Connections 2025
Inside Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
Spring 2025
Message from Dr. Francis
Welcome to the Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences annual communication for our patients, families, caregivers, and friends.
Since becoming a department in 2019, we've made remarkable progress, and this year's newsletter highlights some truly amazing stories about the incredible work our team is doing. We hope you find these stories inspiring. Our team's passion and dedication, along with the generosity of our supporters, make all this possible.
Sincerely,
Howard W. Francis, MD, MBA, FACS
Richard Hall Chaney, Sr. Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology
Chair, Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
Chief of The Medical Staff, Duke University Hospital
Understanding the Impact of Preoperative Dysphagia on Postoperative Outcomes
Dysphagia's impact on general health is well-known, but its effect on surgical outcomes has not been thoroughly studied. Harrison N. Jones, PhD, BRS-S, MA, and Seth Cohen, MD, MPH, conducted a retrospective, observational study using data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) database.
HNS&CS Welcomes New Residents with Match Day 2025
We are thrilled to introduce our new class of residents for 2025! Their arrival marks an exciting chapter for our department, filled with promise and innovation.
Duke Otolaryngology Expands Ear Nose and Throat Services to Duke Health Cary
Duke Otolaryngology now offers services for both adults and children (six and older) at the Duke Health Cary location.
Inspiring Future Scientists: Dr. Cannon's Visit to Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School
Head and neck surgical oncologist Dr. Trinitia Cannon was an invited speaker at an event, organized by the Academy of Biomedical Science, that marked the beginning of an ongoing collaboration aimed at inspiring and guiding students towards careers in science and healthcare.
Preserving a Legacy of Laughter and Gratitude: A Lasting Tribute to Duke's Impact
While receiving treatment for cancer at Duke, Elbert Lamont “Monty” Recoulley connected with the doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and other care providers he encountered. To show his appreciation, Mr. Recoulley established the Recoulley Family Head and Neck Cancers Fund to help with training, continuing education, and professional development of current and future staff.