An Interview with Myles L. Pensak, MD

Changes in Otolaryngology

ENTT: What are some of the most promising changes that you’ve seen in the specialty of otolaryngology during your career?

MP: For me as an otologist/neurotologist, cochlear implantation was, without a doubt, the most exciting event to take place. From patients in the early 1980s who were profoundly deaf, all the way up to kids as young as six months today who have congenital hearing impairment, are being implanted. At five years of age, they’re equal to age-matched controls in terms of linguistic and reading skills. Currently, we’re at the dawn of employing gene therapy for congenital hearing loss; the future is indeed exciting and bright.

The employment of effective protocols and standardization amongst management teams in assessing and treating benign and malignant tumors optimizes patient care and outcomes. Technological advances, including microsurgical instruments and scopes, interventional techniques, neural reanimation, and free-flap reconstruction, complement the contemporary integration of more sophisticated chemo, therapeutic radiation, and surgical approaches for the most challenging and complex oncological cases we as a specialty face.

I’ve also seen a different overall approach from a philosophic point of view. When I first started, your focus on career was primary. It’s only within the last 10 to 15 years that physicians have paid attention to wellness and lifestyle, trying to mitigate some of the obvious stressors .

One of the things that I don’t think is healthy is the monetization of modern American medicine. I think there are far too many people who are focused only on business, and healthcare takes a backseat to making as much money as we can. I think the role of physicians as advocates, champions, and protectors of their patients has significantly eroded as the corporate universe of medicine has come to the fore, and that isn’t good for our patients, practicing nurses, physicians, and other healthcare workers.

ENTT: Is there any advice that you would give to other otolaryngologists?

MP: I’ve been incredibly fortunate in that I have loved what I’ve done, and never felt like I was going to work. I love the surgery, the teaching, and even the administrative jobs.

First, I suppose, take your work very, very seriously. But don’t take yourself too seriously. Second, at the end of the day, remember that medicine is a human endeavor, and patients don’t understand medical-speak. When you’re talking with patients, irrespective of their backgrounds, speak with clarity. Third, never, ever suggest or do anything to a patient that you wouldn’t suggest or do for your child, your parents, your spouse, or your best friend.

And lastly, be kind. I’m convinced we live in a world where there’s a profound absence of old-fashioned kindness. Keep learning, and have fun.   

Amy E. Hamaker is the editor of ENTtoday.