On Tuesday, September 10th, the Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences (HNS&CS) department had the honor of hosting Dr. Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSC, FACS, as the Joseph Siefker, MD Medical Education Fund lecturer for the annual lectureship.
Dr. Schmalbach, who serves as the System Chair and Chief of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Temple University, delivered an inspiring presentation titled “The Physician Leader Journey: Triumphs, Trials, & Tribulations,” where she shared her personal experiences and offered valuable advice to faculty and residents.
This lectureship, established to support educational initiatives for Duke HNS&CS residents, fellows, and clinicians, focuses on advancing the professional development of trainees.
Dr. Schmalbach is a board-certified otolaryngologist with over a decade of experience. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in head and neck cancers, including those affecting the skin and thyroid/parathyroid glands. Additionally, she holds prominent positions in the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the American Head and Neck Society.
Dr. Joseph Siefker completed his Duke Otolaryngology residency training in 1988 and now practices in the Panhandle of Florida. He has been an ardent supporter of Duke’s legacy of education, clinical excellence and research, giving generously out of an abundance of gratitude and good will. In his brief remarks prior to Dr. Schmalbach’s presentation he reminisced about the small and close group of residents and faculty with whom he trained. He also shared his philosophy of giving forward with gratitude for the wonderful career that Duke made possible, and everyone to make an annual contribution to a cause in the Department at whatever level they are able to.
