Specialists in our website's head and neck department assist patients in maximizing their life's potential
**UCLA's Department of Head and Neck Surgery: Pioneering Care and Research**
The Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the prestigious UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine is renowned for its commitment to patient care, research, and innovation. Led by Dr. Maie St. John, a professor and chair of the department, the team specialises in various subspecialties within the field of otolaryngology, which encompasses the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck regions.
Dr. St. John, a head and neck cancer specialist, found her calling in this field due to a childhood encounter with a patient with a large facial growth. Her subspecialty involves treating benign and malignant growths in various areas such as the salivary glands, lips, tonsils, throat, floor of the mouth, and endocrine disorders including thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
The department's expertise extends to pediatric otolaryngology, which focuses on diseases of the ear, nose, and throat in children. Complex pediatric airway surgery, congenital lesions, tonsillectomies, adenoid surgery, and ear tube placement are among the treatments provided.
Laryngologists, who specialise in disorders of the airways, voice, and swallow function, are also part of the team. They deal with tumors and benign conditions affecting airflow from the nose to the trachea, as well as voice disorders, including those affecting professional vocalists.
Otolaryngologists, the primary specialists within the department, treat the head and neck, including the ears, nose, and throat. UCLA also boasts a team working on the development of the next generation of cochlear implants, a surgically installed device that aids hearing for those with severe hearing loss.
Otology/neurotology specialists manage disorders related to hearing, balance, and tumors of the skull base. Rhinology and skull-base surgery involve treating diseases of the sinuses, including benign and malignant tumors.
The department's ethos of prioritising patient care above all else is evident in its delivery of ethical, compassionate, evidence-based care. This ethos extends to its research, with the department actively involved in conducting its own research to advance medical knowledge and improve patient outcomes.
The field of otolaryngology covers a wide range of conditions, from issues with the dura (lining of the brain) to the pleura (lining of the lungs). The department's multidisciplinary team collaborates to optimise patient outcomes, with some centres having dedicated clinics for rare conditions such as cerebrospinal fluid leaks, vascular anomalies, thyroid eye disease, and velopharyngeal insufficiency.
Dr. St. John's initial encounter with medical practice was at a young age, when she accompanied her grandfather, a doctor, to patient visits. This early exposure to medicine sparked her interest and led her to her current role as a leading figure in the field of head and neck surgery at UCLA.
- The Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA is dedicated to the study and treatment of various medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease, COPD, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
- Dr. St. John's expertise in head and neck cancer extends to the treatment of digestive health issues related to these regions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- The department is committed to promoting workplace-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, advocating healthy diets and providing resources for maintaining eye-health, hearing, and skin-care.
- UCLA's Head and Neck Surgery department is not only concerned with physical health but also emphasizes the importance of mental-health and men's-health, offering therapies-and-treatments for conditions like depression, anxiety, and prostate cancer.
- In alignment with the Department of Health and Wellness, the Head and Neck Surgery team is involved in research and development of new nutrition-based approaches for managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and multiple sclerosis.
- The department works closely with specialists in neurological-disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, migraines, and autoimmune-disorders, to provide comprehensive care for patients.
- The team at UCLA also specializes in women's-health, offering services for breast-cancer screening, treatments for skin-conditions, and fertility issues.
- They provide parenting advice and support, as well as resources for managing specific health concerns that may arise during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.
- For those experiencing issues related to aging, the department also offers resources and treatments for age-related conditions like cognitive decline, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
- The department's commitment to family-health extends to addressing the unique health needs of children, often collaborating with pediatricians and pediatric specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Additionally, they are actively involved in researching and treating rare disorders, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological-disorders outside of otolaryngology.
- In an effort to improve heart health and cardiovascular-health, the department offers consultation and care for heart-related conditions, such as hypertension and coronary artery disease.
- Among the therapies-and-treatments offered by the department is the use of CBD for managing chronic pain and inflammation related to various medical conditions.
- The department provides Medicare services for senior citizens, ensuring that older adults have access to specialized medical care.
- For those concerned with sexual-health, the department offers consultation and treatment for conditions like erectile dysfunction and hormonal imbalances.
- Furthermore, the department is equipped to address hearing-related issues, providing hearing tests, hearing aids, and treatments for various ear infections and conditions.
- The department also offers specialized clinics for managing skin-conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, through various dermatological treatments and therapies.
- Lastly, the department is dedicated to maintaining a high standard of care by staying updated on the latest medical research and advancements, ensuring the best possible care for patients well into the future.
- Through its commitment to quality patient care, innovative research, and collaboration with other departments, the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA continues to lead the way in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes.
