Caring for Your Voice
Forget texting with friends and emailing coworkers. The most important asset we have to engage in meaningful conversation is our voice. What other tool can explain, encourage or make a difference?
But like any part of our bodies, our voices need to be looked after. World Voice Day is an annual worldwide event devoted to the celebration of that invaluable tool.
Each of us has a unique vocal signature comparable to a fingerprint. The voice includes defining characteristics of pitch, loudness, resonance and clarity, all of which lead to presumptions about our intelligence, mood, influence, confidence and desires. The unique variation of these characteristics is distinctly recognizable, closely associated with our identity and therefore should be something that we cherish when navigating the many thousands of choices that we make daily.
Richard McHugh, M.D., assistant professor for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Otolaryngology and co-director for the UAB Voice Center suggests making your vocal hygiene a priority by implementing these healthy lifestyle choices:
- Drink an adequate volume of water each day
- Avoid overuse and abuse (yelling, strain, chronic throat clearing, speaking in glottic fry)
- Quit smoking, avoid smokeless tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke
- Limit intake of acid reflux-inducing foods and activities
“One of the most common problems that people experience is called muscle tension dysphonia,” said McHugh. “This occurs when the act of speaking with muscle over usage and strain leads to hoarseness. It can be a result of many different things including voice overuse or abuse, or from laryngitis among many other causes.”
If you feel that your voice is having problems such as roughness, strain, hoarseness or weakness lasting more than a few weeks, make an appointment with your otolaryngologist or laryngologist for an evaluation.
A laryngologist may be needed for treatment of problems that require surgery. These specialists are also able to diagnose uncommon voice disorders. Another part of your patient care team may include a speed pathologist who works to teach the healthiest technique to produce voice by optimizing breath support and minimizing laryngeal muscle strain through rehabilitative exercises and techniques.
“We are so privileged to be a part of caring for patients with voice trouble, said Bridget Hopewell, M.D., Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology at UAB. “There are so many people who rely on their voices for their careers in addition to facilitating relationships with other people. Our goal is to help keep voices healthy so patients can continue speaking, teaching, preaching, or singing!”
For more information, visit www.uab.edu/medicine/otolaryngology.
Lectures Around the World
Dr. Bradford Woodworth has been traveling a lot lately, but not for pleasure. He has been asked to present lectures at institutions as close as San Antonio, Texas and as far as Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Woodworth is always eager to provide his insight on various topics like rhinosinusitis, cystic fibrosis, sinus trauma and CSF leaks. Below is a list of some of his recent lectures:
- International Congress Faculty/Scientific Program Speaker, "Transnasal Endoscopic Management of Frontal Sinus Trauma." Rhinology World Congress, Hong Kong, China, August 31-September 3, 2017.
- Keynote Speaker, "Acquired CFTR Dysfunction in Chronic Rhinosinusitis." Stanford University Otolaryngology 8th Annual Research Day, Stanford, CA, October 23, 2017.
- International Guest Faculty/Invited Speaker, "Cystic Fibrosis" & "Endoscopic Management of Frontal Sinus Fractures" & "Management of Spontaneous CSF leaks and Idiopathic intracranial hypertension", 2017 Victorian Sinus and Rhioplasty Dissection Course, Oct 27-29, Melbourne, Australia.
- Visiting Professor/Invited Speaker, “Evolution of Treatment Paradigms for CSF Leaks and Frontal Sinus Trauma.” University of Pennsylvania Department of Otorhinolaryngology Grand Rounds, Philadelphia, PA, November 9, 2017.
- International Guest Faculty/Invited Speaker, “Management of AFS, ASA Triad, and CD Frontal Sinus Disease.” & “Draf IIB Frontal Sinusotomy: How I Do It.” 7th Nottingham Advanced Frontal Sinus Surgery Course, Coventry, UK, January 22-23, 2018.
- Invited Speaker, "Transnasal Endoscopic Management of Frontal Sinus Trauma" for panel on Management of Anterior Skull Base Trauma. North American Skull Base Society Annual Meeting, February 18, 2018.
- Holt Visiting Professor on Translational Research. “Acquired CFTR Dysfunction in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.” University of Texas Health – San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, March 6, 2018.
- Holt Visiting Professor on Translational Research. “Evolving Treatment Strategies for CSF Leaks and Frontal Sinus Trauma.” University of Texas Health – San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, March 6, 2018.
Dr. Woodworth and Dr. Philip Chen, program director at UTSA, in front of the Alamo.
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Alexandra Kejner
- When did you graduate from UAB?
2014. - Where are you now?
Univeristy of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, Kent. - What are your clinical/research interests?
Immunonutrition in cancer patients, microvascular free tissue transfer, resident burnout. - What aspect of your time at UAB do you believe was most valuable as you started your career?
All of it. When entering fellowship, I felt that I was better prepared than some of my counterparts because of the autonomy, responsibility, and communication that I learned during my time at UAB. - Did you have a particular mentor while at UAB?
Several - but mainly Bill Carroll and Eben Rosenthal. - What is one of your fondest memories from UAB?
Going into the OR on a Saturday to film "Flap You" with all the residents. - Give one piece of advice you'd like to share with the current residents or those recently graduated.
When you become an attending, you will understand. Don’t get frustrated. - When you're not working, how do you spend your time?
Movies, hiking, traveling, eating all kinds of food, following the Michigan Wolverines
2018 Match Day
The Department of Otolaryngology is excited to welcome our new interns to UAB. We matched with our four residents in one of our highest-ranked classes ever! Meet our new PGY-1 team:
Hunter Edward Skoog attended Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine for medical school. He received his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University. Hunter was born in Longview, Texas.
Robert (Bob) Edward Wineski was born in Metarie, Louisiana, and attended Harvard University for his undergraduate degree. He completed medical school of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi.
Natalie Ann Derise completed medical school at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, Louisiana. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, she attended LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for her undergraduate degree.
Beau Taylor Vandiver was born in Madisonville, Kentucky. Before attending medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine in San Galveston, Texas, he received his Bachelor of Science from University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, Texas.
FREE Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screening
Informational Flyer
WHAT: Free oral, head and neck cancer screening
WHERE: UAB Kirklin Clinic, Otolaryngology 5th Floor Clinic; 2000 6th Ave S.
WHEN: Friday, April 13th 1-4 p.m.
Oral, head and neck cancers refer to many types of cancers, including those that arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box). In 2018, it is estimated that there will be more than 650,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancers world-wide, and unfortunately, many individuals will not be aware of their cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Oral, head and neck cancers now ranked in the top six cancers worldwide.
Most oral cancers arise on the lips, tongue or the floor of the mouth. They also may occur inside your cheeks, on your gums or on the roof of your mouth. Oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV are often found in the tonsil or base of tongue. Other head and neck cancers arise from the voice box or throat, or from salivary (spit) glands or the thyroid gland.
Some early signs and symptoms include:
• A red or white spot in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size
• Sore throat or swollen tonsil
• Changes in your voice
• A lump in your neck
• Earache
• Difficulty swallowing
Tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and alcohol use are very high risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers, particularly those of the tongue, mouth, throat and voice box. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk for developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.
![Head and Neck Cancer graphic](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/Head-and-Neck-Cancer-graphic.jpg)
Sources: National Cancer Institute, Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
UAB Otolaryngology Physicians Named to Best Doctors in America® List
Congratulations to Dr. William Carroll, Dr. Glenn Peters, Dr. Richard Waguespack and Dr. Bradford Woodworth, and to Pediatric ENT Associates Dr. Audie Woolley and Dr. Brian Wiatrak.
Best Doctors in America recognized UAB doctors from 39 specialties and 179 subspecialties, with the total number of national physicians included reflecting only 4 percent of doctors in America. The only way for a physician to be selected is to be peer-nominated and voted in by current Best Doctors winners.
Best Doctors is a global benefits provider and medical information services company that connects individuals facing difficult medical treatment decisions with the best doctors, selected by impartial peer review in more than 450 subspecialties of medicine, to review their diagnosis and treatment plans. Best Doctors prides itself on having more than 40 million members worldwide.
For more information, please visit BestDoctors.com.
![Brian Wiatrak](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/faculty/Brian_Wiatrak.jpg)
![Audie Woolley](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/faculty/Audie_Woolley.jpg)
![Dr. William Carroll Dr. William Carroll](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/faculty/RS17765_Bill_Carroll-15-scr.jpg)
![Dr. Glenn Peters Dr. Glenn Peters](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/faculty/peters.jpeg)
![Dr. Richard Waguespack Dr. Richard Waguespack](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/faculty/waguespack.jpg)
![Dr. Bradford Woodworth Dr. Bradford Woodworth](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/faculty/woodworth.jpg)
Dr. Bradford Woodworth
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Scott Asher
When did you graduate from UAB?
I completed ENT residency at UAB in 2013.- Where are you now?
I joined a private practice in Tallahassee, Fla. that is affiliated with the FSU medical school, so we also get to mentor med students, general surgery residents, internal medicine residents and family practice residents that rotate through our group. Although it’s not an academic position, we are definitely a hybrid and do a lot of teaching. - What are your clinical/research interests?
After residency I went on to complete a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery with Dr. Dean Toriumi. Our recent publications have been focused on clinical outcomes after rhinoplasty. - How did you choose to practice this area of otolaryngology?
Believe it or not, Dr. McGrew was actually the first to suggest I consider doing plastics… Maybe it was because he saw I paid great attention to detail, or maybe because he thought I was lousy at drilling mastoids. Either way, he was very influential on my developing career, and helped me see that my personality and skill set fit plastics well. - What aspect of your time at UAB do you believe was most valuable as you started your career?
When I was at UAB, Drs. Peters/Carroll/Rosenthal/Magnuson ran one of the busiest head and neck programs in the country. Drs. Wiatrak/Woolley/Hill/Shirley/Kulbersh/Smith took care of some of the most complex pediatric ENT patients in the region. We had fantastic faculty in the other subspecialties as well, and I got great training in rhinology, laryngology, otology, and plastics. When I came out of residency, I felt like I could have concentrated my practice in any of these areas, and I look back with pride as I see all these sections of the Otolaryngology Department at UAB continue to grow. I am extremely grateful that I received such well-rounded training during residency, because general otolaryngology helped put bread on the table for me until I was able to build a healthy plastics practice. - Did you have a particular mentor while at UAB? Why were they a good mentor?
Dr. Cox was extremely supportive in helping me obtain a fellowship in facial plastics, as UAB had never had a resident try to place in this type fellowship before. Drs. Carroll and Rosenthal, who are also ABFPRS boarded, were also influential in my training as they allowed me on the head and neck service to focus more on the reconstructive side of things rather than oncologic, both in research and clinically. Even though I had a very strong rhinoplasty experience during my fellowship, I still do many things in and on the nose that I learned from Drs. Woodworth and Cox during residency. - What is one of your fondest memories from UAB?
Last year my mom was actually a patient at UAB… Even though it’s been a few years since I graduated, I was amazed at how many hugs I received from so many different people from so many different parts of the hospital. I think it shows how strong the relationships are you form during residency, and that the UAB program is really a big extended family. - Give one piece of advice you’d like to share with the current residents or those recently graduated.
Learn as much as you can from as many people as you can. Each of your faculty do certain things a certain way. Don’t just learn how they do something, but why they do it that way. Make notes not only on the critical steps of the operations, but pay attention to all the small details like what type needle your suture was on, how was the room set up, etc. Write down the brand and the serial numbers when you get an instrument in your hand that you really like. Listen closely to your patients, as they know their bodies best and you can learn much from them. Read as much as you can and go to as many national meetings as you can. Learn from your fellow residents, as they can be your most valuable resource (don’t make the same mistakes they made the week before). Love and respect your co-residents, as they will become some of your best friends for life. Finally, don’t underestimate how much you can learn from your fellows, NP’s, PA’s, RNFA’s, nurses, scrub techs, CRNA’s, anesthesiologists, speech pathologists, audiologists, social workers, administrative staff, unit secretaries, etc., as most of them have been around the block for a while and know how things are supposed to run…and often have more time to teach than your attendings who may be more pressed for time. - When you’re not working, how do you spend your time?
When you’re a resident your life is basically: wake, operate, eat, sleep. Repeat.
So, I’ve had to wipe the dust off the golf clubs, start all over accumulating sky miles, shock your body back into exercising, and remind your family and old friends that you do still exist.
Dr. Yoon Woo Koh This Year’s George Barber Lectureship Guest Speaker
![Yoon Woo Koh](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/Yoon_Woo_Koh.png)
Dr. Koh is a professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Yonsei University College of Medicine – Head and Neck Cancer Center in Seoul, South Korea. He also serves as the general secretary of the International Guild of Robotic & Endoscopic Head and Neck Surgery and Director of Research Committee, Korean Thyroid Association. He completed his training with a clinical fellowship at Yonsei University College of Medicine.
A pioneer in Robotic Retroauricular Neck Dissection for Thyroid and Head & Neck Cancer, the title of his presentation was “Future of Robotic Head and Neck Surgery” Dr. Koh has written over 100 original articles and book chapters regarding endoscopic and robotic thyroid and head & neck surgery. His research interests have focused on clinical outcome research related to thyroid and head & neck patients. His laboratory research focuses on elucidating the mechanism of crosstalk signaling after targeted therapy and development of treatment platform to overcome the drug resistance in thyroid and head & neck cancer.
Mr. George W. Barber, Jr., generously endowed a lectureship in 1993 to attract experts in the field of otolaryngology to share their knowledge with the students and faculty of UAB. The annual George W. Barber, Jr. Lectureship in Otolaryngology is currently held in November.
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Noble Anderson
When did you graduate from UAB?
I completed my residency training in Otolarynology – Head and Neck Surgery in 1994.- Where are you now?
I began my medical practice and have continued to practice in Montgomery, my hometown. I grew up here in a medical family and always felt comfortable coming back home to practice medicine and service my community. - What are your clinical/research interests?
I practice general otolaryngology, placing a special interest in rhinology. I am involved in state and medical societies, like Alabama Society of Otolaryngology (Sec/Tres), Montgomery County Medical Society (Sec/Tres), Montgomery Surgical Center (Board) and am a proud member of the Millennium Society of our American Academy of Otolaryngology. - How did you choose to practice this area of otolaryngology?
I felt that practicing general otolaryngology in a smaller setting was ideal for me. After many years of practicing most aspects of our specialty, I tend to focus more on rhinology. - What aspect of your time at UAB do you believe was most valuable as you started your career?
During my training at UAB, we developed knowledge, confidence and skills in treating most patients with otolaryngological conditions. We also developed excellent connections with the staff of the program at UAB, whereby we could ask for assistance with a patient with a more complicated problem, or in a case that may need more intensive tertiary care at UAB. During my years of practice, I have been very impressed with the ability of the staff to help the community-based otolaryngologists. - Did you have a particular mentor while at UAB? Why were they a good mentor?
I had many outstanding mentors at UAB, but I have to admit that Dr. Julius “buddy” Hicks, the former Chair of our division, had the most influence on my career. I initially rotated on his service as a medical student and later interviewed with him prior to my acceptance into the program. He was a most caring and thoughtful physician and he had a unique ability to communicate with his patients. Some of his sayings I continue to use to this day. He treated his residents as family and took a keen interest in their own local family and community. I later had the honor and privilege to sponsor his nomination award to MASA for 50 years of outstanding service in our state. - Give one piece of advice you'd like to share with the current residents or those recently graduated.
Consider practicing community Otolaryngology in a smaller setting. There is no greater reward and privilege than to be able to help those in greatest need, and in so doing, getting to know their family and friends, who also may become your own patients. We as physicians have a unique ability to connect and interact with our patients, which in itself is personally gratifying. Consider being involved in state and local medical societies and engage with teaching residents and medical students. The latter is a fantastic way to connect with your future peers and be able to give back to your local community with education at the same time. And continue to push yourself with knowledge and information and keep learning! This will naturally benefit our patients! - When you're not working, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy traveling and snow skiing with my friends and family and most enjoy attending Alabama football games with my son, who is now a Sophomore at the University.Dr. Anderson with his mentor Dr. Hicks and his wife Ann Hicks
Carroll Named to the John S. Odess Chair
![Dr. William Carroll and Dr. Selwyn Vickers UAB](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/faculty/Endowed_Chair_Ceremony_2.jpg)
The John S. Odess Chair was established on June 28, 1993 through the generosity of Dr. Odess after his retirement in 1981. Odess, a native of West Blocton, Ala., and a graduate of Vanderbilt University Medical School, was a clinical otolaryngologist on the volunteer faculty for many years at the Medical College of Alabama.
“Dr. Carroll’s compassion for patients and their care has always been his top concern, and he is most deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Selwyn Vickers, senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the UAB School of Medicine. “Providing funding for academic physicians to focus on the advancement of care in otolaryngology will allow the department to reach new levels of excellence in patient care and research.”
Previously titled the John S. Odess Professor and Division Director Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Chair, the Board of Trustees granted approval to rename it on September 15, 2017 to accurately reflect the department status and the holder as the department chair. Carroll is the third holder of the Odess Endowed Chair succeeding Dr. Glenn Peters and Dr. Eben Rosenthal, but the first to hold the title as Department Chair – the ultimate fulfillment of Odess’ vision for Otolaryngology at UAB.
Carroll joined the UAB faculty in 1996. He was named section director for Head and Neck Oncology in 2004, and became director of the Head and Neck Oncology Fellowship Training Program in 2008. In October 2015, Carroll became the interim Chair for the Department of Otolaryngology and accepted the role as permanent Chair in 2017.
He began his career at Medical College of Georgia, where he earned his medical degree before beginning his postdoctoral training in otolaryngology head and neck surgery at the University of Michigan. Prior to joining the UAB faculty as an associate professor of surgery, Carroll served as assistant professor of surgery at the University of Michigan Hospitals and as section chief of Otolaryngology at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Residents Participate in CMF Hybrid/Eirich Arch Bar Plating Workshop
![Fake skull used in UAB resident arch bar training workshop](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/Residents/Workshops/IMG_4349.jpg)
![UAB Otolaryngology residents in training workshop](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/Residents/Workshops/pic_1.jpg)
![UAB Otolaryngology residents in arch bar workshop](/medicine/otolaryngology/images/Residents/Workshops/pic_10.jpg)
UAB Ear, Nose and Throat ranked #50 in U.S. News Best Hospitals
“UAB ENT is committed to providing outstanding patient care and we believe this national recognition reflects both our dedication and expertise across the spectrum of head and neck disorders,” said William R. Carroll, M.D., Chair, UAB Department of Otolaryngology.
A hospital’s score for ENT is based on various data categories, including volume of high-risk patients, nurse staffing and patient survival. UAB ENT was ranked highly for patient safety, number of patients and patient services, among other factors.
Overall, UAB Hospital was again ranked No. 1 in Alabama. Nine other UAB adult specialties joined ENT in the nation’s top 50, an increase from last year, and four others were named High Performing.
“We are pleased that UAB Hospital continues to be recognized for providing world-class health care to the residents of our state, region and nation,” said Health System CEO Will Ferniany, Ph.D. “The consistent excellence of our faculty and staff is a reassuring constant during times of change and uncertainty in our country’s health care system. We are proud of our national rankings, and proud to be acknowledged as Alabama’s best hospital.”
UAB’s highest ranked programs include:
- Rheumatology (10)
- Nephrology (14)
- Pulmonology (17)
- Urology (20)
- Diabetes and Endocrinology (21)
- Gynecology (26)
- Cardiology and Heart Surgery (30)
- Neurology and Neurosurgery (34)
- Geriatrics (47)
- Ear, Nose and Throat (50)
- Cancer (High Performing)
- Gastroenterology and GI Surgery (High Performing)
- Orthopedics (High Performing)
- Rehabilitation (High Performing)