From the “Sub-Sterile”
A message from the Chair: Bill Collins
I think many of us would agree that the world is crazy nowadays! Seldom a day goes by that the news is not filled with bad news from around the world. Which makes me all the more ready and willing to accept the good news when it comes, and hopefully this newsletter can provide a brief ray of positivity in your day. We, as a department, are proud to announce that we rose in the annual US News & World Report rankings, and are now the top ranked ENT program in the state of Florida. We have welcomed an outstanding class of new trainees, including new interns, and both clinical and research fellows. And finally, it is fun to peak just around the corner to the fall. Besides the usual optimism that the preseason of college football brings, there is also the anticipation of a new school year, and the annual fall AAO-HNS meeting. This year’s meeting in Nashville should be an outstanding one, and in a fun town, too. We hope that between all of these upcoming events and news, that our paths will cross soon!
US News & World Report Rankings:
We are both proud and happy to announce that this year’s US News & World Report Hospital rankings have been released for 2023, and the University of Florida ENT program has ranked #30 in the country! This makes us the highest ranked program in the State of Florida (top ranked in the state), as well as tied for the highest nationally ranked program at the University of Florida. These rankings are not only a testament to the outstanding work done every day by our outstanding physician faculty, but also a reflection of our entire team. From our sub-specialty advanced practice providers, to our front desk check in staff, the clinics’ medical assistants, nursing staff, and administrative staff, health care is a team effort. And it is great to see everyone’s work rewarded with being top ranked in the state.
New Faces
PGY1
Jake Cartright, MD
Medical school: East Tennessee State University
What was the biggest reason that you wanted to come to UF ENT?
I chose UF ENT not only because of the outstanding surgical training we receive here but also because of the supportive, collegial nature among residents and faculty. I felt at home while rotating here last summer, and there was nowhere else I could see myself spending the next five years!
PGY1
David Cohen
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Undergraduate: BA in Neuroscience and Behavior, Columbia University ; BA in Jewish History & Judaic Studies, The Jewish Theological Seminary of America
What was the biggest reason that you wanted to come to UF ENT?
Between my wife being a Florida native and Shands being a prominent hospital in the Southeast, UF’s department was already on my radar. I decided to do an away rotation to see if it would be a good fit and the rest is history. What immediately stuck out to me were the surgical skills and autonomy each resident I worked with had developed. My very hands-on sub-internship confirmed this notion as I noticed my own skills dramatically improve. I also found each resident and attending to be welcoming, down to earth, and kind. They each went out of their way to make me feel like a member of the team and teach. I felt this is where I’d grow the most as an ENT surgeon.
PGY1
Kevin Liu, MD
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
What was the biggest reason that you wanted to come to UF ENT?
I wanted to come to UF because I had such a fantastic experience during my rotation last year. The residents were extremely tight-knit and faculty were clearly invested in both their well-being and professional development. By the end of my rotation I was legitimately sad to leave and would have done another 4 weeks if they offered me, and now I get to spend the next 5 (or more) years with the UF ENT family. Not to mention, I also got along really well with my co-rotators that month, who are now my co-residents.
H&N Clinical Fellow
Linda Chow, MD
Residency: University of Ottawa in Ottawa, ON, Canada
What was the biggest reason that you wanted to come to UF ENT?
Flaps and TORS with fellow canucks!
Advanced Otology Fellow
Alberto Arteaga, MD
Residency: University of Mississippi Medical Center Program (Otolaryngology – General) – University of Mississippi School of Medicine
H&N Research Fellow
Logesvar Balaguru, MD, MD
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
What was the biggest reason that you wanted to come to UF ENT?
The friendly people in combination with their commitment to training, research and patient care.
Rhinology Research Fellow
Anil Patel, MD
Medical School: FSU (Gator undergrad though, Go Gators!)
What was the biggest reason that you wanted to come to UF ENT?
Coming back to my alma mater felt like a great fit for both my professional and personal goals. Professionally, I knew I will expand my knowledge immensely by working with well-regarded individuals that provide valuable mentorship and guidance. Personally, I will get an opportunity to stay close to family and enjoy the surrounding area of Gainesville that support my hobbies of going on adventures with my two dogs by running, hiking, and kayaking!
AAO-HNS Alumni Reunion
Let us know what is new in your life!
We would love to know what is new in your life: job promotions, leadership positions, new children or grandchildren, or any other exciting life updates. Please send these updates to william.collins@ent.ufl.edu or nichole.haring@ent.ufl.edu and we can include them in future newsletters.
If you are interested in learning more about giving back to the department, please click the link here.