Northeast Florida Medicine
Vol. 66, No. 1 2015
9
Guest Editorial
Otolaryngology
As the oldest specialty in medicine dating back to 1896,
the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryn-
gology initially began as a specialty including Ophthalmol-
ogy and Ear, Nose and
Throat (ENT). These
two fields officially sep-
arated in 1962 forming
separate organizations
for both specialties.
Otolaryngologists are
physicians trained in
the medical and surgical
management and treat-
ment of patients with
diseases and disorders
of the ear, nose, throat
(ENT), and related
structures of the head
and neck. Their special
skills include diagnos-
ing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box),
oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well
as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists work
together with their primary care colleagues in the manage-
ment of both common problems (otitis media, sinusitis),
as well as the unique problems of the head and neck region
(acoustic neuromas, juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma).
Recognized subspecialties include: Otology/Neurotology
(dealing with diseases of the ear and skull base), Rhinology
(dealing with the nose), Laryngology (dealing with the
larynx and the professional voice), Facial Plastic and Recon-
structive Surgery, Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, and
Pediatric Otolarynology.
I am honored to have several otolaryngology leaders in
northeast Florida offer a fresh and updated look at our tech-
nology-rich field of medicine. These authors have emphasized
recently prepared clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for dealing
with common problems of the head and neck region such as
chronic sinusitis, otitis media with effusion, sudden sensori-
neural hearing loss, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and
cerumen impaction. These guidelines have been developed in
a multispecialty fashion and are increasingly being viewed as
the gold standard for treatment of these common conditions.
I have authored an article entitled “Hearing Loss: Miracles
now and in the future,” which highlights the exciting devel-
opments taking place in treating adult patients with various
types of hearing loss. Stem cell therapy, genetic intervention
and hair cell regeneration are all discussed as they relate to
the future of treating our patients.
Dr. Drew Horlbeck
discusses the constantly evolving
improvements in the pediatric cochlear implant world. The
“bionic ear,” as the Australians refer to the cochlear implant,
has literally changed the lives of thousands of children, and
their families, with concomitant changes in oral/auditory
education of the deaf.
Drs. Andy Simonsen
and
Bruce Maddern
update our
readers on the changing world of pediatric Otolaryngology.
Indications for tonsillectomy and tympanostomy tubes, two
of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the
US, will be discussed along with other trends in pediatric
Otolaryngology.
Drs. Larry Lundy, David Zapala
and
Megan Kobel
from the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville will demystify a recently
described entity, Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence
Syndrome, and will also teach us about recent advances in
vestibular assessment.
Dr. John Casler,
also from the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville,
will provide new perspective for our readers on the devastating
problem of Head and Neck Cancer.
Drs. Todd Snowden
and
Albert ‘Sonny’ Wilkinson
will update our readers on “Advances in Rhinology.” Given
the frequency and economic impact of acute and chronic
sinusitis, all of us should be interested in their review of this
important topic.
The rich history of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
corresponds with a rich history of worldwide, humanitarian
service and education. Jacksonville otolaryngologists have
contributed to that history having served in Vietnam, Haiti,
Nigeria, Zambia, Brazil, Nicaragua, Russia and many other
countries around the world.The spirit of giving back to North-
east Florida community and to the rest of the world provides
ample motivation to many of us serving in this profession.
The biblical proverb is appropriate in this context: “To whom
much is given, will much be required.” It is to the spirit of
giving back that this journal is dedicated.
v
J. Douglas Green, Jr., MD, FACS
Guest Editor
