SIU Medicine Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

06/16/2026

We recently celebrated the graduation of our chief resident, Dr. Ryan Bowman!

We are incredibly proud of all he has accomplished during his time in the Department of Otolaryngology and grateful for the impact he has made on our team.

This week, we wish Ryan and his family all the best as they begin their next chapter in Kansas, where he will pursue fellowship training in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery and Microvascular Reconstruction at the University of Kansas.

Congratulations, Ryan! We look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years ahead.

06/15/2026

Accessibility is about more than accommodations. Disney's new ASL-performed songs help more children experience the joy of music, connection and inclusion.

At SIU Medicine ENT, we see every day how hearing, communication and access shape a person's ability to engage with the world around them. Creating opportunities for everyone to connect is something worth celebrating.

’s ‘Songs in Sign Language’ is a first-of-its-kind ...

06/12/2026

One week ago, we hosted our annual Horst R. Konrad Resident Research Day, celebrating our largest attendance to date!

The day featured research presentations from our residents and medical students, along with incredibly valuable insights from our guest speaker Dr. Kimberly Vinson!

Thank you to the faculty mentors, visiting alumni, staff and attendees who helped make this event a success. Your support of research and medical education plays an important role in shaping the future of our surgeons and the medical community as a whole.

06/04/2026

Today is International Skull Base Surgery Day. On June 4, 1910, Harvey Cushing and Oskar Hirsch, working oceans apart, each performed historic transsphenoidal surgeries that helped lay the foundation for modern skull base surgery. Their legacy is a powerful reminder that innovation thrives through collaboration and leads to better patient care.

We are proud to continue that legacy through the expertise of our endoscopic skull base surgeons, Dr. Dana Crosby and Dr. Kody Bolk, whose work helps bring advanced, compassionate care closer to home for patients across central and southern Illinois.

06/03/2026

Many skull base procedures use minimally invasive endoscopic techniques performed entirely through the nose, meaning no external incisions or visible scarring.

Using a small, high-definition camera and specialized surgical tools, surgeons can access delicate areas deep within the skull base with incredible precision, often helping reduce pain and recovery time for patients.

06/02/2026

This week, we’re recognizing International Skull Base Surgery Day and sharing a closer look at the highly specialized field of skull base surgery.

So, what is skull base surgery?

Skull base surgery utilizes advanced surgical techniques to treat complex conditions where the brain, nerves and major blood vessels meet at the base of the skull, one of the most delicate areas in the body.

Using innovative, minimally invasive techniques, surgeons can access and treat these areas with greater precision and often faster recovery times for patients.

05/29/2026

Expert care matters.

At the SIU Medicine Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, our physicians are fellowship-trained experts in their subspecialties. Dr. Mitchell Heuermann, an SIU School of Medicine alum and fellowship-trained otologist, shares how advanced care is not limited to big cities.

You can access highly specialized, leading-edge surgical care right here in Springfield and the surrounding communities.

05/28/2026

Hands-on training. Real-world impact.

Our residents recently completed a facial trauma skills lab that brought together expert faculty and surgeons to teach the skills and techniques essential to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This course was led by our faculty members, Dr. Matt Johnson, Dr. Neelam Phalke, along with visiting faculty Dr. Bailey from OMFS in Carle.

05/26/2026

As Better Hearing and Speech Month comes to a close, we’re highlighting the breadth of services available here in the Department of Otolaryngology for patients with hearing, speech and swallowing disorders.

In this video, Dr. Al-Zaghal outlines the range of conditions he treats. We are lucky to be able to provide our patients with such comprehensive care, right here in central Illinois.

05/22/2026

Our residents are participating in our annual Neuro Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Skills Lab, led by endoscopic skull base surgeons Dr. Dana Crosby and Dr. Kody Bolk.

Through lectures, discussion and hands-on training, residents gain experience in advanced techniques essential to skull base surgery.

We’re grateful to welcome back visiting faculty Dr. Raj Sindwani and Dr. Pablo Recinos for this year’s program. Thank you for sharing your time, expertise and insights with our residents.