Otolaryngology Research Programs

Jurij R. Bilyk, MD, FACS
Professor of Ophthalmology
Wills Eye Hospital

Dr. Jurij R. Bilyk is an attending surgeon on the Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery Service at Wills Eye Hospital and Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and obtained his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. Dr. Bilyk completed an internship in internal medicine at Jefferson University Hospital and his residency in ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital. His oculoplastic and orbital surgery fellowship training was completed at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) of Harvard Medical School with Dr. John Shore. Upon completing his fellowship, Dr. Bilyk joined the faculty at MEEI in 1993. In 1994, he returned to Wills Eye Hospital, where he has a special interest in orbital disease and trauma, and works closely with the Departments of Otolaryngology, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, and Neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Bilyk is a member of the Orbit Society as well as a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). He has served as the chairman of the ASOPRS thesis committee and has won awards for his teaching excellence. He has published over 100 papers in the peer-reviewed literature as well as numerous book chapters, and is a frequently invited speaker at local, national and international conferences.

Dr. Bilyk's Pub Med Bibliography

Joseph Curry, MD
Professor of Otolaryngology
Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Dr. Joseph Curry completed his residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in 2009. He completed his fellowship training in 2010 in head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgery at the University of Miami and is a member of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. He specializes in head and neck cancer surgery and reconstruction and offers the full range of techniques in cancer surgery and microvascular free flap reconstruction surgery. In addition to his busy clinical practice, Dr. Curry is the Director of Research in the Department.  The primary focus of his research is tumor metabolism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). He has worked extensively on tumor-stroma interactions for the past eight years and has identified key mediators of metabolic coupling in HNSCC. His research has focused on improving the understanding of metabolic interactions in the microenvironment as a mechanism of tumorigenesis and progression. He recently published an investigator-initiated clinical trial using metformin to alter mitochondrial metabolism in HNSCC patients. Dr. Curry holds many leadership roles at the local, regional and national levels. He currently has over 90 publications.

Dr. Curry's Pub Med Bibliography

James J. Evans, MD
Professor of Neurosurgery & Otolaryngology
Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Dr. Evans is a professor of neurological surgery and otolaryngology, as well as Chief of the Brain Tumor Division at Thomas Jefferson University.  He is the Director of Cranial Base and Pituitary Surgery and the founder of the cranial base and endoscopic surgery fellowship program.  He has authored three textbooks and published over 180 scientific manuscripts.  Among leadership involvement in several professional societies, Dr. Evans is Past President of the North American Skull Base Society.

Dr. Evans' Pub Med Bibliography

Jennifer M. Johnson, MD
Associate Professor of Medical Oncology
Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Dr. Jennifer Johnson is a native of the Delaware Valley and completed her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Theology at St. Joseph's University before moving to the University of Pittsburgh where she obtained both her MD and a PhD in molecular genetics, studying DNA damage and repair in breast cancer. Upon graduation, she came back to Philadelphia to Thomas Jefferson University where she completed her residency and chief residency in Internal Medicine followed by a fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology. It was there that she found her calling in the treatment of head and neck cancers. She currently serves on the faculty at Jefferson as an Associate Professor and is the Associate Program Director for the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship. Her interest in medical education and background in molecular genetics has manifested in the creation of an enterprise-wide Molecular Tumor Board, which connects four hospitals within the Jefferson system in an online, educationally-focused case-based discussion. She serves as the clinical lead for Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center precision medicine helping to interpret the molecular profiles of patients and match them to innovative clinical trials. Dr. Johnson's current research interests lie in translational medicine in head and neck cancers, focusing on the tumor microenvironment from both a metabolic and immunologic standpoint. Her collaborations with our benchtop researchers here at Jefferson have led to multiple clinical trials aimed to gather further information on the ways in which cancer cells work together with their non-cancerous supportive cells, and to test new therapeutic options to disrupt this critical interaction. While looking ahead to these next therapeutic horizons, she has also been involved in expanding supportive care for our patients with enhanced supportive care including the use of technology to improve patients' ability to record and quantify treatment-related side effects, participate in smoking cessation programs, and improve their physical activity level.

Dr. Johson's Pub Med Bibliography

Sara Lally, MD
Associate Professor
Wills Eye Hospital

Dr. Sara Lally is a Staff Physician on the Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital and Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, She is active in professional societies including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and International Society of Ocular Oncology. She has lectured widely within the United States and abroad. She has co-authored more than 30 publications in peer reviewed journals. Dr. Sara Lally is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and attended Jefferson Medical College. Board certified in ophthalmology, she completed her residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Dr. Lally also completed a two-year clinical fellowship in Ocular Oncology at Wills Eye Hospital.

Her clinical interests include tumors of the conjunctiva, the eyelid, and the orbit. She is also involved in research investigating new treatments for the complications of radiation on the eye, is experienced with coated hydroxyapatite implants after enucleation, and management of extensive periocular cancers.

Adam Luginbuhl, MD
Associate Professor
Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Dr. Adam Luginbuhl received his MD at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 2007. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University in 2012. He completed his fellowship training in Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery at Vanderbilt University in 2013. Dr. Luginbuhl joined Jefferson’s Department of Otolaryngology-HNS in 2013 and quickly advanced to Associate Professor. He specializes in the care of patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck. His advanced training includes endoscopic laser techniques for organ-preserving management of laryngeal cancer, as well as minimally invasive approaches for thyroid and parathyroid surgery. His expertise covers all aspects of the management of head and neck cancer. Dr. Luginbuhl has over 80 publications. In addition to his busy clinical and surgical schedule, Dr. Luginbuhl is the team organizer and leader for the Head and Neck Surgical mission trip to rural Haiti. Dr. Luginbuhl is the Co-founder of Head and Neck Global Initiative for surgical mission work.

Dr. Luginbuhl's Pub Med Biography

Tatyana Milman, MD
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Wills Eye Hospital

Dr. Tatyana Milman, MD, was born in Kiev, Ukraine. She graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and biochemistry, then obtained her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, followed by Ophthalmology Residency at the Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (IOVS) – New Jersey Medical School and an Ophthalmic Pathology fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. She became certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 2005. After practicing as a comprehensive ophthalmologist and ophthalmic pathologist, Dr. Milman continued her training and completed a second residency in Anatomic Pathology at the University of Pennsylvania and was certified by the American Board of Pathology in 2017. Dr. Milman joined the faculty in the Departments of Ophthalmology at the IOVS-NJ Medical School and at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, where she worked as an ophthalmic pathologist and comprehensive ophthalmologist and took an active part in resident education. She has joined the staff of Wills Eye Hospital's Department of Pathology in 2017. She currently is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology at Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel Medical College. Dr. Milman is a recipient of grants for creation of Illustrated Atlas and Virtual Microscopy Educational Modules in Ophthalmic Pathology. Her research interests include clinical-pathologic correlations in ophthalmic pathology and resident education. She has over 100 published peer reviewed articles and has contributed chapters to several key volumes in the field of Eye Pathology, including World Health Organization Classification of Eye Tumors, ARP/AFIP fascicle on the Tumors of the Eye and Ocular Adnexa, and Duane Ophthalmology. Dr. Milman has been awarded Certificates of Appreciation from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Board of Ophthalmology for her service on various committees dedicated to maintenance of certification and education in Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Pathology. She is a recipient of numerous Ophthalmology Resident Teaching awards for her instruction in Ophthalmic Pathology. Dr. Milman is a member of the Eastern and Verhoeff-Zimmerman Ophthalmic Pathology Societies and serves on the Board of the American Association of Ophthalmic Oncologists and Pathologists.

Gurston G. Nyquist, MD
Professor of Otolaryngology & Neurosurgery

Dr. Gurston G. Nyquist is a Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University.  He completed a fellowship in Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery at the Weil Cornell Medical College in New York City and served as the Director of Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery in a private practice in New York before joining the faculty at Thomas Jefferson University in 2012.  His clinical and research expertise is in the field of endoscopic, endonasal cranial base and orbital surgery. Dr. Nyquist has published over 75 peer revieweed journal articles and book chapters in the field. Dr. Nyquist is a frequently invited speaker at local, national and international conferences. Dr. Nyquist serves on multiple professional and scientific committees including his current position as Chief Financial Officer and Founding Board Member of the Section on Base of Skull and Orbital Surgery of the American Rhinologic Society. Dr. Nyquist earned the Thomas Jefferson University Deans Education Award and serves as the Co-Director of the Rhinology Fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University.

Dr. Nyquist's Pub Med Bibliography

Michael Rabinowitz,  MD, FACS 
Instructor of Ophthalmology
Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Michael Rabinowitz, MD, FACS is a member of the Oculoplastics and Orbital Surgery Department at the Wills Eye Hospital. He treats a wide variety of ocular, orbital, lacrimal, and eyelid conditions. His interests include skin flaps, grafts, and eyelid reconstructions, in addition to thyroid orbitopathy, lacrimal surgery, ptosis repair, entropion/ectropion repair, and cosmetic eyelid surgery and injections. Dr. Rabinowitz earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with High Distinction and University Honors. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia. His internship was served at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Rabinowitz completed his ophthalmology residency at the Wills Eye Hospital, during which he co-edited the sixth edition of the Wills Eye Manual. After residency, Dr. Rabinowitz was an attending at Wills for one year before completing a two-year oculoplastics and orbital surgery fellowship, approved by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, at Wills Eye Hospital.

Dr. Rabinowitz is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Medical Association. He teaches medical students and residents at Wills Eye Hospital, and has authored many peer-reviewed publications, books, and book chapters, and has given numerous abstract, poster, and academic presentations.

Dr. Rabinowitz's Pub Med Bibliography

Carol Shields, MD 
Professor of Ophthalmology
Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Dr. Carol Shields is the Director of the Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, and Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University. She has been in practice for 37 years and takes special interest in the management of retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, conjunctival malignancies and many other intraocular, conjunctival, and orbital tumors. She has served as the President of the International Society of Ocular Oncology and President of The Macula Society. She has received Honorary Degrees from the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame IN and the Catholic University in Washington, DC.  Dr. Shields has received numerous awards including the Donders Lecture and Award, the Doyne Lecture and Award, the Gass Lecture and Award, and has been listed on the Ophthalmology Power List (top 100 ophthalmologists worldwide). In addition to her academic work, she enjoys sports and was inducted into the Academic All-American Hall of Fame for her years playing collegiate basketball.

Dr. Shields' Pub Med Bibliography

Alison Watson, MD
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Dr. Watson is Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery faculty at Wills Eye Hospital and an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Watson attended Lafayette College, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She went on to graduate first in her class from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and was awarded a scholarship for academic merit and commitment to community service and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. Dr. Watson went on to complete her Ophthalmology Residency at Wills Eye Hospital. During this time, she was elected to The National Gold Humanism Honor Society, and was awarded the Jefferson Volunteer Faculty Association Resident Award, recognizing one resident university-wide who displays outstanding clinical excellence along with empathy, and professionalism. Dr. Watson was selected to complete a combined American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) accredited oculofacial plastic and orbital surgery fellowship at TOC Eye and Face in Austin, Texas.

Dr. Watson provides specialty focused care in all areas of oculoplastic and orbital surgery including both functional and cosmetic eyelid surgery, eyelid and facial reconstruction, nasolacrimal surgery, orbital fracture repair and tumor removal, and management of Thyroid Eye Disease. Her combined fellowship experience with concentrated exposure to facial cosmetic surgery has made her uniquely equipped to perform periorbital and facial cosmetic surgical rejuvenation as well as reconstruction.

Dr. Watson's Pub Med Bibliography