Peter F. Svider

Hockey-related facial injuries: a population-based analysis.

Recognition of the potentially severe sequelae arising from inadequate facial protection has facilitated sustained efforts to increase the use of protective visors in recent decades. Our objective was to characterize nationwide trends among patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) for facial injuries sustained while playing ice hockey.

An evaluation of geographic trends in the otolaryngology residency match: Home is where the heart is

IMPORTANCEnSecuring an otolaryngology residency position has become an increasingly competitive endeavor in recent years. Recent studies have investigated the applicant criteria used by residency programs as part of the ranking process. However, to our knowledge, no studies have comprehensively investigated the role of geographic location in the match process.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo evaluate geographic trends in the otolaryngology national residency match process.nnnDESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTSnWe conducted a cross-sectional examination of 56 otolaryngology residency programs including 810 residents to determine resident demographic information, including matriculated medical schools.nnnMAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURESnThe geographic locations of residency programs and the residents matriculated medical schools were evaluated for trends. Residents program locations were compared with the locations of their medical schools of matriculation, and the numbers of residents attending a program affiliated with their medical schools were also identified.nnnRESULTSnOverall, 810 residents were identified from the 56 programs included in our study. Of these, 169 residents (20.9%) attended the program affiliated with their medical school. The Midwest had the highest proportion of residents graduating from the affiliated medical school (25.7%), and the West had the lowest proportion (12.5%) (Pu2009=u2009.008). A total of 473 residents attended a program within the same region as their medical school (58.4%). The South had the highest proportion of residents from the same region (68.2%), and the West had the lowest proportion (31.3%) (Pu2009<u2009.001).nnnCONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCEnWhile it is not clear why a geographic bias was identified, a significant proportion of residents in our study attended a program in the same region as their medical school. This geographic association was strongest in the Midwest and South. Furthermore, a significant proportion of residents attended the program affiliated with their medical schools. This information is valuable to all future applicants as they choose where to apply, and to all residency programs as they decide how geographic location factors in to whom they decide to interview.

A critical analysis of melanoma malpractice litigation: Should we biopsy everything?

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors raised in malpractice litigation related to the diagnosis and management of melanoma and to further assess issues impacting outcome.

Systemic therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Historical perspectives and recent breakthroughs

Despite dramatic developments in drugs established for other malignancies, historically there have been few novel systemic agents available for the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the last decade has observed increased interest in targeted therapies for HNSCC. In 2006, cetuximab became the first major drug for HNSCC to gain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 3 decades. Recently, both pembrolizumab and nivolumab gained FDA approval for treatment of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, and trials for other indications in HNSCC are actively underway. As older agents including cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil continue to play a significant role in the management of advanced HNSCC, an understanding of their legacy is paramount. This historical review is not meant to exhaustively catalog every finding relating to HNSCC systemic therapy, but rather is meant to highlight important advances.

Recent Trends in Oral Cavity Cancer Research Support in the United States.

The objectives were to characterize oral cavity cancer (OCC) funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a secondary aim of comparing NIH support provided to OCC and other malignancies. NIH awards supporting OCC inquiry from 2000 to 2014 were accessed from the NIH RePORTER database. These data were used to evaluate temporal trends and the role of human papilloma virus and to determine the academic training and professional profiles of the principal investigators. Comparison of 2014 funding levels with other malignancies was also performed, controlling for incidence. Overall funding totals decreased considerably after 2009. Funding administered through the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) was 6.5 times greater than dollars awarded by the National Cancer Institute in 2000. During the period evaluated, NIDCR support decreased in most years, while National Cancer Institute support increased and approached NIDCR funding levels. Funding for human papilloma virus–related projects gradually rose, from 3.4% of dollars in 2000 to 2004 to 6.2% from 2010 to 2014 (P < 0.05). A majority of principal investigators had a PhD omnia solus (57%), and 13% possessed dual PhD/clinical degrees. Among clinicians with specialty training, otolaryngologists and oral/maxillofacial pathologists garnered the most funding. OCC had a 2014 funding:incidence ratio of

Head and Neck Cancer: Underfunded and Understudied?

785, much lower than for other malignancies. There has been increased volatility in funding support in recent years possibly due to budget cuts and sequestration. The National Cancer Institute has played an increasingly important role in supporting OCC research, concomitant with decreasing NIDCR support. Our findings suggest that OCC is underfunded relative to other non–oral cavity malignancies, indicating a need to increase the focus on rectifying the disparity.

Mobile applications and patient education: Are currently available GERD mobile apps sufficient?

Despite a considerable expansion in our therapeutic repertoire for management of other malignancies, mortality from head and neck cancer (HNC) has not significantly improved in recent decades. Upon normalizing National Institutes of Health–awarded R01 and R01-equivalent grants by incidence, thyroid cancer (

Sialendoscopy in the Management of Radioiodine Induced Sialadenitis: A Systematic Review

214) and HNC (

Pediatric Thyroidectomy: Hospital Course and Perioperative Complications

1329) received the fewest funding dollars. Upon adjusting funding totals by mortality, HNC was 7th out of 9 cancers evaluated (

Recent trends in oropharyngeal cancer funding and public interest

6138). These findings highlight HNC as an underfunded disease versus other cancers. As data detailing grant applications (including unsuccessful grants) are not publicly available, it is not clear if these disparities stem from fewer applications or fewer opportunities. Our hope is that this commentary will spur further investigation into strategies to increase HNC inquiry and funding for trainees as well as early-stage and established investigators.