Past Grand Rounds
All CME credit must be claimed by 11 PM central on the day during which the CME content was first presented.
| Neoadjuvant Treatment for Advanced Thyroid Cancer David Allen, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, December 12, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Grand Rounds, David Allen, MD, discussed neoadjuvant treatment for advanced thyroid cancer. He outlined the current state of thyroid cancer. The focus was on targeted neoadjuvant therapies, especially for BRAF-mutated anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC); these therapies have shown significant survival improvements. Dr. Allen highlighted the effectiveness of combining BRAF and MEK inhibitors. He also explored neoadjuvant treatments for other thyroid cancers, including medullary and differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The presentation emphasized the role of molecular profiling in treatment decisions and the potential of neoadjuvant approaches to reduce surgical morbidity and enhance survival rates. |
| Retrospective Analysis of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated with Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator (HGNS) versus Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Salman Hasan, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Newborn Hearing Screening in Texas: Gaps and Barriers to Care Vivian Jin, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Cost Utility Analysis of Hemithyroidectomy versus Total Thyroidectomy for Thyroid Nodules Evan de Joya, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, November 14, 2024 Video |
| Enhancing Systemic Anti‐tumor Immunity with Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Prior to Surgical Resection of HNSCC Clint Allen, MD - National Cancer Institute Thursday, October 24, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Grand Rounds, Clint Allen, MD (Senior Investigator that the National Cancer Institute intramural research program) discusses the promising results of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for advanced stage HPV-negative head and neck cancer. He highlights the historical challenges in treating this cancer type, noting that traditional methods like surgery followed by chemoradiation have shown limited success. Dr. Allen explains the scientific rationale behind using neoadjuvant immunotherapy, emphasizing the importance of activating the immune system while the tumor is still present. He shares data from recent studies, including the positive results from the Keynote 689 trial, which demonstrated improved two-year recurrence-free survival with perioperative pembrolizumab. Dr. Allen also delves into the mechanisms of T-cell activation and the role of TGF-beta in tumor-specific T-cell retention. The presentation concludes with a discussion on the potential for further improving treatment outcomes and the ongoing efforts to understand the underlying immunological processes. |
| Management of Tinnitus for the Otolaryngologist Evan de Joya, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, October 10, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Grand Rounds, Evan De Joya, MD presents an insightful talk on the management of tinnitus in otolaryngology. The presentation covers the prevalence and pathophysiology of tinnitus, current treatment options, and future research directions. Key takeaways include that tinnitus affects 10-15% of the US population, translating to around 25 to 50 million people. Additionally, the financial impact of tinnitus, particularly in the veteran population, is significant. Hearing aids are a primary treatment, especially in patients with hearing loss, improving symptoms in approximately 60% of cases. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also recommended, focusing on reducing the negative emotional response to tinnitus. The presentation highlights advancements like the Lenire device, a bimodal neuromodulation device combining sound and tongue stimulation. Lastly, the talk underscores the importance of continued research and awareness, noting Tinnitus Awareness Week in early February. |
| The Mechanics of Hearing: How We Interpret Sound Alexander Simko, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, September 26, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston ORL Grand Rounds, Alexander Simko, MD presented on the mechanics of hearing. Alexander meticulously explores the physical properties of the ear, detailing the roles of the outer, middle, and inner ear in sound processing. Alexander emphasizes the significance of resonance and impedance in amplifying sound and discusses the intricate anatomy and physiology that enable us to hear. He also addresses the challenges and advancements in hearing aids and cochlear implants, providing a comprehensive overview of current technologies and future directions. |
| Artificial Intelligence for the Head and Neck Surgeon Justin Pyne, MD, FRCSC Thursday, September 19, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Grand Rounds, Justin Pyne, MD delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of head and neck surgery. The talk, titled "Artificial Intelligence for the Head and Neck Surgeon," explores the history, current applications, and future possibilities of AI in medical practice. Dr. Pyne discusses various AI methodologies, including machine learning and deep learning, and their practical implications for diagnosing and treating head and neck cancers. He highlights several studies demonstrating AI's accuracy in detecting malignancies and predicting treatment outcomes. The presentation also covers innovative AI applications, such as smartphone-based diagnostic tools and AI-driven voice generation for patients with tracheostomies. Dr. Pyne's research, funded by the Edmonton Civic Employees Grant, showcases the promising results of AI models in identifying recurrent and residual disease. |
| Advancements in Facial Rejuvenation: The Role of Platelet‐Rich Plasma and Exosomes Shaina Gong, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, August 8, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Grand Rounds, Dr. Shaina Gong, PGY-4 resident at UTHealth Houston, presented on advancements in facial rejuvenation, focusing on the roles of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and exosomes. She detailed the biological mechanisms, practical applications, and current literature on the efficacy of PRP and exosomes for facial rejuvenation. Shaina highlighted PRP's history, preparation, and regulatory status, emphasizing its use in various facial rejuvenation applications, including microneedling and injections. She introduced exosomes as a newer, promising approach for skin rejuvenation, discussing their sources, regulatory challenges, and applications in cosmetic procedures. The presentation underscored the potential of PRP and exosomes in enhancing facial aesthetics, while also noting the need for further research to fully understand their benefits and applications in cosmetic dermatology. |
| Healthcare Disparities in Otolaryngology Kunal Shetty, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, July 25, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Grand Rounds, Kunal Shetty, MD presented "Healthcare Disparities in Otorhinolaryngology: • Dr. Shetty discussed the inefficiencies in the US healthcare system and compared healthcare systems globally, emphasizing disparities in otolaryngology, including social determinants of health and distribution of otolaryngologists. • He also provided insights into the healthcare system in Texas, including challenges posed by high uninsured rates and Medicaid access. • Lastly, he explored the impact of private equity, telemedicine, and public health campaigns on otolaryngology. |
| Quality of Life for the Head and Neck Cancer Survivor Apoorva Ramaswamy, MD - The Ohio State University Thursday, July 11, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Grand Rounds, Dr. Apoorva Ramaswamy, a laryngologist and dysphagia expert from Ohio State University, discusses steps to improve the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients. She presents various swallowing and speech problems that these patients face. Dr. Ramaswamy emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving surgeons, swallow therapists, and physical therapists, to address the complex and multifactorial issues that affect the head and neck cancer population. She also highlights the need for surgeons to be able to assess each patient individually with exam and modified barium swallow, and to look for surgically modifiable factors that can improve the patients' outcomes and prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia. |
| How do we THRIVE for Surgery, and Other Ways to Maintain Oxygenation Dylan Vance, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, June 27, 2024 In this UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Grand Rounds presentation, Dr. Dylan Vance discussed "How Do We THRIVE for Surgery, and Other Ways to Maintain Oxygenation": • Physiology, history, advantages, disadvantages, and indications for THRIVE (transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange) • Data from various studies and meta-analyses that show the effectiveness of THRIVE for preoxygenation, extended apnea, and tubeless surgery. • Patient selection, contraindications, and safety precautions for using TRHIVE • How THRIVE fits in the difficult airway algorithm |
| Autoimmune Disorders of the Larynx: Recognition and Options in Management Alexander Simko, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, June 13, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston ORL Grand Rounds, Alexander Simko, MD reviewed the pathophysiology, laryngeal involvement, and management options for several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, GPA, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, relapsing polychondritis, pemphigus, lupus, and scleroderma. He also discussed the specific features of bamboo nodes, which are seen in various autoimmune conditions, and how they can be treated with medical, speech, and surgical therapy. He emphasized the importance of having a high suspicion for undiagnosed autoimmune disease when evaluating patients with dysphonia or airway compromise, and the need to collaborate with rheumatology and other specialties for optimal care. |
| Environmental Sustainability in Otolaryngology and Healthcare: The Next Frontier in Global Health Sean McKee, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, May 23, 2024 Video In this UTHealth Houston ORL Grand Rounds, Sean McKee, MD discusses environmental sustainability in otolaryngology: • Climate change and pollution are major threats to global health and human well-being, affecting various otolaryngology-related diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis, thyroid cancer, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. • Healthcare systems contribute to about 5% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, and the operating room is a highly resource-intensive environment that generates a lot of waste and carbon footprint. • There are many opportunities and strategies to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare and otolaryngology, such as reducing anesthetic gases, recycling plastic wrap and other materials, reformulating surgical trays, avoiding single-use items, performing procedures in the office instead of the OR, and collaborating with clinical and non-clinical staff. |
| Novel Approaches for Overcoming Treatment Resistance in Head & Neck Cancer Paul Zolkind, MD - Washington University at St. Louis Thursday, May 9, 2024 Video In this presentation, Paul Zolkind, MD, a head and neck cancer researcher, shared his lab's work on novel approaches for overcoming treatment resistance in HPV-negative head and neck cancers. He reviewed: • The results of a window trial using trametinib, an MEK inhibitor, and the limitations of monotherapy due to resistance mechanisms. • The rationale and outcomes of a window trial using neoadjuvant pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, and the benefits of combination therapy. • The role of NRF2, a pathway that regulates oxidative stress, as a biomarker and a target for radiation sensitization, and the development of new NRF2 inhibitors. • The need for a more personalized and targeted approach for head and neck cancer treatment, based on molecular and immune features of the tumors. |
| Defining “Disease Control” for Chronic Rhinosinusitis Ahmad Sedaghat, MD, PhD - University of Cincinnati Thursday, April 25, 2024 Video In this presentation, Dr. Ahmad Sedaghat discusses: • The concept of disease control for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a global metric of disease status and the goal of treatment. • His research on how patients and rhinologists perceive and assess CRS control, and how current guidelines may not align well with their views. • The challenges and opportunities for developing consensus and evidence-based criteria for CRS control, and how this concept can be applied to other chronic diseases as well. |
| Facial Plastic Surgery in the Digital Age: Navigating the Impact of Social Media Shaina Gong, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, April 11, 2024 Video In this presentation, Dr. Shaina Gong discussed the following topics: • The global trends and popularity of social media platforms for facial plastic surgeons and patients, and how the content and frequency of posts vary by region, procedure and time. • The 3M framework to understand the influence of social media on surgeon-patient, patient-surgeon and peer-to-peer communications, and how social media can amplify an individual's sphere of influence. • The value of social media for marketing, profitability, collaboration and market insight, and how social media can assist in converting consumers into prospective patients. • The ethical implications of using social media to promote surgical services and engage with potential patients, such as obtaining informed consent, maintaining privacy and confidentiality, and avoiding false or misleading claims. • She concluded by emphasizing the importance of being aware of the ethical implications and responsibilities of using social media in facial plastic surgery. |
| Central Compartment Atopic Disease Brian Cameron, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, March 28, 2024 |
| Contemporary Management of Facial Paralysis Amy Leming, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, March 14, 2024 Video |
| How to Keep Your Scope (and Nose) Clean - Perioperative Optimization for Sinus Surgery Shuhui Xu, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, February 22, 2024 Video |
| Management of Caudal Septal Deformities Gianna Rosamilia, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, February 8, 2024 Video |
| Optimizing Ergonomics for Surgeon Wellbeing, Outcomes, and Careers Jumah Ahmad, MD - UTHealth Houston Otorhinolaryngology Thursday, January 25, 2024 Video |
| Neuromuscular Changes in the Aging Larynx Neel K. Bhatt, MD - University of Washington Thursday, January 11, 2024 Video |