ENT Newsletter Winter 2026 Banner

Table of Contents

  • Message from Our Division Chief
  • Message from Our Program Director
  • Meet Our Faculty
  • Resident Program
  • News
  • Publications

Chief's Message
Huseyin Isildak, MD
Huseyin Isildak, MD, FACS Chief
Division of Otolaryngology
Head and Neck Surgery

As I complete my first year working alongside our great otolaryngology team, as division leader, I would like to reflect on the remarkable accomplishments our team has achieved. I am deeply grateful for the dedication, professionalism and collaboration each of our team members brings to our division. Together, we have achieved meaningful progress across all areas of our mission, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished.

Over the past year, we welcomed several exceptional new colleagues who have strengthened our clinical and academic teams. Lenka Boguslawski and John Mazzara joined us as APPs at 37 Research Way/Lake Grove, and Christine Kriklava joined our MART practice as our newest NP. We also welcomed Dr. Peter Michaelson, who is actively growing his practice at Stony Brook Community Medicine (SBCM). Looking ahead, we are preparing to welcome our first facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Anisha Kumar, in February 2026, and our second pediatric ENT specialist, Dr. Christopher Puchi, in October 2026. Recruitment is also underway for two inpatient APPs and an additional general ENT faculty member to support our expanding program.

This year also marked important faculty advancement, with Drs. Christopher Vanison and Sonya Marcus promoted to Associate Professor. Two additional faculty members are currently in the promotion process, and we anticipate continued success in the coming year.

Our clinical footprint has grown significantly. We expanded access across the region and began seeing patients in our new, modern Lake Grove location. This facility offers greater capacity, an improved patient experience and upgraded equipment, including a cone-beam CT scanner. In the coming weeks, several providers will also begin practicing at our new Southampton site, further strengthening our presence on the East End. A major milestone this year was doubling our cochlear implant volume, reflecting our team’s collective focus on high-quality, patient-centered care across all sites.

Research and academic productivity have reached new heights. Our faculty and trainees published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers this year, and more than 50 research projects are currently underway. Multiple clinical trials and grant submissions are in progress. For the first time, our division participated in the Metropolitan New York Resident Research Day Symposium at Columbia University, where residents Alex and David delivered excellent presentations and Dr. Chadwick served as a judge. At the national Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM) 2025 meeting, our division presented nine posters and podium talks, and preparations for an even stronger presence at next year's conference are already underway.

Our division also achieved significant external recognition this year. Our U.S. News ENT score doubled compared to last year, and we were ranked among the Top 10 ENT clinics in New York State—an outstanding reflection of the quality and impact of our work.

Communication and outreach efforts have also strengthened connections across our community. We launched the first issue of our division newsletter, participated in the inaugural Combined Alumni Dinner with NYC Metro Area otolaryngology programs and engaged in successful events with Long Island audiologists and referring physicians.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the steadfast support of our departmental and institutional leadership. Their commitment to our vision has enabled the progress we have made this year.

As we look ahead, I am confident that the momentum we have built will lead to even greater achievements. With our growing team, new clinical sites, expanding research portfolio and shared dedication to excellence, our division is poised for an exceptional year to come. It is a privilege to work alongside such talented and committed colleagues, and I am grateful for all that our team members bring to our division.

Program Director's Message

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Meet Our Faculty

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Residency Program

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News

Spotlight on Christine Kriklava, NP

We are proud to recognize our Nurse Practitioner, Christine Kriklava, for her active participation in the IGCS 2025 Nursing Workshop in Cape Town. Christine joined nurses from around the world to connect, learn and collaborate on advancements in oncology.

Welcome John Mazzara, PA

We are excited to welcome John Mazzara, PA to our team, where he will work in outpatient services. John brings 19 years of experience across multiple specialties including Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Orthopedics, Telemetry and Urgent Care. Known for his strong work ethic, excellent communication skills and clinical expertise, John is a valuable addition to our team.

Cochlear Implant Networking Night – A Success

Our recent Cochlear Implant Physician Networking Event was a great success! Physicians, PAs, NPs and audiologists joined us for an engaging evening of learning and collaboration, discussing treatment options for single-sided deafness, surgical techniques, complex cases and the latest implantable hearing technologies.
A special thank you to our audiology team for leading the event.

We’re Growing Our Team – PA/NP Positions

Our division is expanding, and we’re seeking dedicated Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners to provide comprehensive patient care, including inpatient responsibilities and ENT/OMFS facial trauma calls.
Be part of Long Island’s premier academic medical center, where innovation, education, and patient care thrive.
Apply by December 3, 2025: https://lnkd.in/ebNMZS-i

Otolaryngologist Opportunity

We are also seeking a general otolaryngologist . This position offers a unique opportunity to grow clinically, contribute to teaching and research, and collaborate in a supportive, collegial academic environment.
Join our expanding team!
Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/grZAs56W

Welcome Peter G. Michaelson, MD, FACS

We are excited to welcome Dr. Peter G. Michaelson to Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group . 
Dr. Michaelson brings over 20 years of experience in both private practice and hospital settings in Dayton, Ohio, along with a distinguished 33-year career in the U.S. military.
Read more about Dr. Michaelson’s practice here

Stony Brook ENT Ranks Among Top 10 in New York State!

We are proud to announce that Stony Brook ENT is now ranked among the Top 10 ENT clinics in New York State by U.S. News & World Report! We doubled our score from last year and are climbing fast—next stop: the Top 50 nationwide.

Congratulations to David Lehmann, MD!

We are proud to celebrate Dr. David Lehmann on his graduation! He joined ENTA in New Jersey. Wishing him continued success as he embarks on this next chapter in his career.
See more here

Stony Brook ENT Shines at Resident Research Day

We are proud of our Stony Brook ENT team at the 19th Annual Metropolitan NY Resident Research Day Symposium! Our residents, Alex and David, delivered outstanding talks, and Dr. Chadwick served as a judge. @Columbia Universit
See more here

Golden Adam’s Apple Award – Congratulations Dr. Chadwick!

Our graduating chief resident, Dr. David Lehmann, presented Dr. Chadwick with the 2025 Golden Adam’s Apple Award, recognizing excellence in teaching within the Stony Brook ENT Residency. Congratulations to Dr. Chadwick for this well-deserved honor!
See more here

Stony Brook ENT at COSM 2025

Our team achieved national visibility at #COSM2025 in New Orleans, presenting 9 poster and podium presentations. We are proud of our residents and faculty for sharing their research and advancing otolaryngology at a national level.

Publications

We are proud to highlight recent scholarly contributions from our Stony Brook ENT Faculty and Residents, advancing knowledge across otolaryngology, facial plastic surgery and related fields:
A Comparison of Plating Techniques for the Treatment of Mandible Fractures: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis – Jacobs T, Shaari AL, Patil D, et al. J Craniofac Surg. 2025 Sep 23. [PMID: 40986831]
The Impact of Botulinum Toxin on Scar Formation Following Thyroidectomy: Systematic Review of RCTs – Shaari AL, Shah P, Patil D, et al. J Craniofac Surg. 2025 Sep 17. [PMID: 40965472]
Invited Commentary: Applying AI to Enhance Outcomes in Mohs Reconstruction – Johnson JD, Shaari AL, Salehi PP. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2025 Sep 12. [PMID: 40938740]
Medicare Reimbursement Trends for Mandibular Fracture Repair, 2000–2024 – Tripathi OB, Patel AM, Vanison CC. Laryngoscope. 2025 Aug 26. [PMID: 40855967]
Supply and Demand: Pediatric Surgical Specialties Fellowship Match Trends – Kosciuszek ND, Froehlich M, et al. J Surg Res. 2025 Aug 21. [PMID: 40846559]
Percutaneous Tenotomy With Ultrasonic Debridement for Lateral Epicondylitis: Surgical Technique and Outcomes – Schurhoff NA, Shaari A, et al. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2025 Aug 14. [PMID: 40801422]
Factors Associated With Type 1 Thyroplasty Revision: Insights From TriNetX – Leonardo C, Bjorling A, Chadwick KA. Laryngoscope. 2025 Jul 30. [PMID: 40735897]
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccination on Bell's Palsy: Retrospective Analysis – Shimunov D, Isildak H. Otol Neurotol. 2025 Oct 1. [PMID: 40690195]
Tumor-intrinsic and Immune-related Features in HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer – Sannigrahi MK, Raghav L, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2025 Jul 1. [PMID: 40069922]
Spatial Radiomic Graphs for Outcome Prediction in HNSCC Using Pretreatment CT – Bae J, Mani K, et al. Radiol Imaging Cancer. 2025 Mar. [PMID: 39982207]
Developing a Mobile App for Gender-Affirming Voice Training: A Community Approach – Alter IL, Chadwick KA, et al. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2024 Dec 14. [PMID: 39679168]
Association of Oropharyngeal Cancer Recurrence With Tumor and Immune Features: Preprint – Sannigrahi MK, Raghav L, et al. bioRxiv. 2024 Nov 4. [PMID: 39574723]
Incidence and Risk Factors for Toxic Shock Syndrome After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Systematic Review – O'Shaughnessy J, Chiu J, et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2025 Feb. [PMID: 39413334]
Evaluation and Treatment of Rhinosinusitis With Primary Antibody Deficiency in Children: Evidence-based Recommendations – Makary CA, Azar A, et al. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2024 Nov. [PMID: 39404739]
Multifocal and Recurrent Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Basharat R, Samara G. Cureus. 2024 Aug. [PMID: 39328649]
Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon of the Tongue – Basharat R, Riordan J, Samara G. Cureus. 2024 Aug. [PMID: 39310508]
Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Nasal Cavity – Basharat R, Bjorling A, Samara G. Cureus. 2024 Aug. [PMID: 39221300]
Prospective Outcomes of Microlaryngoscopy vs. Office Laser Photoangiolysis for Vocal Fold Polyps – Chadwick KA, Andreadis K, Sulica L. Laryngoscope. 2024 Aug. [PMID: 38742623]
Outcomes in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Stapedotomy – Lehmann D, Chao E, Saadi R, Wang M, Isildak H. J Laryngol Otol. 2025 Mar. [PMID: 39431371]

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