University of Miami ENT Department Jumps to No. 9 in U.S. News Rankings

The Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine was ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report in its 2019- 2020 “Best Hospitals” rankings. The department ranked No. 9 in the U.S., a dramatic jump from No. 41 in 2018.

“Our research and clinical programs have reached a critical mass, and our patient outcomes are outstanding,” said Fred F. Telischi, M.D., chairman of otolaryngology, professor of neurological surgery and biomedical engineering, and the James R. Chandler Chair in Otolaryngology.

“Breaking into the top 10 in the nation is an honor for our dedicated faculty and staff, including surgeons, audiologists, biomedical engineers, speech pathologists, researchers, and psychologists,” said Dr. Telischi. “We collaborate with many other Miller School programs to deliver the best possible multidisciplinary care to our pediatric and adult ear, nose, and throat patients.”

The department’s luminary UHealth Ear Institute provides comprehensive and innovative care of ear, hearing and balance disorders, including the Children’s Hearing Program and the hereditary deafness clinical and research group, where more than 15 percent of the known genetic hearing loss mutations have been discovered.

Reflecting the department’s highly regarded auditory implant program, Dr. Telischi and Ivette Cejas, Ph.D., associate professor of otolaryngology and psychology, recently served as the principal scientific co-chairs of the 16th Symposium on Cochlear Implants in Children organized by the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, with more than 1,200 participants from around the world.

“We have one of the largest academic head-neck cancer groups in the country at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Dr. Telischi. “Our dynamic surgeons lead a well-established multidisciplinary oncology team, incorporating innovative techniques such as oral cancer screening, robotic technology, microvascular reconstruction, sentinel node identification, and a specialized postoperative care unit for these complex procedures.” Other highly regarded programs include the skull base tumor team, internationally recognized nasal breathing and sinus disorders clinics, and the acclaimed laryngology-voice program.

“I couldn’t be more proud to have the otolaryngology team recognized for their dedication to excellence in teaching, research and caring for our patients,” said Dr. Telischi.

In addition, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute was ranked the nation’s best in ophthalmology for the 18th time. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which just earned National Cancer Institute designation, plus gastroenterology and GI surgery, and neurology and neurosurgery programs at the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics were also recognized as “high performing” by the publication.

“It is a remarkable accomplishment to have two UHealth programs ranked in the nation’s top 10, and three more recognized for their strong performance,” said Edward Abraham, M.D., executive vice president for health affairs and CEO of UHealth. “These high rankings are a tribute to our professionals’ deep commitment to delivering the best possible clinical care to every one of our patients.”

On a regional level, University of Miami Hospital and Clinics-UHealth Tower was ranked No. 3 in South Florida with the two “high performing” adult specialties of gastroenterology and GI surgery, and neurology and neurosurgery. UHealth Tower also had four “high performing” adult procedures/conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, heart failure and lung cancer surgery.

Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School of Medicine, said the top 10 ranking reflects the academic medical system’s commitment to clinical research and medical education. “Our scientists and clinicians work closely to accelerate the process of bringing new discoveries and treatments to patients in our clinics and hospital,” he said.

The 2019-2020 “Best Hospitals” rankings are accessible at https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings and in the U.S. News “Best Hospitals” 2020 guidebook.


Tags: Department of Otolaryngology, Dr. Fred Telischi, U.S. News rankings, UHealth Ear Institute