Editorial introductions

Abstract

Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery was launched in 1993. It is one of a successful series of review journals whose unique format is designed to provide a systematic and critical assessment of the literature as presented in the many primary journals. The fields of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery are divided into 11 sections that are reviewed once a year. Each section is assigned a Section Editor, a leading authority in the area, who identifies the most important topics at that time. Here we are pleased to introduce the Journal's Section Editors for this issue. SECTION EDITORS Ravi N. SamyRavi N. SamyRavi N. Samy, MD, FACS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA. Dr Samy's practice includes pediatric and adult otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery. He also serves as the Director of the Neurotology Fellowship and the Adult Cochlear Implantation Program. He earned his MD from Duke University School of Medicine and then completed a residency at Stanford University Medical Center followed by a fellowship in otology, neurotology and skull base surgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He is an active member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) and the American Neurotology Society (ANS). He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgery. He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology with a Certificate of Added Qualitifications in Neurotology. Dr Samy's special interests are pediatric and adult otology, neurotology, skull base tumors (such as acoustic neuromas) and a prototype surgical robotic system. His robotic studies have recently focused on simulation applications for otologic training. His publications have appeared in such journals as Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Archives of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Otology and Neurotology and Laryngoscope. Rodney C. DiazRodney C. DiazRodney C. Diaz, MD is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California at Davis, USA. He attended the University of California at Berkeley, where he obtained his baccalaureate in Astrophysics. He received his MD degree from the University of California at Davis. He remained at UC Davis for his postdoctoral medical training, completing his general surgery internship and residency in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. He then completed a clinical fellowship in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery at the Michigan Ear Institute. Dr Diaz currently serves as the Residency Program Director for the Otolaryngology Department at UC Davis Medical Center. He is an active member of several otolaryngology organizations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, and the American Neurotology Society. Dr Diaz's clinical practice is focused on otology, neurotology, and tumors of the lateral skull base. His research interests include the electrophysiologic and molecular biologic mechanisms of inner ear potassium cycling and lateral wall transport processes in the regulation of the endocochlear potential, as well as in novel methods for the regeneration of inner ear sensory epithelium. Dr Diaz serves as a board member of the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board of California.