The Department of Otolaryngology at UPMC has a longstanding tradition of excellence and worldwide recognition as a leading department in the treatment and management of head and neck cancer. The first Eye and Ear Hospital was located at 945 Penn Avenue in 1895 “ for the medical and surgical treatment of all diseases of the eyes and ears. ”Over a decade later, an affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine provided instruction to medical students in otolaryngology but it was not until 1952 the Hospital celebrated its accreditation of an otolaryngology residency training program. At that time, Dr. Thomas McCullough served as chairperson of the department, followed by Dr. Raymond Jordan who served for 20 years and later became the Executive Director of the American Council of Otolaryngology. Following his resignation, the School of Medicine appointed Dr. Eugene Myers as the first full-time academic Chairperson of the Department of Otolaryngology in 1972.

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Dr. Myers served for 33 years, during which time he introduced modern head and neck surgery, co-authored leading textbooks and chapters in ENT, and brought national attention to the department. His authored works innovated the management of cancers from the oral cavity to the glottis and surrounding spaces. One of his most revered textbooks, Operative Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery , still serves as a leading reference for surgical technique today.

His successor, Dr. Jonas Johnson, served as the chairperson until July 2022. Not only has he contributed countless texts and papers to the management of head and neck cancer, including Bailey's Head and Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology , Dr. Johnson devoted the latter part of his career to creating patient-centric, multidisciplinary approaches to managing the comprehensive needs of cancer survivors. Through his vision, the Survivorship Clinic opened its doors in 2016 and continues to serve the unique challenges that face our patients on a daily basis. “ I still believe in surgery. But I’ve embraced the notion that we must recognize the trouble we cause (treating cancer), and we have to help people with it.”

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While Dr. Myers and Dr. Johnson have countless accolades that brought a strong reputation to our department, the faculty have also served as leaders in otolaryngology research, clinical care, and national organizations. Many faculty and even residents have gone on to serve as chairperson at other departments throughout the country.

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As of August 2022, Dr. Jose Zevallos assumes the role of Chairperson in the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Zevallos plans to continue advancing the vision of the department through innovation and training to achieve the highest distinction in the nation.