Augusta University Department of Otolaryngology 1120 15th St BP-4109 Augusta, GA 30912 David J Terris, MD FACS – Fellowship Director Jennifer VanCise – Coordinator   Program Website

Number of Fellowships: 1 Duration (in years): 1 year Faculty:  David J. Terris, M.D. Greer Albergotti, M.D. Edward Chin, M.D. Rene Harper, M.D. Anthony L. Mulloy, Ph.D, D.O. Hadyn Williams, M.D. Laura Mulloy, D.O. Gregory Postma, M.D. Kenneth Byrd, M.D. Bridget Sinnott, D.O.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Overview: Augusta University has a rich tradition of world-class endocrine surgery. In 2004, the Augusta University Thyroid/Parathyroid Center was inaugurated, representing a collaborative effort between Otolaryngology, Endocrinology, and Nuclear Medicine. Augusta University has quickly moved to the forefront of academic health centers in pioneering new surgical techniques and perfecting old ones. These include robotic thyroidectomy, endoscopic thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and outpatient endocrine surgery. Some of the technologies that are utilized include ultrasound, laryngeal nerve monitoring, and rapid intraoperative PTH.

Objectives: The fellowship provides comprehensive training in the diagnosis and medical and surgical management of thyroid and parathyroid diseases, with particular emphasis on minimally invasive and function-sparing techniques. Specific surgical techniques that are included in the program are conventional, minimally invasive, endoscopic thyroidectomy, conventional and endoscopic parathyroidectomy, laryngeal nerve monitoring and selective neck dissections. There is substantial exposure to ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsies.

Strengths: The fellowship provides one of the broadest experiences in endocrine surgery available. Fellows receive advanced training in cutting edge techniques such as endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery and state-of-the art care of primary and renal hyperparathyroidism within a fast-paced academic environment in which most fellows produce 2 to 4 publications.

Eligibility:

1. BC/BE otolaryngologists or general surgeons trained in the United States or Canada.
2. Graduates of otolaryngology or general surgery residency programs outside of the United States and Canada who have passed the USMLE and hold a certificate from the ECFMG.

Fellow’s Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Clinical– The fellow participates in all aspects of the endocrine program. The schedule consists of two half-day endocrine surgical clinics per week, one half-day per week with the endocrinologists. 3 operating room days per week, and a half-day at a satellite office. Exposure to ultrasound techniques occurs throughout the outpatient experience. The fellow participates in the faculty call rotation (approximately 1 week in 10).
2. Research– There are opportunities for clinical research in the areas of minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic thyroid surgery management of thyroid cancer, and novel techniques for the diagnosis and management of patients with endocrine diseases.
3. Procedural expectations– The following approximate procedural volumes are performed during the fellowship: thyroidectomy: 200, parathyroidectomy: 250, neck dissection: 50, ultrasounds: 300

Careers of former fellows:

2022 Emad Alhajah, MD (current fellow)
2021 Simon Holoubek, D.O., Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin
2020 David Temmermand, D.O., private practice in New Jersey
2019 Ahmad Eltelety, Assistant Professor, Cairo University
2018 Nate Walsh, private practice in Tampa
2017 Seth Kay, M.D., private practice in Chicago, affiliated with Northwestern University
2016 Jonathan Dell, M.D., private practice in Minneapolis, MN
2015 Steven Bomeli, M.D., private practice in Atlanta, GA
2014 Katrina Chaung, M.D., private practice in California
2013 William Duke, M.D., Assistant Professor, Augusta University, then private practice in Tacoma, Washington
2011-2012 Michael Singer, M.D., Associate Professor, Chief of Endocrine Surgery, Henry Ford Health System
2010 Melanie Seybt, M.D., Assistant Professor, Augusta University, then private practice in SC
2009 Brent Metts, M.D., Ph.D., private practice in Texas
2008 Lana Jackson, M.D., Chief of Head and Neck, University of Mississippi
2007 Susan Smith, D.O., Assistant Professor, Oklahoma State University