Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

UBC Vancouver, on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people, is surrounded by the ocean and mountains. A remarkable place for our surgeons to live and work.
The UBC Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery residency program combines academic excellence, hands-on training, and a vibrant team culture to support aspiring surgeons.
PJ Doyle Day is an annual event where our doctors present their work and research, fostering collaboration and shared learning within the division.

Overview

The Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery within the Department of Surgery at the University of British Columbia is committed to the continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation in clinical practice, education, mentorship and research. 

Otolaryngology, often referred to as Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT), is the medical and surgical specialty that provides care for persons suffering from illnesses of the head and neck. Otolaryngology was one of the first “specialties” that came into existence. It did so because of the special training and skills that were required to see recesses within the nose, throat and ears. In more recent times, otolaryngology has evolved into subdisciplines and each of the areas are well represented in the University of British Columbia’s Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

Strategic Plan

This strategic plan sets forth the five-year goals (2023–2027) for the University of British Columbia’s Division of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. The vision is to lead in equitable, sustainable, and inclusive patient care, guided by four key pillars: People & Places, Learning & Leading, Discovery & Development, and Clinical & Community Care. Each pillar outlines specific goals and actionable initiatives, including advancing diversity, enhancing education and research, and optimizing healthcare delivery. Clear metrics are established to measure progress toward achieving these objectives.

For more information, please refer to the full plan here:
UBC Otolaryngology Strategic Plan 2023-2027

Newsletters

The newsletters serve as a platform to introduce the new faculty members, fellows, and residents of the year. They highlight key events such as PJ Doyle Research and Alum Day, celebrate award recipients and promotions, and provide updates on notable achievements within the division. These newsletters offer an engaging way to stay informed about the latest developments and milestones in the division throughout the year.

You can access the newsletters via the following link:
UBC Otolaryngology Newsletters 2023
UBC Otolaryngology Newsletters 2024

Division Contacts

Division Head: Dr. Brian Westerberg
Research Assistant Technician: Reyhaneh Abgoon

Director, MD Undergraduate Education: Dr. Heitham Gheriani
Senior Administrative Assistant: Karen Savage

Program Director, Postgraduate Education: Dr. Harman Parhar
Postgraduate Program Assistant: Liana Polsinelli

Director, Continuing Medical Education: Dr. Kiersten Pianosi

Director, Quality Improvement and Coaching: Dr. Jane Lea

To search for a Division list of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery or individual Faculty / Staff please click here.

Vancouver General Hospital

St. Paul’s Hospital

B.C. Children’s Hospital

Pediatric Otolaryngology: Drs. Neil Chadha, Jeffrey Ludemann, Mark Felton, Kirsten Pianosi, Amjad Tobia

Mt. St. Joseph’s Hospital

General Otolaryngology: Dr. Arman Abdalkhani, Dianne Valenzuela, Grace Yi

Burnaby General Hospital

Surrey Memorial Hospital

Richmond General Hospital

Lions Gate Hospital

Peace Arch Hospital

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Dr. Harvey Strecker 

Eagle Ridge Hospital

Royal Columbia Hospital

General Otolaryngologist: Drs. Zameel Dewji, Panagiotis Tsaparas

Kelowna General Hospital

Victoria General Hospital

East Kootenay Regional Hospital

General Otolaryngology: Drs. Ryan Cain, Rob Mondin

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Royal Inland Hospital

General Otolaryngology: Drs. Nicholas Janusz, Dave Kramer, Kevin Zhao

Vernon Jubilee Hospital

Abbotsford Regional Hospital

General Otolaryngology: Drs. Vance Tsai, Trevor Hartl

BC Cancer Research

Dr. Cathie Garnis

Grand Rounds

Grand Rounds is an accredited group learning activity in medicine, fostering learning, collaboration, and the integration of new medical insights. Conducted in-person, virtually, or in hybrid formats, these sessions feature guest speakers, real-world case studies, and the latest research in otolaryngology. In otolaryngology, Grand Rounds highlight various subspecialties through panel discussions and presentations, offering a comprehensive view of advancements in the field.

To explore recordings and learn more about our Grand Rounds, visit: UBC Otolaryngology Grand Rounds

Residency Program

The UBC Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery residency program offers an exceptional educational experience built upon the Royal College’s Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) framework. As the first Royal College surgical specialty to implement CBME, Otolaryngology leads the way in training excellence. Our program equips residents with the skills and knowledge to seamlessly transition into community practice or pursue competitive fellowships, setting the foundation for thriving careers in both clinical and specialized domains.

To learn more about our residency program, please visit our website:
UBC Otolaryngology Residency Program

If you are a medical student interested in this subspecialty, feel free to explore our website:
Otolaryngology/ENT Medical Student Interest Group

Fellowship Program

The UBC Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Fellowship Program offers unparalleled advanced training across key subspecialties, including laryngology, otology and neurotology, pediatric otolaryngology, rhinology, and head and neck surgical oncology. Located in vibrant Vancouver, British Columbia, this prestigious program provides fellows with the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The program seamlessly integrates hands-on surgical expertise with robust academic and research initiatives. Fellows gain invaluable experience in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment, treating a diverse patient population while engaging in innovative practices. Committed to fostering professional growth and leadership, the UBC Fellowship Program equips its participants to excel as pioneers and experts in otolaryngology.

Please check this website for contacts and information: UBC Otolaryngology Fellowship Program

Research Publications

Our research publications highlight our team’s dedication to advancing otolaryngology. Covering a wide array of topics—from clinical innovations to basic science—our work is regularly published in top-tier medical journals. Each publication plays a crucial role in improving patient care, refining treatment approaches, and deepening scientific understanding of ear, nose, and throat disorders.

Explore our recent lists of publications:
UBC Otolaryngoloy Research Publications 2021
UBC Otolaryngoloy Research Publications 2022
UBC Otolaryngoloy Research Publications 2023

Division Head

Dr. Brian Westerberg

Senior Administrative Assistant

Karen Savage

With gratitude, we acknowledge that the University of British Columbia Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is located on traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples around the province.