Tom Collins is a freelance medical writer based in Florida.
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March 2018Kofi Boahene, MD, Awarded Hannley Award for Trio Thesis
Kofi Boahene, MD, associate professor of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery and dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, was awarded the Dr. Maureen Hannley Award, given in honor of the excellence of a Triological thesis in the category of alternative science.
Dr. Boahene won for his findings on a new technique, using the omohyoid muscle from the front of the neck, that can potentially be used to restore movements of patients with facial paralysis. Donor muscles that have traditionally been considered are typically too large. “The omohyoid muscle can be harvested as a free flap, [and] it has adequate pedicle to be used for microvascular transfer,” Dr. Boahene said. “It’s a good size match and substitute for the orbicularis (oculi muscle), for which we currently don’t have any option for dynamic replacement.”
Roger Crumley, MD, Brookhouser Award of Excellence
This year’s Patrick E. Brookhouser, MD, Award of Excellence was presented to Roger Crumley, MD, MBA, professor emeritus of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at the University of California, Irvine. The award recognizes Dr. Crumley’s significant scientific and service contributions to the Triological Society and otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, and how he embodies and perpetuates the values and ideals of the society. He is a past director of the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) and former president of several societies, including the Triological Society, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Laryngological Association.
Dr. Persky praised Dr. Crumley as “a leader amongst leaders, who has allowed otolaryngology–head and neck surgery to spread its expertise and influence beyond just ear, nose, and throat.”
Robert Miller Honored
Robert Miller, MD, MBA, was recognized as a Guest of Honor by both the Western Section and the Triological Society as a whole.
Dr. Persky commented that, as a former executive director of the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto), founding editor of ENTtoday, and an “active and committed member” of the Triological Society, Dr. Miller dealt “compulsively and thoughtfully” with myriad details, from maintenance of certification to subspecialty certification. “The society thanks you for all that you’ve done for us,” he said.
Western Section vice president Clough Shelton, MD, credited Dr. Miller with getting the ABOto on “firm financial footing.” He added, “Bob’s done a great job presenting the board and the specialty of otolaryngology to the larger house of organized medicine.”
Self Regulation
Dr. Miller said he was moved by the recognition. “I can’t tell you how incredibly honored I am to receive this recognition,” he said. “It’s very meaningful.” He added that serving as editor of ENTtoday was “the cherry on the sundae for me. It’s been one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in any of my medical activities.”