Spring 2024 Newsletter

Connections 2024

Inside Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences

Spring 2024

Message from Dr. Francis

Howard Francis

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Welcome to the fourth quarter edition of "Connections," our departmental newsletter. This July marks the 5th anniversary of the Duke Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences. As the inaugural Chair of the Department, this edition holds special significance as it is an opportunity to reflect upon and honor our donor community by highlighting the profound impact of philanthropy on our mission to elevate patient care, advance pioneering research, nurture emerging leaders, and cultivate meaningful community connections.

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Girl with baseball

The Transformative Impact of Duke HEARS

Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences (HNS&CS) — with help from generous donors — supports children with hearing loss and their families through a transformative community program. 

Dr. Woodard, Fisher family, and two residents

Fisher Fund Boosts Resident Training and Continues a Tradition

First-year residents in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences (HNS&CS) receive a significant boost to their educational tools, thanks to an endowment that supports the education of surgeons in training.

Hudson lecture 2024

Celebrating Leadership and Legacy: The Hudson Lectureship

At the end of each academic year, faculty, trainees, and alumni eagerly anticipate the Hudson Lectureship, which takes place during graduation week. Since 2011, prominent leaders in otolaryngology have come to Duke to share their insights as part of the Hudson Lectureship.

Dr. Minga and stroke survivors

Advancing Right Hemisphere Stroke Research: A Partnership Between Researchers and Donors

A key mission for Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences researcher Jamila Minga, PhD, and her Minga Right Hemisphere Communication Laboratory, is to increase awareness of right hemisphere stroke (RHS). But they can’t spread the word on their own. 

Dr. Francis and Leadership Lived Out participants

Creating a Team Culture for Caring—with Support from Grateful Patients

Odie Dick loved the care he received at Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences. Mr. Dick showed his appreciation by supporting the department’s Leadership Lived Out program.