New Leadership Announced in the Department of Otolaryngology

Dear Jacobs School community,

I’m pleased to announce that Steven D. Schwaitzberg, MD, has accepted the role of interim chair of the Department of Otolaryngology, effective Feb. 1. Dr. Schwaitzberg succeeds David A. Sherris, MD, who served as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology since 2005.

Dr. Schwaitzberg, a renowned surgeon and SUNY Distinguished Service Professor, currently serves as chair of the Department of Surgery at the Jacobs School. He brings extensive leadership experience to this role, having recently served as interim chair of the Department of Neurology. His expertise in endocrine and minimally invasive surgical techniques, cornerstones of modern otolaryngology, will undoubtedly bring valuable insights to the department. Otolaryngology, often referred to as ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), heavily relies on these techniques.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Sherris for his many years of dedicated service and his significant contributions to the department. A highly respected clinician, educator and researcher, Dr. Sherris will continue to serve as a valued member of our faculty, remaining actively engaged in his clinical practice and research pursuits.

During his tenure, Dr. Sherris has made significant contributions to the field of otolaryngology, particularly in facial plastic surgery and rhinology. His research on Botulinum toxin for wound healing has led to commercialization through Mayo Medical Ventures, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into clinical practice.

Robert F. McCormack, MD, associate dean for ambulatory strategy and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, will lead the search committee for a permanent chair of the Department of Otolaryngology.

Best wishes,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Vice President for Health Sciences and
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
University at Buffalo
President and CEO, UBMD Physicians’ Group