Christine T. Dinh, M.D. ’08, Residency ’13, Fellowship ’15, B.S. ’05, a distinguished physician-scientist and educator at the Miller School, was recently named the inaugural George Lerner University Chair in Otolaryngology. She is the first woman in her department to hold an endowed chair.
The chair, established through a planned gift from the late George G. Lerner, M.D., a beloved professor emeritus and expert in ear disorders, honors Dr. Dinh’s pioneering research in Schwann cell biology, vestibular schwannoma and auditory disorders. Her work continues to advance treatments for complex neurological and auditory conditions.
“This achievement reflects the community that has supported, challenged and believed in me,” said Dr. Dinh, who also serves as vice chair of academic affairs in the Department of Otolaryngology and directs several research and training programs, including the Neurofibromatosis Type 2 and Vestibular Schwannoma Research Laboratory and the NIH R25 Miami Otolaryngology Surgeon Scientist Training Program.
“Education is not just the transfer of knowledge,” Dr. Dinh added. “It is the creation of a legacy — wisdom and mentorship passed from teacher to trainee, generation after generation.”
A quadruple ’Cane, Dr. Dinh credits the University of Miami with shaping her personal and professional journey. Her family’s connection to the university began when her uncle arrived as a foreign exchange student from Vietnam; he later sponsored her parents and sister to come to the U.S. Inspired by her sister, Vy Thuy Dinh, M.D. ’05, Residency ’08, Fellowship ’13, B.S. ’02 — also a quadruple ’Cane — and supported by the Bowman Foster Ashe Scholarship, Dr. Dinh pursued her education and training at UM from undergraduate through fellowship.
“UM gave my family opportunity, community and hope,” Dr. Dinh said. “Joining the faculty was a natural way to give back to the institution that invested in me.”
Fred F. Telischi, M.D. ’85, Residency ’90, M.E.E., professor of otolaryngology, neurological surgery and biomedical engineering, and the James R. Chandler Chair in Otolaryngology at the Miller School, highlighted the continuing impact of Dr. Lerner’s philanthropic legacy. His gift ensures that educators like Dr. Dinh can mentor and inspire the next wave of physician-scientists.
“Dr. Lerner left his mark on this department, not only through his years of service as a volunteer faculty member and practicing otolaryngologist, but also through his enduring philanthropic vision,” said Dr. Telischi, who was a medical student when he met Dr. Lerner and later trained under him as a resident. “Even now, decades after his passing, the endowment will provide resources for future students and resident physicians to train and innovate in the practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.”
