ENT Newsletter - Summer 2026 - Volume 3

Note: Please click on photos for full-size images.

Message from Our Division Chief
Message from Our Program Director
Meet Our Faculty
Residency Program
News
Publications

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

It is an exciting time for our Division of Otolaryngology. Over the past year, we have continued to grow—not only in size, but also in the breadth and depth of the clinical care, education, research and academic opportunities we provide to our patients, trainees and colleagues.

Our faculty continues to expand across multiple subspecialties. We recently welcomed Dr. Anisha Kumar in Facial Plastic Surgery, who has already become an important addition to our team. We are also looking forward to welcoming a second pediatric otolaryngologist and a new general otolaryngologist with a focus in rhinology in the coming months, followed by our second Head & Neck surgeon in early 2027. With these recruitments, our division will have 11 faculty members and eight APPs, representing significant growth in our clinical and academic capacity. These additions will further strengthen our ability to provide comprehensive, highly specialized care while creating new opportunities for collaboration within our division and across Stony Brook Medicine.

Our clinical growth has also been accompanied by significant expansion of our practice locations and infrastructure. We recently moved into our new, larger Lake Grove office, providing additional clinical space, more examination rooms, and advanced technology, including cone-beam CT imaging. We also have an established office in Commack, and we are developing plans to expand our presence across Eastern Long Island, including Southampton Hospital and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to bring high-quality, subspecialty otolaryngology care closer to the communities we serve while building a strong, accessible, and integrated otolaryngology program throughout the region.

Education remains one of the central pillars of our division. We welcomed a new fellow to our Advanced Otology Fellowship Program this past July, continuing to build a specialized training program in otology and neurotology. We have also added two APPs dedicated to supporting our residency program—one for the day shift and one for the night shift. Their support will strengthen our clinical environment and provide valuable assistance to our residents. At the same time, we are actively working toward expanding our residency program, allowing us to train more future otolaryngologists and further strengthen our academic mission.

Our academic and research activities have also continued to expand. During the last fiscal year, our team published 27 articles indexed in PubMed, reflecting the strong scholarly engagement of our faculty and trainees. In addition, we have multiple ongoing clinical trials and have secured multiple research grants supporting our academic work. We are also actively pursuing additional federal research support, with two R01 grant applications currently in development/submission. These efforts reflect our commitment to building a sustainable research program and creating meaningful opportunities for faculty, fellows, residents, and students to participate in clinical and translational research.

I am particularly proud that our growth has occurred across all three pillars of our academic mission—clinical excellence, education, and research. Our goal is not simply to become a larger division, but to become a stronger academic program that advances the field while providing the highest level of care to our patients.

None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our faculty, APPs, residents, fellows, nurses, audiologists, administrative teams, and staff. Every member of our division contributes to our success, and I sincerely appreciate the professionalism, teamwork, and commitment you bring to our patients every day.

As we look ahead, our goal remains clear: to build an exceptional, nationally recognized academic otolaryngology program while providing outstanding, compassionate care to our patients and creating an environment where our faculty, trainees, and staff can thrive.

We have accomplished a great deal together, but I believe we are still at the beginning of an exciting journey. I look forward to everything we will accomplish together in the coming year.

Keith Chadwick 200 — ENT Residency Program Director

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere. Ut hendrerit semper vel class aptent taciti sociosqu. Ad litora torquent per conubia nostra inceptos himenaeos.

Keith A. Chadwick, MD, MS

Dr. Keith Chadwick is an Assistant Professor of Surgery, and fellowship-trained laryngologist. He serves as the Medical Director of the 37 Research Way ENT practice and is the Director of the Multi-Disciplinary Voice and Swallowing Programs. He will also soon be appointed as the Director of Otolaryngology at Stony Brook’s Southampton Hospital.

Following medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Chadwick completed residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University and was selected as the inaugural Sean Parker Fellow in Laryngology at the Sean Parker Institute for the Voice (Weill Cornell University, New York, NY). During his fellowship, he also earned a master’s degree in Clinical and Translational Investigation from Cornell.

With a background in vocal performance, Dr. Chadwick specializes in comprehensive laryngology, providing evidence-based and personalized care for all disorders of voice, swallowing, upper airway and laryngeal cancer. Dr. Chadwick has expertise in cutting-edge advances in laryngeal treatment, including stroboscopy, collaborative multi-disciplinary evaluation and management, office-based laryngeal procedures and endoscopic surgical treatment, including lasers.

Actively engaged in academic research, Dr. Chadwick continues to study laryngeal disorders and treatment, lecturing regularly at national conferences and meetings and publishing in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. His most recent study areas are gender-affirming voice care, laryngeal framework surgery and treatment of benign vocal fold lesions.

He is an active member of multiple national academic societies, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the American Bronchoesophagological Association, and the American Laryngological Association, and was recently inducted as an Active Fellow of the Triological Society (receiving the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Harris P. Mosher Award for Excellence in Clinical Research).

Lukasz Czerwonka, MD, FACS

Dr. Lukasz Czerwonka is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and the Director of Head and Neck Oncologic and Endocrine Surgery. He completed a General Surgery Residency at Wright State University in Dayton, OH, followed by an American Head and Neck Society accredited two-year Head and Neck Surgery Fellowship in Toronto, Canada. He is also board-certified in General Surgery and a fellow of the American Head and Neck Society.

He specializes in the surgical management of thyroid and parathyroid disease, cutaneous and mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, salivary gland tumors and head and neck microvascular reconstruction. He has particular expertise in the management of locally advanced and recurrent thyroid cancer as well as head and neck ultrasound. Dr. Czerwonka established the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Clinic at Stony Brook University Hospital and is the principal investigator on numerous investigator-initiated and cooperative group trials.

Jaime P. Doody, MD, FRCS

Dr. Jaime Doody is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and the Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology. He completed medical school at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, before completing his otolaryngology residency with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He completed a medical doctorate through the National University of Ireland in Galway looking at tissue engineering, specifically peripheral nerve regeneration. He followed that by completing a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Boston Children’s Hospital through Harvard Medical School. Before joining the faculty here at Stony Brook in the winter of 2023, he spent just over four years working at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Dr. Doody specializes in all areas of pediatric otolaryngology, with a specific focus on sleep and airway issues. Dr. Doody is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and a member of the European Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology and the American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.

Huseyin Isildak, MD, FACS

Dr. Huseyin Isildak is a Professor of Surgery, and Chief of the Division of Otolaryngology. He also serves as the Director of the Otology/Neurotology, Cochlear Implant and Skull Base Programs.

Dr. Isildak's training includes an Otology and Neurotology Clinical Fellowship at the Paparella Ear, Head and Neck Institute in Minneapolis, MN, and an Otology Fellowship at Delaware Otologic Medicine and Surgery, Christiana Health Care System. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology at Cerrahpasa Medical School in Istanbul, Turkey.

Dr. Isildak specializes in ear-related diseases, including hearing loss, ear infections and tumors, cochlear implantation, other implantable hearing devices and lateral skull base surgery, such as acoustic neuromas. Dr. Isildak is a member of several professional organizations, including the prestigious American Otological Society, the American Neurotology Society, and the North American Skull Base Society. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Anisha R Kumar, MD

Dr. Anisha Kumar is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Stony Brook Medicine Department of Surgery's Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ENT) and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Biomedical Informatics at Stony Brook University. After earning a BA degree from Harvard University (Cambridge, MA), Dr. Kumar completed her MD at Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA). She then continued her training with a residency in the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (Baltimore) and a fellowship in the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (New York).

Dr. Kumar is board-certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She specializes in the full scope of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation and reconstruction following skin cancer and head and neck disease. Dr. Kumar is also committed to advancing the evidence base for surgical care through ongoing research in artificial intelligence.

Sonya Marcus, MD

Dr. Sonya Marcus is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and the Director of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery. She also serves as the Medical Director of the ENT Practice at 500 Commack Road in Commack, NY.

Dr. Marcus completed her medical education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and her residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at New York University, followed by a fellowship in Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at Emory University. She specializes in sinus-related diseases and has advanced training in managing complex cases of sinusitis, revision sinus surgery, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, and the surgical treatment of orbital and sinonasal tumors, including office-based treatments.

Dr. Marcus is an active member of several national academic societies, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the American Rhinologic Society (ARS), the European Rhinology Society (ERS) and the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS). She participates in multiple committees within the ARS, including the Quality Improvement and Membership committees. She serves on several journal editorial boards and additionally, serves as an associate editor for the Laryngoscope Investigative Journal.

Peter G Michaelson, MD

Dr. Peter Michaelson is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and founder of Suffolk ENT. He provides comprehensive ENT care, including all facets of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, with a special focus on rhinology and sinus procedures. Dr. Michaelson is a nationally recognized expert in balloon sinuplasty, and also serves as a national instructor for this minimally invasive, office-based technique.

Dr. Michaelson is board certified in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. He earned his undergraduate degree from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and initially served as a physicist before entering medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He completed his Otolaryngology residency at San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) in San Antonio, Texas, and was later assigned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH, where he served as Chief of Head and Neck Surgery from 2008 to 2016.

David A. Schessel, MD

Dr. David Schessel is an Associate Professor of Surgery and fellowship-trained neurotologist/skull base surgeon. He received his MS in neurosciences, PhD in physiology and anatomy of the vestibular system and his MD at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. With continued interest in the inner ear and balance system, he went on to residency in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Albert Einstein followed by fellowship in neurotology/skull base surgery at the University of Toronto.

Before coming to Stony Brook, Dr. Schessel practiced in Washington, DC, at George Washington University in the departments of otolaryngology and neurosurgery. He also served as a lecturer at Georgetown University and clinical instructor in complex pediatric ear and skull base surgery at Children's National Medical Center. He was privileged to serve as volunteer at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital, helping care for members of our armed forces and their families and training military physicians. He received the medal of service for this. He has also consulted for the United States Peace Corps.

Dr. Schessel came to Stony Brook in 2007 to continue academic practice in his specialty, working at our offices in East Setauket, NY, and Commack, NY. His current practice centers on the nonsurgical management of all problems of the ear including hearing, balance and skull base disease/acoustic neuromas. He has a particular interest in diagnosis and management of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance including Ménière’s disease, vestibular migraine, third window syndromes, chronic dizziness, the management of hearing loss and helping individuals experiencing tinnitus.

His research interests include defining the structure and function of the peripheral and central vestibular system. In the area of skull base surgery, the cause and means to reduce pain after surgery for acoustic neuromas and the development of novel and improved surgical approaches in the treatment of vascular and neoplastic lesions of the deep skull base including the petroclival region, jugular foramen and cavernous sinus. He has also worked on intratympanic therapies used in the non-surgical management of Ménière’s disease.

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

C. Lenka Boguslawski, PA
Mya Hutchins, PA-C
Christine Kriklava, NP
Casey Lee, MSPAS, PA-C
John Mazzara, PA
Jennifer McLaughlin, PA
Kristi Mohr, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA - Audiologist
Bridget Pellegrini, PA

Current Residents

Jin Cheng Chen MD – PGY1
Hometown: TK
Undergraduate: TK
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science (2026)
Career Interests: TK
Hobbies: TK
Fun Fact: TK
Favorite Cuisines: TK

Ariana Shaari, MD – PGY2
Hometown: TK
Undergraduate: TK
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (2025)
Career Interests: TK
Hobbies: TK
Fun Fact: TK
Favorite Cuisines: TK

Adam Daniels, MD – PGY3
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Undergraduate: University of Southern California
Medical School: SUNY Downstate
Career Interests: Too soon to know!
Hobbies: Dancing, video games, playing with my cats
Fun Fact: I have taught, choreographed and danced various Latin styles for over a decade
Favorite Cuisines: Sushi, authentic Mexican, Costco hotdog and pizza, wife’s cooking (she made me say it)

Jacob (Jake) Riordan, MD - PGY4
Hometown: Haddonfield, NJ
Undergraduate: The College of New Jersey
Major: Chemistry
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Clinical and Research Interests: Head & neck cancer, clinical trials, laryngology and treatment de-escalation in head & neck cancer
Hobbies: Swimming, running, biking, surfing, Philadelphia sports, searching for glacial erratics on Long Island
Interesting Fact: Favorite Chinese proverb: “He who knows patience knows peace.”

Alexander (Alex) Bjorling, MD - PGY5
Hometown: Robbinsville, NJ
Undergraduate: Saint Joseph’s University
Major: Family Business and Entrepreneurship
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Clinical and Research Interests: Pediatric otolaryngology, head & neck cancer, skull base surgery and quality improvement
Hobbies: Ping pong, video games, skiing, dungeons and dragons, board games, running
Interesting Fact: Was once a contestant on the show “Cash Cab.”

Recent Graduates

David Shimunov, MD - Class of 2026
Medical School: Sackler School of Medicine
Fellowship: Advanced Otology Fellow, Stony Brook Medicine

David Lehmann, MD - Class of 2025
Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Current Position: ENT and Allergy Associates - Hoboken, NJ

Jerlon Chiu, MD - Class of 2024
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Current Position: Clinical Assistant Professor - University of Connecticut

James Metkus, MD - Class of 2023
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Fellowship: Sleep Medicine, University of Colorado
Current Position: Critical Care, Pulmonary and Sleep Associates, Lakewood, CO

Ewen Chao, MD - Class of 2022
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Fellowship: Advanced Otology, Stony Brook University
Current Position: Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park, CA

Dr. Lukasz Czerwonka Receives Golden Adam’s Apple Award

During our residency graduation party, Dr. Lukasz Czerwonka was selected by our residents as the recipient of the 2026 Golden Adam’s Apple Award, the Stony Brook Medicine ENT Residency’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Huge congratulations!

Recent Otolaryngology Resident Grad, Dr. David Shimunov, to Stay at Stony Brook in Our Advanced Otology Fellowship

A proud and memorable evening as we celebrated Dr. David Shimunov’s otolaryngology residency graduation. Dr. Shimunov was surrounded by his family, friends, co-residents and faculty mentors, all of whom played an important role in shaping his journey and success throughout residency. We are fortunate that David will be staying with us for another year as our Advanced Otology Fellow. Looking forward to watching him continue to excel and thrive in this next chapter of his training!

Welcome to Our New PAs!

I’m incredibly excited to welcome two outstanding inpatient physician assistants, Casey Lee, PA, and Mya Hutchins, PA-C, to our growing otolaryngology program at Stony Brook Medicine. Their talent, compassion and dedication to exceptional patient care, combined with their close collaboration with our outstanding ENT residents, will further strengthen the culture of excellence, teamwork and innovation as we continue to grow and advance our program. Welcome aboard, Casey and Mya! Excited for all that we’ll accomplish together.

Inaugural Cochlear Implant Community Day

We held our first Cochlear Implant Community Day, and it was a tremendous success. It was wonderful to see so many members of our community come together, including hearing healthcare professionals, cochlear implant candidates, patients who have undergone surgery with our team, and their families. One of the highlights of the event was hearing recipients sharing their personal journeys and experiences, offering encouragement and insight to those considering implantable hearing solutions.

I am extremely proud of our Cochlear Implant team at Stony Brook Medicine and grateful for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to our patients. It is a privilege to work alongside such an outstanding group of professionals.

I would like to thank Molly Cipriano and Allison Leasure at Cochlear for their generous support and partnership in making this event possible. Thank you to everyone who attended, shared their stories and helped make this inaugural community meeting such a success. We look forward to bringing our cochlear implant community together again in the future.

Stony Brook and NYU Co-Host 20th Annual Metropolitan New York Resident Career Day and Research Symposium

The 20th Annual Metropolitan New York Resident Career Day and Research Symposium was a tremendous success. As co-hosts of this event, I am especially proud of what our team accomplished. I would like to congratulate our own Stony Brook Medicine colleagues, Drs. Keith Chadwick and Anisha R. Kumar, MD, for creating, establishing and leading such a smooth, engaging and outstanding scientific program.

I would also like to thank Dr. Umamaheswar Duvvuri and the entire NYU Otolaryngology team for graciously hosting the event and for their outstanding support and hospitality. It was particularly rewarding to see such strong attendance and participation, even on a Friday afternoon. The enthusiasm of the residents, fellows and faculty created a wonderful atmosphere of learning, collaboration and mentorship.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success. We are honored to have partnered with NYU and look forward to continuing this outstanding tradition in the years ahead.

Dr. Anisha Kumar and FACET Team Selected for 2026 Brook & Beyond Innovation Challenge Funding

Congratulations to Anisha R. Kumar, MD, and the entire FACET team on being selected for funding through the 2026 Brook & Beyond Innovation Challenge at Stony Brook University. This is an exciting collaboration between our Otolaryngology Division and the Department of Biomedical Informatics using AI-powered CT analysis to support faster trauma triage and improve clinical decision-making in emergency care. This recognition reflects the innovation and collaborative spirit of the entire team.

We are truly lucky to have Anisha’s leadership, vision and commitment driving this effort forward. Looking forward to seeing the impact this project will make.

Dr. Alex Bjorling, PGY-4 Resident, Matches Into the Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program at Children's National Hospital

I am proud to share that our exceptional PGY-4 resident, Dr. Alex Bjorling, has matched into the Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program at Children's National Hospital, one of the nation’s premier pediatric otolaryngology training programs, for 2027. Congratulations to Alex on this outstanding achievement, which also reflects the strong mentorship and commitment to excellence within our training program at Stony Brook Medicine. We look forward to seeing the continued impact Alex will make in the field of pediatric otolaryngology.

1st Year Med Student Research Symposium 200x150

ENT Interest Group Sponsors First-Year Medical Student Research Symposium

Our ENT Interest Group had the privilege of sponsoring the First-Year Medical Student Research Symposium at Stony Brook Medicine. It was incredible to see so many first-year medical students already engaging in research and developing an interest in Otolaryngology.

A huge thank you to our faculty mentors and residents for supporting these students and helping foster early exposure to research and academic medicine. It’s exciting to see students getting involved in scholarly work so early in medical school and discovering an interest in ENT from their very first year. Really proud of what our ENT Interest Group has been able to build, and looking forward to seeing these students continue to grow as future colleagues.

Dr. Maria Pomponio Represents Stony Brook's Cochlear Implant Team at CI2026 Chicago Conference on Cochlear Implants

As always, Maria Pomponio, AuD, CCC-A, is doing an amazing job representing our cochlear implant team at Stony Brook Medicine at #CI2026Chicago with another exceptional poster presentation! So proud to see our team on the national stage, showcasing the excellence and impactful research of our program. Keep shining, team!

Dr. Anisha Kumar Receives Seed Grant at the 2026 Stony Brook Medicine Surgery Research Day

I am very happy to share that our colleague, Dr. Anisha R. Kumar, MD, was named a Seed Grant Winner during the 2026 Surgery Research Day at Stony Brook Medicine. Dr. Kumar was recognized for her innovative project, "AI-Assisted Surgical Decision for Orbital Floor Fractures."

Seeing our Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery faculty leading the way in research and innovation is incredibly rewarding. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Kumar on this well-deserved achievement!

Strong Showing by Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Team at 2026 Surgery Research Day

In addition to Dr. Kumar's seed grant, I am extremely proud of our Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery team’s outstanding showing at the 2026 Surgery Research Day. Our division’s presence was stronger than ever, featuring 15 research posters and oral presentations. Beyond the research itself, our faculty played a significant role in the event’s success by serving as session moderators, oral poster judges and members of the poster review committee.

Seeing our team's energy, collaboration and contributions to such an important event was truly rewarding. I look forward to many more years of research success and innovation within our division!

Huge congratulations to Dr. Aaron Sasson for leading a successful event and organizing an inspiring day for everyone involved.

Drs. Lukasz Czerwonka and Keith Chadwick Promoted to Associate Professors

I’m happy to share that Drs. Lukasz Czerwonka and Keith Chadwick from our team at Stony Brook Medicine Otolaryngology have both been promoted to Associate Professor. This is a well-earned recognition of their continued excellence in teaching, research and service. Both have made great contributions to our program.

Congratulations to both of them on this important milestone! Looking forward to their continued success and future achievements in the years ahead.

Christian Leonardo Delivers Two Presentations at the American Head and Neck Society Annual Meeting

Congratulations to Christian Leonardo, BS, on his outstanding achievement of being selected to present twice at the American Head and Neck Society Annual Meeting this July in Boston! Proud of the exceptional work coming out of the Stony Brook Medicine Otolaryngology Division.

Dr. Christopher Puchi to Join the Stony Brook Medicine Otolaryngology Faculty

Continuing our recent momentum, I am excited to announce another exceptional addition. Christopher Puchi, MD, will join the Stony Brook Medicine Otolaryngology faculty next year upon completion of his Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

Dr. Puchi brings an exceptional and unique background to our team: undergraduate degrees in computer science and molecular biology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, medical training at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and otolaryngology residency at Northwestern Medicine McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. His early career is already distinguished by national research awards, a growing portfolio of high-impact publications and a clear trajectory toward leadership and innovation in pediatric otolaryngology.

With specialized expertise in pediatric airway disorders and a strong commitment to quality improvement, Dr. Puchi is perfectly positioned to advance our pediatric program and support Stony Brook Medicine’s commitment to excellence, discovery and patient-centered care. We are confident he will be a tremendous asset to our division and will significantly enhance the care we deliver to children throughout our region. We are equally eager to continue growing the Stony Brook Otolaryngology team with more exceptional colleagues in the months and years ahead.

Dr. Joseph Lebowitz to Join Stony Brook Otolaryngology Team

We are very excited to announce that another bright and talented Otolaryngologist is joining our growing Stony Brook Otolaryngology team! Dr. Joseph Lebowitz will join us after completing his esteemed NeuroRhinology-Advanced Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery Fellowship at the UNC Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

A New York native, Dr. Lebowitz completed his undergraduate education, medical school and otolaryngology residency at the prestigious New York University, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health. His impressive list of accomplishments includes induction into both Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society, underscoring his exceptional academic excellence and profound commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

His expertise will further strengthen our dynamic team, aligning perfectly with Stony Brook Medicine’s renowned commitment to innovation, excellence and delivering world-class care. We look forward to the outstanding contributions he will make to our patients and program!

Stony Brook Otolaryngology Receives Triological Society Travel Award

I’m incredibly proud to share that the Triological Society awarded our program at Stony Brook Medicine a travel award to support attendance and presentation at the January 2026 Combined Sections Meeting in Orlando, FL. This recognition highlights the outstanding work led by medical student Juyun Hwang, BS, who presented at the meeting. Our recently graduated resident David Lehmann, MD, also played a key role in the project.

We are honored to be among the 72 institutions across the U.S. and Canada to have received this award. This marks our program's second travel award in the past three years. It is a testament to our strong academic environment and unwavering commitment to mentorship and professional development at every training level.

We’re proud to foster collaborative research that earns national recognition and look forward to many more achievements ahead! Congratulations to Juyun on this well-deserved honor, and thank you to David and the entire team for their contributions and support.

Stony Brook Otolaryngology Team Attends the 2026 Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings

This year, our team headed to Phoenix for the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings #COSM2026, where we presented more than 10 posters showcasing our latest research. I am incredibly proud of our medical students, residents and faculty for their hard work and dedication. It is truly an honor to work alongside such a productive and intellectually curious group of clinicians and researchers.

Dr. Maria Pomponio Presented at the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Annual Convention

Dr. Maria Pomponio did a fantastic job representing the Stony Brook Medicine cochlear implant team at the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Annual Convention. From sharing our cochlear implant program’s growth story to presenting new research on audiologists’ perspectives in the CI market, her contributions were invaluable. An exceptional team member and a true leader in the field—Congratulations on two great presentations, Maria!

Productive Weekend for the Stony Brook Otolaryngology Program

A very productive and exciting weekend for our program at Stony Brook Medicine! Proud to see our team contributing multiple presentations at two major national meetings simultaneously: Maria Pomponio represented our team at the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) conference in San Antonio, TX; while Claire Larson, our medical student, presented at the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM) in Phoenix, AZ.

Lead SLP Craig Beale, Presented Poster at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN)

Following up on an exciting and productive weekend for our program at Stony Brook Medicine. In addition to our presentations at AAA and COSM, Craig Beale, our Lead SLP, also represented the team with a poster at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Proud to see the team contributing across multiple national meetings and disciplines!

Stony Brook Otolaryngology Medical Student, Diego Kaune, Accepted into the Stony Brook Medicine Scholarly Concentrations Program

Thrilled to share that our medical student, Diego Kaune, has been accepted into the Stony Brook Medicine Scholarly Concentrations Program in the Medical Humanities & Ethics track! Diego’s project, "The Ethics of Cochlear Implantation: Pediatric Assent and Linguistic Rights," has also qualified for the Berken Scholarship.

By addressing the tension between seeing deafness as a medical "deficit" versus a "cultural identity," this research will shed light on how we can better balance life-changing medical technology with respect for a child’s linguistic identity and future autonomy. Please join me in congratulating Diego on this well-deserved success as he begins this distinguished program!

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:

Rising Pediatric Button Battery Injuries Despite Safety Efforts: An Analysis of National Injury Data. Diamond-Pott H, Shaari DS, Iraj L, O'Sullivan-Bakshi S, Londino A, Wong SJ, Laitman BM. Laryngoscope. 2026 Jul 7. doi: 10.1002/lary.70731. Online ahead of print. PMID: 42411449
Dupilumab-Associated Severe Headaches in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis (CRSwNP): A Report of Two Cases With Resolution After Cessation. Wang M, Marcus S. Cureus. 2026 May 20;18(5):e109262. doi: 10.7759/cureus.109262. eCollection 2026 May. PMID: 42326118
A Budding Problem: A 20-Year National Analysis of Pediatric Earbud Injuries. Weir SJ, Robertson J, Meydan YL, Lawrence PK, Gow KW, Calabro K, Hsieh H, Doody JP. J Surg Res. 2026 Jun 20;325:154-160. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2026.05.038. Online ahead of print. PMID: 42322691
Association of Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index With Survival Following Upfront Laryngectomy for Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Herz D, Patel AM, Patil D, Bebawy GS, Shaari A, Filimonov A, Mir GS. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2026 Jun 14;11(3):e70469. doi: 10.1002/lio2.70469. eCollection 2026 Jun. PMID: 42305807
Training AI Models for Aesthetic Facial Evaluation: Focused Review and Framework to Mitigate Homogenizing Bias. Kumar AR, Varshney LR. J Med Internet Res. 2026 Jun 15;28:e95452. doi: 10.2196/95452. PMID: 42297359
Real-World Analysis of Meniere Disease: Treatment Patterns, Surgical Trends, Demographic Disparities, and Comorbidities Using TriNetX Data. Wang M, Isildak H. J Laryngol Otol. 2026 Jun 8:1-20. doi: 10.1017/S0022215126105118. Online ahead of print. PMID: 42252840
Schwannoma Presenting as an Asymptomatic Postauricular Mass. Hwang J, Shimunov D, Isildak H. J Craniofac Surg. 2026 May 12. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000012918. Online ahead of print. PMID: 42117576
Case report: Heparin coagulant super-sensitivity during leech therapy. Rong Z, Daniels A, Luu K, Czerwonka L, Bahou WF. Thromb J. 2026 May 2;24(1):58. doi: 10.1186/s12959-026-00866-5. PMID: 42069613
Risk Analysis Index Versus mFI-5 for Predicting Outcomes After Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Warrier A, Shaari A, Patel AM, Bowers C, Yan K. Laryngoscope. 2026 Apr 16. doi: 10.1002/lary.70571. Online ahead of print. PMID: 41989010
Lingual Tonsillectomy for Resistant Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Finnegan E, Campos L, Mulcahy A, Doody J. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2026 Jun;135(6):429-435. doi: 10.1177/00034894251407787. Epub 2026 Jan 3. PMID: 41482804
Otitis Media With Effusion in Patients With Cleft Palate. McGlone M, Solomon D, Bjorling A, Stanisce L, Fisher AH, Matthews MS. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2026 Mar;65(3):429-436. doi: 10.1177/00099228251375281. Epub 2025 Dec 26.
PMID: 41450170
The Upside-down Approach With a Lazy-S Incision for Osia Implantation: How I Do It. Shimunov D, Leonardo C, Isildak H. J Craniofac Surg. 2026 May 1;37(5):1054-1056. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000012348. Epub 2025 Dec 24. PMID: 41439756
Real-world vestibular schwannoma management: treatment trends, facial weakness and disparities in a large US network analysis. Isildak H. J Laryngol Otol. 2025 Nov 6:1-8. doi: 10.1017/S0022215125103769. Online ahead of print. PMID: 41194527
Third Window Phenomenon in Advanced Otosclerosis: The Critical Role of Preoperative CT Imaging. Hwang J, Shimunov D, Isildak H. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2026 Mar;135(3):236-241. doi: 10.1177/00034894251384616. Epub 2025 Nov 5. PMID: 41190479
Evaluating the Readability and Understandability of Online Patient Materials Regarding Balloon Sinuplasty. Bhalla SR, Bancalari LE, Shaari AL, McCormick JP. OTO Open. 2025 Oct 30;9(4):e70176. doi: 10.1002/oto2.70176. eCollection 2025 Oct-Dec. PMID: 41179502
Biologics for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis: Current Landscape and Future Directions. Chiu J, Fastenberg J, Tong C, Navetta-Modrov B, Marcus S. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2025 Oct 18;10(5):e70282. doi: 10.1002/lio2.70282. eCollection 2025 Oct. PMID: 41112679
A Comparison of Plating Techniques for the Treatment of Mandible Fractures: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Jacobs T, Shaari AL, Patil D, Mohammed S, Ziccardi VB. J Craniofac Surg. 2025 Sep 23. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000011965. Online ahead of print. PMID: 40986831
The Impact of Botulinum Toxin on Scar Formation Following Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Shaari AL, Shah P, Patil D, Ovadia S. J Craniofac Surg. 2025 Nov-Dec 01;36(8):e1278-e1282. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000011727. Epub 2025 Sep 17. PMID: 40965472
Invited Commentary on: "Assessment of Patient Comprehension of Mohs Reconstruction Using Augmented Educational Materials in Preoperative Counseling," by Devictor et al: Applying Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Outcomes. Johnson JD, Shaari AL, Salehi PP. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2026 May-Jun;28(3):325-326. doi: 10.1177/26893614251376327. Epub 2025 Sep 12. PMID: 40938740
Medicare Reimbursement Trends for Mandibular Fracture Repair, 2000-2024. Tripathi OB, Patel AM, Vanison CC. Laryngoscope. 2026 Feb;136(2):757-765. doi: 10.1002/lary.70084. Epub 2025 Aug 26. PMID: 40855967
Supply and Demand: Pediatric Surgical Specialties Fellowship Match Trends.
Kosciuszek ND, Froehlich M, Moore RP, Yammine M, Cardamone SC, Chesler DA, Barsi JM, Doody JP, Wong A, Ernst ML, Scriven RJ, Calabro KA, Gow KW. J Surg Res. 2026 Mar;319:200-212. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2025.06.094. Epub 2025 Aug 22. PMID: 40846559
Percutaneous Tenotomy With Ultrasonic Debridement for Lateral Epicondylitis: Surgical Technique and Short-term Patient Outcomes. Schurhoff NA, Shaari A, Bodansky DM, Badia A. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2025 Dec 1;29(4):e0529. doi: 10.1097/BTH.0000000000000529. PMID: 40801422
Factors Associated With Type 1 Thyroplasty Revision: Insights From the TriNetX Database. Leonardo C, Bjorling A, Chadwick KA. Laryngoscope. 2025 Dec;135(12):4774-4780. doi: 10.1002/lary.32478. Epub 2025 Jul 30. PMID: 40735897
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccination on Bell's Palsy: A Retrospective Comprehensive Analysis Using TriNetX Data. Shimunov D, Isildak H. Otol Neurotol. 2025 Oct 1;46(9):1164-1170. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004597. Epub 2025 Jul 10. PMID: 40690195
Outcomes of Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Modification Training for Non-binary Individuals: A Case Series. Chadwick KA, Liao D, Alter IL, Coleman R, Andreadis K, Riekki R, Waldman J, Rives H, Pitti M, Rameau A.
J Voice. 2026 Jan;40(1):199-205. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.08.005. Epub 2023 Sep 4.
Methodological quality and performance of artificial intelligence and machine learning models for preoperative risk prediction in plastic surgery: A systematic review. Kumar AR, Singh S, Ishii M. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2026 Jul 17;120:266-279. PMID: 42537558 Review.
Patient Characteristics Associated With Treatment Decisions in Bilateral Vocal Fold Atrophy. Wu P, Jung H, Hwang J, Chadwick K. Laryngoscope. 2026 Aug 4. doi: 10.1002/lary.70786. PMID: 42552258
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]
Real-World Vestibular Schwannoma Management: Treatment Trends, Facial Weakness, and Disparities in a Large US Network Analysis. Isildak H. J Laryngol Otol. 2025 Nov 6:1-22. doi: 10.1017/S0022215125103769. Online ahead of print. PMID: 41194527 No abstract available.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccination on Bell's Palsy: A Retrospective Comprehensive Analysis Using TriNetX Data. Shimunov D, Isildak H. Otol Neurotol. 2025 Oct 1;46(9):1164-1170. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004597. Epub 2025 Jul 10. PMID: 40690195
Third Window Phenomenon in Advanced Otosclerosis: The Critical Role of Preoperative CT Imaging. Hwang J, Shimunov D, Isildak H. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2025 Nov 5:34894251384616. doi: 10.1177/00034894251384616. Online ahead of print. PMID: 41190479
Evaluating the Readability and Understandability of Online Patient Materials Regarding Balloon Sinuplasty. Bhalla SR, Bancalari LE, Shaari AL, McCormick JP. OTO Open. 2025 Oct 30;9(4):e70176. doi: 10.1002/oto2.70176. eCollection 2025 Oct-Dec. PMID: 41179502 Free PMC article.
Biologics for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis: Current Landscape and Future Directions. Chiu J, Fastenberg J, Tong C, Navetta-Modrov B, Marcus S. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2025 Oct 18;10(5):e70282. doi: 10.1002/lio2.70282. eCollection 2025 Oct. PMID: 41112679 Free PMC article. Review.

Table of Contents