than 10 years. Dr. Ferguson is an expert in the following office procedures: endoscopically directed cultures, radio frequency ablation of the turbinates (coblation), and microdebridement of nasal polyps.
Dr. Ferris is the Chief of the Division of Head and Neck Surgery, an associate professor of otolaryngology and immunology, and Director of the Fellowship in Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. Dr. Ferris received medical and graduate (PhD) training in immunology in the MD/PhD program at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He underwent residency training in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with subspecialty training in head and neck oncology. He moved to the University of Pittsburgh to join the faculty in the Departments of Otolaryngology and Immunology. Dr. Ferris has received research awards from the American College of Surgeons, American Head and Neck Society, the American Academy of Otolaryngology, and the National Institute of Health. His clinical practice is focused on head and neck cancers with a special emphasis on thyroid and parathyroid tumors, salivary gland neoplasms, endoscopic and partial laryngeal surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery.
Dr. Furman is a professor of otolaryngology, neurology, bioengineering, and physical therapy at the University of Pittsburgh, and serves as director of the UPMC Center for Balance Disorders. Dr. Furman received his medical degree and doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his residency training in the Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles. In addition, he completed fellowships in nonsurgical neurotology at the University of Toronto and at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Furman is a board-certified neurologist. His primary clinical interest is the diagnosis and management of patients with dizziness and balance disorders. Dr. Furman's research interests include improving the testing methods relating to balance system abnormalities, increasing the understanding of human inner ear (vestibular) function, and enhancing the rehabilitation of people with inner ear disease.
Dr. Gartner-Schmidt is the associate director of the UPMC Voice Center and assistant professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Gartner-Schmidt received her undergraduate degree in psychology and voice performance from Queen’s University in Canada and a master’s degree in speech-language Pathology from Michigan State University. She then joined the Vanderbilt Voice Center in Nashville, Tenn., where she specialized in care of the professional voice before earning her doctorate from the University of Maryland in hearing and speech sciences. Dr. Gartner-Schmidt specializes in care of the professional voice and in psychological issues in the assessment and management of patients with voice disorders.
Dr. Gillman is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Gillman is among the most qualified and highly trained facial plastic surgeons in western Pennsylvania. He is board-certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, and he has been chosen repeatedly by his peers for inclusion in the list of the Best Doctors in America®. Dr. Gillman is the director of the Division of Facial Plastic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology, where he specializes exclusively in plastic surgery of the face and neck. He has written, contributed to, and edited dozens of articles and book chapters on the subject of facial plastic surgery and has lectured and presented both nationally and internationally. He offers the full range of facial plastic procedures and surgery. In addition, he is an active part of the UPMC Division of Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergy. Dr. Gillman has expertise in a broad range of nasal surgeries, including cosmetic rhinoplasty, functional septoplasty, and endoscopic sinus procedures.
Dr. Golla is an associate professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of UPMC St. Margaret. Dr. Golla completed her undergraduate training at Duke University, and she continued her medical education at the University of Maryland. Dr. Golla is an active participant in the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation and the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy Foundation. Her interests include general otolaryngology, head and neck cancer, snoring and sleep apnea problems, sinus and allergy, and general pediatric problems.
Dr. Grandis is professor of otolaryngology and pharmacology with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and vice chair for Research, Department of Otolaryngology. She directs the Head and Neck Cancer Program of UPMC Cancer Centers. Her research interests include diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer. She has been awarded two patents in this field and has a third pending. Dr. Grandis is a member of several professional and scientific societies, including Women in Cancer Research, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological (Triologic) Society. She also serves on the Women In Otolaryngology Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. A graduate of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, she earned her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where she also completed her internship and residency.
Dr. Gross is the director of the UPMC Swallowing Disorders Center and assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders. She received a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from Duquesne University and a master’s degree in speech pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. Her doctoral studies focused primarily on swallowing disorders and were also completed at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Gross has more than 22 years of clinical experience, is an active researcher, lectures extensively, and gives workshops on tracheostomy, ventilators, and swallowing rehabilitation. She is a member of the American Physiological Society, the Dysphagia Research Society, the Geriatric Otolaryngology Society, and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.
Dr. Hathaway is an assistant professor of otolaryngology. She received her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed a residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at UPMC. Dr. Hathaway specializes in the treatment of swallowing disorders as well as practicing general otolaryngology. She is a recipient of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Resident Research Award.
Dr. Hirsch is professor of otolaryngology and communication sciences and disorders and neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is the director of the Ear and Hearing Center. He graduated medical school from the University of Pennsylvania and completed an otolaryngology residency and a neurotology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the University of Zurich. Dr. Hirsch’s specific fields of interest include otology, neurotology, cranial base surgery, cochlear implants, acoustic neuromas, and stereotactic radiosurgery of intracranial and skull base tumors. He is the chairman of both the Hearing Committee and Implantable Device Subcommittee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and a past president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Johnson is the chairman of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology, a professor of otolaryngology and radiation oncology, and a professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. In addition, he has been named as a top doctor in America by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. Dr. Johnson has received many awards for his teaching and medical accomplishments and is a past president of both the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Head and Neck Society. Dr. Johnson received his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY, and completed his postgraduate studies at SUNY and at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. His patient care interests focus on the treatment of head and neck tumors as well as the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.
Dr. Kim is an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Kim has received his board certification in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Kim received his medical degree from the State University of New York at Syracuse. He completed a residency in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the State University of New York at Syracuse. Afterwards, he completed a Research Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and a clinical fellowship in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at U.T.M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Kim is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, American Head and Neck Society, American Rhinologic Society, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Kim’s clinical interests include thyroid cancer, advanced skin malignancies, and oral and laryngeal cancer.
Dr. Krishna is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and a board-certified otolaryngologist in the UPMC Voice Center . She received her medical degree concurrently with her bachelor's in biological life sciences in a special six-year program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. She completed subsequent medical training at Northwestern University School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where she completed a fellowship in laryngology and care of the professional voice. In addition to her clinical duties, Dr. Krishna is enrolled in the clinical research training program-master's of science program at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research focuses on the biomedical rehabilitation of voice function using a tissue engineering approach. Dr. Krishna is a trained singer and member of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Lai is an assistant professor of otolaryngology and pharmacology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and a board-certified head and neck surgeon with the Department of Otolaryngology. Dr. Lai received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his medical and doctoral degrees from the University of California, San Francisco. He performed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania and completed his fellowship in oncologic head and neck/cranial base surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Lai takes a multidisciplinary approach to the management of head and neck cancer patients with active participation in cutting-edge treatment protocols. Dr. Lai has received research awards from the American College of Surgeons, American Head and Neck Society, American Academy of Otolaryngology and the Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer Foundation. His clinical expertise is in head and neck cancers with a special emphasis on thyroid and parathyroid disease, salivary gland neoplasms, endoscopic and conservation laryngeal surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery.
Dr. Mandell is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and is a full-time member of the clinical staff at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Dr. Mandell is board-certified in otolaryngology, is a subspecialty fellow of the American Society of Pediatrics, and is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Society for Ear, Nose & Throat Advances in Children, and several other professional and scientific societies. A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Mandell served his internship and residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and completed a clinical and research fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. He has recently been named director of the Pediatric Airway Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and has a special interest in providing a full spectrum of care for children with breathing disorders, including surgical airway reconstruction, tumor excision, fetal airway surgery, and pediatric airway trauma care.
Dr. McElwain is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from Franklin and Marshall College and her doctorate in medical microbiology and immunology at Ohio State University, where she was granted the Chairman’s Award for Most Outstanding Graduate Student. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio. She completed her otolaryngology residency at UPMC. Dr. McElwain is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the American Association of Cancer Research, and the American Society of Microbiology. She specializes in general otolaryngology with special interests in sino-nasal disorders and pediatric otolaryngology. Dr. McElwain also has specific interest in allergy detection and treatment as well as snoring and sleep apnea problems.
Dr. Mehta is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and is a full-time member of the clinical staff at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. He graduated from University of Mysore, India. Dr. Mehta completed his residency in otolaryngology at the South Trent training program in England and completed a clinical and research fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. He has a special interest in providing multidisciplinary care for children with aerodigestive disorders, which includes swallowing and breathing disorders.
Laura Morris, PT, NCS
Ms. Morris is the director of physical therapy services at the Center for Balance Disorders. She is a licensed physical therapist and a neurologic clinical specialist.
Dr. Myers is a distinguished professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is an internationally renowned otolaryngologist, whose current research interests include oral carcinoma. His major clinical interest is head and neck oncologic care. Dr. Myers earned his medical degree at the Temple University School of Medicine and completed an internship at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. He completed his residency and a National Institutes of Health special fellowship in otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. Other postgraduate training included a special fellowship in head and neck surgery with Dr. John Conley at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City. Dr. Myers is an active member of many professional societies and he has received numerous honors for research and service, including the Cancer Support Network’s Paul C. Gaffney Humanitarian of the Year Award, the American Laryngological Association’s James Newcomb Award, Presidential Citations from the American Society for Head and Neck Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and a Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.
Dr. Noronha is a clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology, and specializes in general otolaryngology, endoscopic sino-nasal surgery, head and neck surgery, microvasvular reconstruction, and allergy care. Dr. Noronha received his medical degree from St. Johns Medical College in Bangalore, India. He also completed a residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at Oxford University in England, and a fellowship in head and neck surgery and microvascular reconstruction at MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Otteson is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and a full-time member of the clinical staff at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. He received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and his medical degree from Georgetown University Medical School. Dr. Otteson completed his otolaryngology residency at Georgetown University Center and a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. He is a member of the American Academy Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation and is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. His interests include otolaryngologic aspects of care for cleft palate, craniofacial patients, and ENT manifestations of esosinophilic esophagitis.
Dr. Palmer joined the University of Pittsburgh in 1990 and became director of Audiology and Hearing Aids in the Department of Otolaryngology in 1998. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her master's degree and doctorate at Northwestern University. She worked as a clinical and research audiologist in the Veterans Administration for two years. Dr. Palmer specializes in rehabilitative audiology including the use of hearing aids and other assistive devices to improve communication for individuals with hearing loss, and hearing protection for specialized situations. Dr. Palmer also manages a research laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh where her research focuses on matching technology to individual needs and examining adaptation in the human auditory system.
Dr. Raz is an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She received her medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Raz completed residency training in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery as well as fellowship training in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. She has an NIH-funded research program in cochlear development with a focus on the molecular mechanisms that guide connections between the nervous system and the developing inner ear. Her clinical interests include the management of chronic ear disease, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, skull base tumors, and vestibular disorders. Dr. Raz is active in the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, and the American Neurotology Society.
Dr. Clark A. Rosen is director of the UPMC Voice Center and associate professor of otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Rosen received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and earned his medical degree at Rush Medical College in Chicago. He received his otolaryngology training at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Ore., and completed a fellowship in Laryngology and Care of the Professional Voice at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and the University of Tennessee Voice Institute. A board-certified otolaryngologist and member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Voice Foundation, Dr. Rosen specializes in the care of the performing voice and the treatment and research of voice disorders.
Dr.Schaitkin is a professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He has served as the director of the UPMC Shadyside Facial Paralysis Center since 1991, and serves as the co-director of the UPMC Salivary Gland Stone and Infection Center. His interests include both the medical and surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and facial nerve disorders. He pioneered surgical techniques that restore health to the paranasal sinuses by removing the least amount of tissue possible. His particular interest is the frontal sinus. Dr. Schaitkin helps patients with establishing a diagnosis for those with facial paralysis and discussing the latest treatment options. He and his partner, Dr. Ricardo Carrau, have brought the minimally invasive treatment of inflammatory disease and stones in the salivary glands to western Pennsylvania using salivary endoscopy. Dr. Schaitkin also serves as the director of the otolaryngology residency program for the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Simons is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and a full-time member of the clinical staff at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine. He completed residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at UPMC. Dr. Simons then completed a clinical and research fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. He is board-certified in otolaryngology and is a subspecialty Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the Society for Ear, Nose & Throat Advances in Children, the American Medical Association, and several other professional societies. His clinical interests encompass all aspects of pediatric otolaryngology, including airway and ear disorders.
Dr. Smith is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Smith received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and her medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She received her otolaryngology training at Grandview-Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio, and completed a fellowship in laryngology and care of the professional voice in Philadelphia. A board-certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Smith specializes in the care of the professional voice and the treatment of voice disorders at the UPMC Voice Center . She also cares for patients with swallowing difficulties in the Swallowing Disorders Center.
Dr. Snyderman is a professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, with a secondary appointment in neurosurgery. He has completed fellowship training in cranial base surgery and is a member of the North American Skull Base Society. He is co-director of the UPMC Center for Cranial Base Surgery and is recognized internationally as a pioneer and leader in the development of minimally invasive approaches to the skull base (endoneurosurgery). Dr. Snyderman has been consistently recognized by consumer groups as one of the best head and neck surgeons in the United States. He focuses on surgical approaches to chronic rhinosinusitis and tumors of the nose and sinuses, nosebleeds (epistaxis), and cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Dr. Snyderman and the activities of the Center for Cranial Base Surgery have been highlighted on the Today Show.
Dr. Soose is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and is a member of the clinical staff at UPMC Cranberry, UPMC Passavant, and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He completed a residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at UPMC. Dr. Soose’s clinical interests encompass all aspects of general adult and pediatric otolaryngology, including sinus infections, allergies, nasal congestion, tonsils/adenoids, ear infections, hearing and balance problems, skin cancer, snoring/sleep apnea, and voice and swallowing disorders.
Patrick Sparto, PhD, PT
Dr. Sparto is a licensed physical therapist and biomedical engineer. He is a member of the University of Pittsburgh physical therapy faculty and treats patients in the Center for Balance Disorders. His research interests include the study of posture and gait in people with vestibular disease and older adults.
Dr. Toh is an assistant professor with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology. A graduate of the National University of Singapore, Dr. Toh completed her internship and residency training at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and her fellowship training in otology and neurotology at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles. She is board-certified in otolaryngology and neurotology. Dr. Toh’s practice is devoted to hearing, balance, and facial nerve disorders, as well as diseases of the skull base. She has a special interest in sudden hearing loss, cochlear implantation, and surgical and radiation treatment of skull base tumors. She is currently a member of the Facial Nerve Disorders Committee and Neurotology Education Committee in the American Academy of Otolaryngology, and is a member of the American Neurotology Society and the Associaton for Research in Otolaryngology. Dr. Toh also directs the cochlear implant program at the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System.
Dr. Urffer is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at UPMC. Dr. Urffer is a medical otolaryngologist and is board-certified in internal medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree in bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Urffer received his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency training at UPMC. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Society of Internal Medicine, Pennsylvania Medical Society and Allegheny County Medical Society. Dr. Urffer’s clinical interests include office-based evaluation and non-surgical treatment of general ear, nose, and throat problems.
Dr. Walvekar is a clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at UPMC. He received his medical degree from the University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India. He completed his residency in the Department of ENT and Head Neck Surgery at T.N. Medical College – B.Y.L. Nair Hospital in Mumbai, India. He also completed the Sekhsaria clinical fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India and a clinical fellowship in head and neck surgery at UPMC. Dr. Walvekar’s clinical interests include head and neck surgery, salivary endoscopy, and general otolaryngology.
Susan L. Whitney, PhD, PT, NCS, ATC, FAPTA
Dr. Whitney is a licensed physical therapist, neurologic clinical specialist, and athletic trainer. She is a member of the physical therapy faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, and is a treating physical therapist at the Center for Balance Disorders.
Jennifer Wild, MA, CCC-SLP
Jennifer Wild received her bachelor's degree from Ithaca College and her master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her fellowship at UPMC in the department of otolaryngology. Jennifer has experience in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders in the acute care setting, including transplant patients, medically complex patients, patients with neurological disorders, and those with respiratory complications requiring tracheotomy or ventilator support.
Dr. Yellon is an associate professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and co-director of the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology and director of ENT Clinical Services at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Dr. Yellon earned his bachelor’s degree at Princeton University and completed his medical degree at the State University of New York. He completed his pediatric otolaryngology fellowship at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in 1993 and has practiced as a faculty member for 15 years. A board-certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Yellon is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology. His areas of expertise include reconstructive surgery for microtia and aural atresia (cosmetic and hearing reconstruction for children born without ears). He also specializes in airway reconstruction for children. Dr. Yellon has been recognized as one of the Best Doctors in America® for many years.