School of Medicine
Showing 151-200 of 210 Results
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Nathan Reticker-Flynn, PhD
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsTo metastasize throughout our bodies, tumors subvert and co-opt our immune systems. Our lab seeks to uncover how these processes occur and develops therapies to put a stop to them.
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Anthony J. Ricci, PhD
Edward C. and Amy H. Sewall Professor in the School of Medicine and Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) and, by courtesy of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsWe study hearing from biophysical, molecular and signal processing perspectives. One focus is mechanotransduction, where sound is converted into an electrical signal. As a major site for dysfunction, a more detailed understand will provide a means toward intervention. We develop new antibiotics to limit ototoxicity. We investigate drug delivery methods from surgical approaches to slow release systems, including gene therapy tools. We are studying cognitive decline following hearing loss.
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Hamed Sajjadi, MD, FACS
Staff, OHNS/Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
Clinical Professor (Affiliated), OHNS/Otology & Neurotology DivisionCurrent Role at StanfordClinical Professor, supervising residents and medical students at Palo Alto VA health care system on a weekly basis.
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Douglas Sidell, MD, FAAP, FACS
Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) and, by courtesy, of Pediatrics
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Sidell's clinical interests include the management of children with voice and swallowing disorders, and congenital or acquired airway abnormalities. Examples of ongoing or upcoming prospective trials include an investigation into the utility of acid suppression in children with laryngomalacia, the management of vocal cord paralysis following cardiac surgery, and the management of type 1 laryngeal clefts in children.
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Alyssa Smith
Clinical Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery)
BioDr. Smith received her undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Connecticut, and her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, where she was a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She completed residency training in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. This was followed by a Pediatric Otolaryngology fellowship at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. She is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department Otolaryngology, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, at Stanford University.
Dr. Smith is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO), Society for Ear Nose and Throat Advancements in Children (SENTAC), and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). She serves on the Pediatric Otolaryngology Education Committee with the AAO-HNS.
She has a wide range of clinical interests including aerodigestive disorders, airway reconstruction, obstructive sleep apnea, tracheostomy care, congenital neck masses, benign and malignant head and neck tumors, and sinonasal disorders. -
Konstantina M. Stankovic, MD, PhD, FACS
Bertarelli Foundation Professor and Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) and, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsOur investigative efforts are organized along 3 research thrusts:
1. Vestibular schwannoma: uncovering mechanisms of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and identifying better therapies;
2. High-resolution imaging of the inner ear;
3. Novel sensing of and therapies for SNHL.
Considering the complex and multifaceted nature of these challenges, our approach entails tailored solutions that integrate techniques from molecular biology, systems neuroscience, biotechnology, and otologic surgery. -
Heather Starmer, PhD CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Clinical Professor, Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsHeather’s areas of research interest include investigation of strategies to enhance patient adherence to rehabilitation plans during head and neck cancer treatment, evaluation of communication and swallowing outcomes after Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), and assessment of voice outcomes after thyroid surgeries.
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Kristen K. Steenerson, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery)
Clinical Assistant Professor, Adult NeurologyBioDr. Kristen K. Steenerson is a Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, specializing in vestibular neurology and neuro-otology. She directs clinical care within the Vestibular Neurology Clinic at the Stanford Ear Institute, where she focuses on the diagnosis and management of complex dizziness and vestibular disorders, including vestibular migraine, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Ménière disease, bilateral vestibulopathy, and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness.
Her academic program integrates translational research with clinician education to improve the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Her research focuses on the development and validation of objective, technology-enabled tools to measure vestibular function in real-world settings. She leads initiatives evaluating wearable electro-oculography platforms for ambulatory nystagmus detection, as well as sensor-based systems using inertial measurement units to assess mobility, fall risk, and functional engagement. Her work leverages multidisciplinary collaboration across neurology, otolaryngology, audiology, engineering, and data science, with the goal of establishing scalable digital biomarkers and vestibular-specific clinical trial endpoints.
In parallel, Dr. Steenerson is deeply engaged in national and international clinician education. She serves as course director and faculty for multiple continuing medical education programs in vestibular neurology and neuro-otology, with a focus on bedside examination skills, acute dizziness evaluation, and diagnostic reasoning. She has developed interdisciplinary curricula and clinical training pathways designed to expand vestibular expertise among neurologists, otolaryngologists, advanced practice providers, and trainees.
Her scholarly work also includes clinical outcomes research and care delivery innovation, particularly in vestibular migraine and episodic vertigo disorders. She has led initiatives to standardize triage, referral pathways, and multidisciplinary care models for patients with dizziness, translating evidence into practical frameworks that improve access, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes.
Through the integration of clinical innovation, translational research, and clinician education, Dr. Steenerson’s work aims to modernize vestibular care and expand the reach of specialized expertise beyond tertiary referral centers. -
C. Kwang Sung, MD, MS
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) and, by courtesy, of Music
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsLaryngology
Otolaryngology
Professional voice -
John B. Sunwoo, MD
Edward C. and Amy H. Sewall Professor in the School of Medicine and Professor, by courtesy, of Dermatology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy laboratory is focused on two primary areas of research: (1) the immune response to head and neck cancer and to a tumorigenic population of cells within these malignancies called cancer stem cells; (2) the developmental programs of a special lymphocyte population involved in innate immunity called natural killer (NK) cells; and (3) intra-tumor and inter-tumor heterogeneity.
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Tristan Tham, MD
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
BioDr. Tristan Tham is an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon and Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Born and raised in Singapore, Dr. Tham earned his medical degree with honors from the Royal College of Surgeons, where he received the Norman Rae Gold Medal for academic excellence and thesis award. Following medical school, he began his career as a junior doctor at Singapore General Hospital, where he was honored with the ‘Heart of Gold’ Award for achieving the highest patient satisfaction ratings. He then pursued further research training at the New York Head & Neck Institute, where he was eventually promoted to Director of Patient-Oriented Research.
Dr. Tham completed his ENT surgery residency in New York City at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. During his residency, he was selected for membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
As an ENT surgeon, Dr. Tham treats a wide range of head and neck disorders, including sinus issues and obstructive sleep apnea, cancers of the sinus cavity and salivary glands, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, head and neck tumors, and chronic ear conditions. He prioritizes a personalized approach to care, working closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that address their unique needs.
Dr. Tham's contributions to the medical field extend beyond his clinical practice. He has authored over 180 publications, abstracts, and presentations. He currently serves as Associate Editor for Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Beyond his work in the clinic, Dr. Tham is committed to giving back through pro bono efforts in underserved regions around the world. He has participated in multiple medical missions abroad, reflecting his dedication to making a difference beyond his practice.
When he's not at work, Dr. Tham enjoys reading, weightlifting, and exploring the beautiful nature of Northern California with his wife and son. -
Mai Thy Truong, MD
Clinical Professor, Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery)
Clinical Professor (By courtesy), PediatricsBioMai Thy Truong, MD, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Stanford Children’s Hospital. She serves as the Clinic Chief and the Fellowship Director for the division. Dr. Truong oversees a dedicated Microtia and Atresia Clinic to provide care for all the reconstructive and hearing rehabilitative needs of children with microtia and canal atresia. Dr. Truong’s other clinical interests include Vascular Anomalies, Fetal Management of critical airway (EXIT procedure), as well as Congenital head and neck masses and fistulas. Her research has explored the social impact of microtia, 3D modelling in microtia repair, the treatment of complex vascular anomalies and pediatric sleep apnea.
Dr. Truong received her Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles in Neuroscience, graduating with honors. She went on to medical school at the University of California, Irvine. Dr Truong completed her residency training at Stanford University Hospital in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. She did her Fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Stanford Children’s Hospital. She completed post-graduate training in Auricular reconstruction, microtia repair, in Paris, France with the world renown plastic surgeon, Dr. Francoise Firmin. Dr Truong is proficient in Spanish and conversational in Vietnamese languages. Her personal interests include musical theater and Karaoke. She strongly believes in the importance of respect for all the diversity of humankind. She is a Bay Area Native and loves the uniqueness that each niche of the Bay Area has. -
Tulio Valdez, MD, MSc
Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) and, by courtesy, of Pediatrics
BioDr. Tulio A Valdez is a surgeon scientist with a subspecialty interest in Pediatric Otolaryngology. He attended medical school at Universidad Javeriana in Bogota Colombia before undertaking his residency in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in Boston. He completed his Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital (2007), Houston and obtained his Master’s in Clinical and Translational Research at the University of Connecticut.
Clinically, Dr. Valdez has an interest in pediatric sleep apnea. He has a special interest in the management of sinus disease in cystic fibrosis. Dr. Valdez has co-authored one textbook and numerous book chapters and scientific manuscripts. Dr. Valdez continues his clinical research in these areas, particularly with a focus on aerodigestive disorders.
Scientifically, Dr. Valdez has developed various imaging methods to diagnose otitis media and cholesteatoma a middle ear condition that can lead to hearing loss. He was part of the Laser Biomedical Research Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research includes novel imaging modalities to better diagnose ear infections one of the most common pediatric problems. His research has now expanded to include better intraoperative imaging modalities in pediatric patients to improve surgical outcomes without the need for radiation exposure.
Dr. Valdez believes in multi-disciplinary collaborations to tackle medical problems and has co-invented various medical devices and surgical simulation models. -
Perla Villamor
Clinical Instructor, Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery)
BioPerla Villamor, MD, is a Clinical Instructor in the Clinician Educator line in the Department of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery and the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Stanford University School of Medicine. She completed her medical and otolaryngology training in Colombia, followed by a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship in Mexico.
She has extensive experience in research, teaching, and clinical practice, having worked in leading institutions across Latin America and the Middle East.
Her passion for pediatric airway surgery has driven her to collaborate on global surgery initiatives and contribute to international scientific publications. She is deeply committed to working with children and their families to improve their quality of life and ensure they experience happy, healthy childhoods. She is currently pursuing a two-year International Fellowship in Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology at Stanford Children’s Hospital. -
Nneoma S. Wamkpah, MD MSCI
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
BioDr. Nneoma Stephanie Wamkpah is a board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Stanford Health Care Ear, Nose, and Throat. She is also an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Wamkpah cares for patients with facial paralysis, nasal problems, and facial injuries. She performs both functional and cosmetic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facial trauma repair, and procedures to restore movement after nerve damage. Her approach focuses on improving how patients look and function while tailoring care to their individual needs and goals.
As a physician-researcher, Dr. Wamkpah explores how facial plastic and reconstructive surgery affects patients’ quality of life and functional outcomes. She studies patient-reported measures to improve surgical quality, shared decision-making between patients and surgeons, and ways to ensure equitable access to reconstructive care. She is also interested in innovations in facial reanimation, evidence-based approaches to facial trauma management, and the impact of medical education on surgical planning and execution.
Dr. Wamkpah has authored several book chapters as well as articles in peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine, and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. She has presented her work at national conferences, including the annual meetings of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), and the Rhinoplasty Society.
Dr. Wamkpah is a member of AAO-HNS, AAFPRS, and the Sir Charles Bell Society. She also volunteers her skills internationally, providing surgery for children and adults in resource-limited countries. -
Ziyan Wu
Postdoctoral Scholar, Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
BioZiyan’s primary research interest is environmental engineering, especially hydrology, water resources, and sustainable development. Besides, she would like to do some research of big data analysis. In her undergraduate career, she did a hydrology research project of “Development and Update of Rainfall and Runoff Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves for Arizona State Counties in Response to Climate Change” with Dr. Amin Mohebbi at Northern Arizona University. In this project, she used Matlab and Excel to analysis the 1-minuite precipitation data for 60 years. This project combined hydrology, big data analysis, and computer coding. Ziyan is looking forward to doing more combined projects like this for her graduate study.
Besides this project, Ziyan did another project with Dr. Junsxing Ho. The title of the project is “Evaluation of Dust Suppressant Mixed with different types of Soils in Unpaved Road: Lab experiment”. Ziyan did sets of lab experiments in this project, and from this project, she is pretty familiar with lab procedures and lab conduction.
