ORL Frontiers 2026 Highlights Advances in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

July 17, 2026

Logo displaying the words 'Otorhinolaryngology FRONTIERS' in white text on a dark blue background.More than 50 physicians attended this year’s ORL Frontiers, sponsored by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. Held June 12 at the TMC3 Collaborative Building at Helix Park on the Texas Medical Center campus, the annual department research symposium celebrates graduating residents, highlighting a different subspecialty each year, with 2026’s focus on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Guest of honor was Patrick J. Byrne, MD, MBA, chief of Cleveland Clinic’s Integrated Surgical Institute and chair of the clinic’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Byrne leads Cleveland Clinic’s efforts in patient care, outcomes, education, safety, innovation, and research.

Internationally recognized as a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and as a head and neck surgeon, he has founded several startups and led volunteer teams worldwide.

This year’s course directors were Amber Luong, MD, PhD, professor and vice chair for academic affairs; Tang Ho, MD, chief of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and director of the facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship; and Katherine Kao, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Speakers and topics were:

  • “Advances in Microsurgical Facial Reanimation” by Dr. Patrick Byrne
  • “Effect of Palatoplasty Technique on Otologic Outcomes in Children with Cleft Palate,” by Dr. Shaina Gong
  • “Pearls of Nasal Reconstruction” by Dr. Tang Ho
  • Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Panel presentation of three cases by Dr. Patrick Byrne, Dr. Tang Ho, and Dr. Katherine Kao
  • “Update in Hair Restoration” by Dr. Katherine Kao
  • “THRIVE for the Operative Management of RCPD” by Dr. Amy Leming
  • “The Influence of Periocular Features on Gender Perception” by Dr. Bonnie Chen
  • “Reflections for the Young Surgeon Entering their Practice” by Dr. Patrick Byrne
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