The Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery’s two fellows have been hard at work since joining the team at Indiana University School of Medicine this past summer.
For the 2021-22 academic year, Joseph Meleca, MD, is the advanced facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellow; and Daniel Vinh, MD, is the head and neck oncology and reconstructive surgery fellow. Both physicians have one-year fellowships.
The department’s fellowships are designed to prepare trainees for a career in academic medicine. Outside of clinical duties at multiple IU Health locations across Indianapolis, a strong emphasis is placed on research as well as each fellow’s role as a future educator.
In addition to fellowships in Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery and Advanced Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the department recently added fellowships in Advanced Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery, Neurotology and Laryngology.
We reached out to this year’s fellows to hear about their interest in ENT and IU School of Medicine.
Joseph Meleca, MD
Where did you grow up?
Michigan—Early on in the east near Ann Arbor/Detroit and then later in the Grand Rapids area on the west side.
What is your residency/medical school/undergraduate background?
Undergraduate and Medical School: Michigan State University
Residency: Cleveland Clinic
Why are you pursuing a career in ENT?
I love the interchange between medical, procedural and surgical realms offered by the field of otolaryngology. The head and neck specialty has extremely intricate anatomy with significant impacts on the patient’s emotional, physical and mental health when affected or needing augmentation.
What intrigued you about IU School of Medicine?
The people. Perhaps it's the Midwest I am so familiar with. The people are approachable, kind and welcoming.
Why did you choose the fellowship subspecialty facial plastics and reconstructive surgery?
Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery offers a wide breadth of surgical focus, from cosmetic procedures to large oncologic reconstruction. I like otolaryngology overall, but I wanted more specific specialization in reconstruction which would not limit my ability to practice in all areas of head and neck surgery.
What do you want to learn most from the faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology?
How they do things. I have spent the last five years learning from extremely talented surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic. I look forward to seeing a new perspective to expand my toolset and prepare myself for practice outside of training.
What are some of your hobbies?
I used to be an avid glassblower, believe it or not. I enjoy running, cooking/baking, creating, DIY projects and even board/video games.
Daniel Vinh
Where did you grow up?
Austin, Texas.
What is your residency/medical school/undergraduate background?
Undergraduate: Stanford University
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
Why are you pursuing a career in ENT?
I enjoy building relationships with patients and the breadth of conditions that ENTs can treat.
What intrigued you about IU School of Medicine?
IU School of Medicine is a comprehensive training program that offers excellent exposure to all types of patient pathology, which will prepare me well for my future.
Why did you choose the fellowship subspecialty head and neck surgery?
Head and neck surgery offers the privilege of taking care of sick patients in a distressing time of their lives. I hope to be able to influence my patients in a positive manner.
What do you want to learn most from the faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology?
I would like to develop my surgical oncology skills and techniques in reconstruction of complex head and neck cancer cases.
What are some of your hobbies?
Cooking, reading and watching television.
