An Otolaryngologist with New Ideas

W

hile patient satisfaction and research excellence are high achievements for a physician-scientist, professional recognition by one’s peers is another sign of outstanding accomplishment. Michael Hoffer, M.D., professor of otolaryngology and neurological surgery at the Miller School, has completed that trifecta, combining a distinguished career of clinical care and scholarly research with his appointment in May as president of The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, known as The Triological Society.

Founded in 1895, “The Triological Society stands out as the premier academic society in otolaryngology,” Dr. Hoffer said. “It represents all parts of our specialty, not just ear surgery, which is my particular focus.”

Dr. Hoffer said he will support important initiatives and add to the society’s platform.

“The Triological Society has tremendous efforts going on in diversity, equity and inclusion, and in examining how otolaryngology is taught and practiced across the country. We’re fueling those programs and planning to emphasize initiatives to increase private practice participation and investing more fully in diversity, equity and inclusion programs underway,” he said.

Dr. Hoffer is a role model for trainees and faculty interested in engaging in translational team science at the Miller School, said Suhrud Rajguru, Ph.D., professor of biomedical engineering and otolaryngology at the University of Miami. “His selection as the president of The Triological Society is a recognition of his decades-long clinical and translational research contributions,” he said.

Along with shining a well-deserved light on Dr. Hoffer’s bona fides, the honor also helps to attract the best and brightest applicants to the Miller School’s residency and fellowship positions. Indeed, the school’s residency program is ranked among the top 20 in the U.S. in terms of NIH funding.

The Miller School has a rich history of participation in The Triological Society, to which membership is achieved by presenting a thesis, based on clinical practice and contributions to the field of otolaryngology, which is considered acceptable to a panel of peers. “If your medical school has had many members in The Triological Society, it means you have a very accomplished faculty,” said Dr. Hoffer, who is the Miller School’s first president of the esteemed organization. “By that metric, we have one of the most accomplished faculties in the country. In fact, half of our otolaryngology faculty are members.”