Dr. Dan Lydiatt named interim chairman
After 11 years as chairman of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Donald Leopold, M.D., is stepping down on Sept. 1. He will continue to serve as professor in the department focusing on patient care, resident education and research.
Dr. Leopold, who joined UNMC after serving on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University, said the time is right for a change.
“After 11 years, it’s time for the department to have new leadership,” he said. “It’s time for someone with new talents and skills to take charge. It’s been an honor for me to serve as chairman for this long, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Rod Markin, M.D., Ph.D., interim dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, has appointed Dan Lydiatt, M.D., who has been a member of the department for 22 years, to serve as interim chairman. Dr. Lydiatt is a professor of otolaryngology in the division of head and neck surgical oncology and has served as medical director for the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center for the past 12 years.
“Dr. Leopold did a terrific job as chairman, and he certainly elevated the department in many different ways,” Dr. Markin said. “We’re grateful for his many contributions to the UNMC team and are delighted that he will remain on the faculty. As anyone who knows Dr. Lydiatt can attest, the department will be in very capable hands during this interim period. He is a UNMC alum and has always had deep respect and loyalty to the College of Medicine. I’m confident the department won’t miss a beat."
Some department accomplishments under Dr. Leopold included:
- More than doubling the number of applicants for the department’s two residency slots;
- Earning a five-year residency accreditation and a near 100 percent first-time pass rate on the board certification exam for residents;
- Increasing research funding to a record high;
- Making the department financially sound by growing the clinical enterprise by 85 percent including the areas of rhinology (specialty dealing with nasal, sinus and sense of smell problems), ENT allergy, and head and neck surgical oncology;
- Establishing fellowships in head and neck surgical oncology and rhinology/chemical senses.
Recognized internationally as an expert in nasal, sinus and sense of smell conditions, Dr. Leopold has continued to publish research articles and give lectures around the world.
Dr. Lydiatt thanked Dr. Leopold for his outstanding leadership and expressed his appreciation for Dr. Leopold continuing to provide his clinical, education and research skills in the future.
Dr. Lydiatt has several goals he hopes to accomplish as interim chairman. These include:
- Recruiting additional faculty, such as a second head and neck surgical oncologist with microvascular capabilities and a laryngologist;
· Expanding pediatric otolaryngology efforts;
· Bringing in more community otolaryngologists to add to the education experience;
· Using his position with the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center to continue to provide enhanced clinical, education and research opportunities for students and residents.
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