Message from the Chair - February 2024

Dear Stanford Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Colleagues, Friends, and Alumni:
Once again, the process of the US News annual ranking of hospitals and departments is starting, and physicians will be polled on Doximity from mid-February through March. We take pride in, and sincerely appreciate the deep and long-lasting relationships we have with so many of you, and we ask you to participate in the survey by accessing or creating your account at www.doximity.com.
We are honored and humbled by last year’s vote. We know that the innerworkings and complexities of an academic otolaryngology department cannot be captured in a single number or ranking. Yet, our patients sometimes use these numbers as data points when deciding on their healthcare.
I believe that the redwood tree found in the Stanford logo can provide a helpful metaphor for our department and our field as a whole. While unlikely to instill fear in opposing teams in collegiate athletics as a mascot, the redwood imparts a valuable lesson.
Its roots represent our deepest values: creativity, innovation, collaboration, and kindness.
The trunk represents the strengths of our people-talented, optimistic, and collegial; and of our culture-an embodiment of respect, inclusivity, and independent thinking.
The branches are our three core mission areas: clinical care, research, and education. Just like our academic colleagues everywhere, we strive for excellence in all three branches so that they can bear fruit and leaves.
Even leaves are unique - the triple redwood frond symbolizes the synthesis involved in the generation, organization, and transmission of knowledge that takes place in our departments.
And like OHNS departments nationwide, redwoods also grow in groups, often referred to as fairy rings or family circles. The roots in a circle are intertwined for stability. Just like our departments, redwoods cannot survive alone, and wind cannot knock down an entire group at once.
I look forward to meeting you in person, hopefully at the upcoming COSM in Chicago.
Thank you!
Tina