Welcome to the Department of Otolaryngology

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery of the University of Illinois at Chicago has had several years filled with many significant accomplishments. We continue to attract the best of the best in our medical education program as evidenced by our residents receiving outstanding in-service and board results. The Nikhil J. Bhatt Surgical Training Center provides a great resource in supporting our resident training. Above all, we continue to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and have committed to continue our significant efforts in promoting social, gender, and racial equity.

In October, 2022 the Department shifted its clinical activities from the EEI to the newly built Specialty Care Building (SCB) where patient care is now focused. We are extremely excited about being able to practice in a state-of-the-art facility that has become a desirable location for both patients and physicians. Additionally, the ability to perform outpatient, ambulatory surgical procedures for the first time in a dedicated facility has only elevated our ability as physicians to improve patient care.

Our centers have continued to grow successfully: The Chicago Institute For Voice Care headed by Dr. Sims; The Sinus and Nasal Allergy Center and Skull Base Surgery program headed by Dr. Joe together with the newly recruited Dr. Lee; The Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery Center headed by Dr. Miriam Redleaf; The Head and Neck Surgery Center headed by me and Dr. Chen Lin, a superior ablative and reconstructive surgeon; and our Endocrine Surgery program anchored by Dr. Rubenfeld and Dr. Thambi.

Our department would not be where it is today without the contributions and achievements of all our staff. The support of our alumni continues to be a driving force in enabling us to provide a breadth of knowledge and expertise to our residents and faculty. The contributions of our alumni also keep us on the cutting edge of technology with all of our equipment and facilities. I eagerly look forward to the challenges ahead and I know that together we will achieve great success.

Barry Wenig, MD, MPH, MBA
Mario D. Mansueto, MD, Professor and Chair