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Otolaryngology faculty treat diseases of the ear, nose and throat; research treatments; and educate the next generation of head and neck surgeons.

Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery

A proud tradition in research, education and clinical care

US News Best Hospitals 2023 Badge The Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, established in 1909, has a proud tradition of achievement in medical research, education and patient care. The faculty of this department treat diseases of the ear, nose and throat; research innovative new treatments; and educate the next generation of otolaryngology—head and neck surgeons.

The department is nationally ranked for Ear, Nose and Throat Care, according to U.S. News and World Report 2022-23 Best Hospitals Rankings. It is the highest ranked adult specialty at IU Health and No. 1 in ENT Care in Indiana.

Education

The faculty members of this department are educating students, residents, fellows and other physicians in the field of otolaryngology and related areas of medicine. IU School of Medicine offers the only otolaryngology—head and neck surgery residency in the state of Indiana.
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Research

Faculty members are advancing research regarding disorders within this complex specialty. These scientists and clinician-investigators perform a broad range of research, including speech perception, stem cell research in the auditory system, and peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Clinical Care

Renowned as one of the best otolaryngology departments in the nation, the fellowship-trained faculty physicians of this team are nationally and internationally recognized as clinical experts in the communication sciences, having been pioneers in the field of cochlear implants.
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88 Percent of faculty who are fellowship-trained

Faculty spotlight

108 Continuous years presenting Anatomy and Histopathology Course
17th In National Institutes of Health grant funding among otolaryngology departments
61167-Ramakrishnan, Vijay

Vijay R. Ramakrishnan, MD

Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Vijay Ramakrishnan, MD, joined the team at IU School of Medicine to pursue further innovations in clinical care and research and collaborate with expert colleagues in other fields to reimagine how faculty physicians provide services and make long-term impactful changes that can benefit everyone.

Read Bio Vijay R. Ramakrishnan, MD

60738-Sowa, Lauren

Lauren E. Sowa, MD, MA

Assistant Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Lauren Sowa, MD, practice includes the breadth of pediatric otolaryngology with a special interest in cleft/craniofacial disorders and pediatric thyroid disease. 

Read Bio Lauren E. Sowa, MD, MA

Otolaryngology Training Programs

By gaining experience in a variety of clinical settings—including advanced tertiary/ quaternary-care hospitals, a county hospital, a VA Hospital and private outpatient surgery centers—graduates of the IU School of Medicine Otolaryngology Residency Program are able to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to otolaryngologic pathological conditions and achieve enhanced academic and clinical proficiencies. The department also offers three one-year fellowships to to prepare trainees for a career in academic head and neck surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and rhinology.

Otolaryngology Residency

Otolaryngology Fellowships

Convenient Giving

Online giving is simple and secure. Philanthropic support helps improve patient care through research and training next-generation surgeons in otolaryngology.

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