Letter from the Chair — Connections Spring 2024

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.

In this issue, we invite you to embark on a journey of inspiration and progress as we explore the transformative effects of philanthropy on various programs supporting both adult and pediatric initiatives. Witness how contributions are igniting a ripple effect of positive change, enhancing research, training, and awareness efforts with the ultimate goal of improving patient care and outcomes.

As you journey through these stories of hope and initiative, we hope you will consider making a gift in support of our vision to be a global leader in promoting healthier connections with the world. Together, we will continue to achieve remarkable milestones and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
 
Your generosity and steadfast support have fueled our success so far, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Sincerely,

Howard W. Francis, MD, MBA, FACS
Richard Hall Chaney, Sr. Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology 
Chair, Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences