Jacobs School Names Troy Woodard Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Troy D. Woodard, MD, section head of rhinology, sinus and skull base surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, has been appointed chair of the Department of Otolaryngology in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and president and chief executive officer of UB Otolaryngology, effective Feb. 1, 2026.

He will practice at Erie County Medical Center, Western New York’s Level 1 adult trauma center.

“Dr. Woodard is an internationally respected surgeon, educator and physician-leader whose career reflects excellence, innovation and a deep commitment to advancing care and training the next generation,” said Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, UB's vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School. “He comes to UB with an impressive record. His leadership promises to accelerate growth and innovation across our clinical, research and educational missions.”

In his current role, Woodard directs operations at the Beachwood Ambulatory Surgery Center; he also holds the rank of professor at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University.

Most recently, he served as president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)—the world’s largest professional society in the field, representing over 14,000 members globally. As only the second African American and one of the youngest physicians ever to hold this prestigious position in the academy’s 129-year history, his election was groundbreaking.

Woodard has also held numerous national leadership positions, including chair of the AAO-HNS Board of Governors, exam council member of the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, chief diversity officer of the American Rhinologic Society, chair of the otolaryngology section of the National Medical Association, and president of the Harry Barnes Medical Society, an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and supporting underrepresented groups in the field of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery.

With expertise in complex sinus and skull base disorders—including chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, cerebrospinal fluid leaks and sinonasal tumors—Woodard focuses on minimally invasive, image-guided techniques that enhance safety and speed recovery. He has delivered hundreds of invited lectures worldwide and authored peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, driving innovation in sinus and skull base surgery.

Woodard is also a passionate advocate for mentorship, leadership development and equity in medicine. He has founded national mentorship initiatives for medical students and residents, directed the Cleveland Clinic’s Advanced Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Fellowship, and guided dozens of trainees who now serve as faculty at leading academic centers. His advocacy on Capitol Hill for physician wellness, Medicare reform and equitable access to care underscores his commitment to shaping health care policy.

Woodard’s many honors include the Hinton Gladney Award from the National Medical Association and recognition as one of Cleveland Magazine’s Top Doctors.

Woodard succeeds David A. Sherris, MD, who has served as chair of the department since 2005.