Connections 2023
Inside Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
Summer 2023
Message from Dr. Francis
Since our establishment as an independent department in 2019, Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences (HNS&CS) has embarked on a determined journey of growth, achievement and impact in the realms of research, education, patient care, and community engagement. Our recent graduation was a special opportunity to celebrate as a learning community that extends well beyond the Gothic walls and terraced gardens at Duke.
Congratulations to Our Incoming and Graduating 2023 Trainees
Each year we say a fond farewell and best wishes to residents and fellows who are taking the next steps in their careers, and welcome a new group of PGY-1 Residents who will have the opportunity to accomplish great things with us.
Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Pilkington, MD
Thomas Pilkington, MD, completed his otolaryngology residency at Duke in 2009 and joined Arlington ENT Associates the same year. He’s been with them since, practicing all aspects of otolaryngology. He also serves as chief of the otolaryngology department at Virginia Hospital Center.
Dr. Pilkington joined us to reflect on his time at Duke and how that influenced his career.
Preparing for the Future: Pursuing Fellowship After Residency
William Reed, MD, MPH, a chief resident in Duke’s Otolaryngology Residency Program, completed his residency in June and will be taking his next steps at the University of Alabama, where he’ll be a fellow in the Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Program.
In a recent interview, Dr. Reed offered insights and advice for prospective residents.
Leadership Lived Out Program Positions Residents to Succeed
There’s more to becoming a surgeon than learning surgical skills. At the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, we recognize that training must include continued development of leadership qualities that are vital to the holistic care of patients. Leadership qualities help deal with the stressors that come with being a surgeon and a member of a high-functioning healthcare team.
Since 2013, we’ve invited trainees—as well as staff, nurses, physician assistants, ancillary professionals, and physicians from other disciplines—to participate in the Leadership Lived Out program.
Health Equity Curriculum: Seeking to End Health Disparities
Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences (HNS&CS) recognizes historical and ongoing effects of systemic discrimination that has led to health inequities, primarily affecting underrepresented patients in the United States.
To help address this, we created the Health Equity Curriculum.
Recent Resident Publications
See publications that our residents have produced in the past year.