Donald Leopold, M.D., will step down on Sept. 1 after 11 years as chairman of the UNMC Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
He will continue to serve as professor in the department and focus on patient care, resident education and research.
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Don Leopold, M.D. |
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Dan Lydiatt, M.D. |
Under Dr. Leopold’s leadership, the department:
- More than doubled the number of applicants for the department’s two residency slots;
- Earned a five-year residency accreditation and a near 100 percent first-time pass rate on the board certification exam for residents;
- Increased research funding to a record high;
- Became 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; and
- Established fellowships in head and neck surgical oncology and rhinology/chemical senses.
“Dr. Leopold did a terrific job as chairman, and he certainly elevated the department in many different ways,” said Rod Markin, M.D., Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Medicine. “We’re grateful for his many contributions to the UNMC team and are delighted that he will remain on the faculty.”
Dr. Markin has appointed Dan Lydiatt, M.D., professor of otolaryngology in the division of head and neck surgical oncology, to serve as interim chairman.
As interim chairman, Dr. Lydiatt hopes to:
- Recruit additional faculty, such as a second head and neck surgical oncologist with microvascular capabilities and a laryngologist;
- Expand pediatric otolaryngology efforts;
- Bring more community otolaryngologists to add to the education experience; and
- Use his position as medical director for the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center to continue to provide enhanced clinical, education and research opportunities for students and residents.