The Department of Otolaryngology's commitment of resources to clinical and basic science research promises to keep the University of Kansas at the forefront of advancement for the specialty.  The department critically reviews the care and information we provide to our patients and the ways we educate future healthcare providers. We have a particular interest in healthcare delivery and patient education and hold a firm belief that the best of treatments fall short if we are not properly communicating and helping our patients understand that we are partners in their care. 

Our research endeavors continue to grow from year to year, from investigating the role of fibroblasts in head and neck cancer to leading the world's first gene therapy trial for hearing loss.  We are a department of clinician scientists and researchers, running clinical trials and outcomes research in the study of head and neck cancer, hearing and balance disorders, and sinusitis. Our desire to innovate goes beyond clinical Otolaryngology, as our faculty are active in the areas of global health, education, and change management. 

Within our field, we are leading a national consortium focused on addressing health inequity in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery.  Our efforts include developing a shared data dictionary to support research aimed at better understanding how the social determinants of health impact health outcomes for our patients.

At KU, we have engaged partners across the University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Kansas Health System, and the University of Kansas system to launch a new Digital Health Co/Lab.  Our former chair Alex Chiu, MD served as the founding Scientific Executive Director for the Center.  Our faculty Frank Materia, PhD, MHS serves as Associate Scientific Director and Andrés Bur, MD and Jennifer Villwock, MD serve on the Innovation Advisory Board.