The Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine welcomes four new residents to the five-year residency program. On July 1st, Walter Fitschen, MD, Matthew Steinhart, MD, Dillon Strepay, MD, and Mitchell Victor, MD join the 18-resident team of otolaryngology trainees. Residents receive in-depth clinical training in the areas of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck oncologic surgery, laryngology, neurotology, pediatric otolaryngology, rhinology and skull base surgery, and sleep surgery.
We spoke with of the first-year residents to learn more about their interest in otolaryngology and the IU School of Medicine.
Walter Fitschen, MD | IU School of Medicine
Where did you grow up? Westfield, Indiana
What is your medical school / undergraduate background? I received my undergraduate degree in chemistry from Xavier University and then completed an MD/MS in biomedical engineering dual-degree though IU and Purdue University.
Why are you pursuing a career in ENT? Otolaryngologists work in an intricate part of the body and treat conditions that impact many aspects we would consider core to the human experience, including hearing, speech, taste, smell, balance, and the face we present to the world. It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with those sensitive aspects of patients’ lives. The improvements in quality of life for patients in these areas is deeply meaningful and rewarding to witness. Additionally, ENT is regularly on the cutting edge of biotechnology and working with the latest advances to push the boundaries of medicine.
What intrigued you about the IU School of Medicine? Beyond the Indy-area being home, I was thoroughly impressed seeing everything in the department as a medical student. There are opportunities for all kinds of research, strong representation of all subspecialties of ENT in the faculty, excellent surgical training for the residents and fellows, and the faculty are all deeply invested in the education of the next generation of otolaryngologists.
What do you want to learn most from the faculty and residents in the Department of Otolaryngology? How to be an excellent surgeon and clinician who is capable of thinking outside the box to deliver the best patient-centered care possible.
What are some of your hobbies? In my free time I enjoy working out, playing board games, watching college basketball (specifically my alma mater), and making mead.
Matthew Steinhart, MD | IU School of Medicine
Where did you grow up? Caldwell, New Jersey
What is your medical school / undergraduate background? I received a BA in neuroscience at Johns Hopkins and then did my MD/PhD at IU.
Why are you pursuing a career in ENT? I became interested in ENT during my PhD when I was studying the development of the nervous system with human pluripotent stem cells. I was fascinated by the development of the head and neck and the ways in which the nervous system intricately innervates it. I ultimately completed my thesis focusing on the development of the inner ear using stem cells and organoids. After my PhD, I was interested to further explore the clinical elements of ENT. I was excited about many aspects of the field including the opportunity to improve patient quality of life. I had the opportunity to assist in a cochlear implant procedure during medical school. The patient was 9 months old, and my daughter was also 9 months old at the time. Seeing the impact on that young life, so similar to my own child, was amazing.
What intrigued you about the IU School of Medicine? After attending IU for medical school and being a graduate student in the ENT department here, I was aware of the excellent national reputation here for both research and clinical care. I also met many residents and fellows and found everyone to be knowledgeable and friendly. I knew I would receive excellent training at IU.
What do you want to learn most from the faculty and residents in the Department of Otolaryngology? After seeing the high level of care patients receive at IU, I am interested in learning how to practice compassionate patient-centered medicine. I am also looking forward to learning how to communicate and work best in a team environment.
What are some of your hobbies? When I'm not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with my wife, daughter, dog, and chickens. We love family bike rides on the Monon.
Dillon Strepay, MD | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Where did you grow up? Cary, North Carolina
What is your medical school / undergraduate background? University of North Carolina SOM/ North Carolina Central University. Go Heels! Eagle Pride!
Why are you pursuing a career in ENT? ENT is a rewarding subspecialty where I will have the opportunity to provide care that can seriously impact a person’s health and quality of life.
What intrigued you about the IU School of Medicine? The reputation for providing outstanding training.
What do you want to learn most from the faculty and residents in the Department of Otolaryngology? How to be a thoughtful otolaryngologist that will provide the best care possible.
What are some of your hobbies? Basketball, tennis, golf, and spending time with my friends and family.
Mitchell Victor, MD | Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona.
What is your medical school / undergraduate background? I went to Northwestern University for both undergrad (Evanston, IL) and medical school (Downtown Chicago).
Why are you pursuing a career in ENT? I am pursuing ENT because I love being in the operating room and working with the complex and fascinating anatomy of the head and neck. I am excited to help patients from all age groups and learn to treat a vast range of conditions with varying degrees of complexity, from cancer and facial trauma to hearing loss and nasal obstruction.
What intrigued you about the IU School of Medicine? Having lived in the Chicago area for nearly 8 years, I've grown to love the Midwest and was eager to stay in the region for residency. I knew that IU Otolaryngology has a strong reputation for clinical training and research, but on my interview day I was most surprised by how warm and approachable the faculty and residents were. It's clear that IU OHNS offers academic and surgical excellence without compromising an outstanding culture.
What do you want to learn most from the faculty and residents in the Department of Otolaryngology? I am excited to get to know my co-residents and the faculty and learn more about their career experiences and interests. I am looking forward to learning to operate, examine, and make clinical decisions. I also want to learn about all the fun things to do in Indy over the next 5 years.
What are some of your hobbies? In my free time I enjoy playing golf and tennis, going to work out classes, visiting museums and exploring breweries and restaurants with friends.
