Interview with Clough Shelton, MD; Richard Gurgel, MD; and Moises A. Arriaga, MD
Why did you feel that it was important to write Otologic Surgery, 5th Edition? What does it add to the field?
Clough Shelton: The new publication is the fifth edition of Otologic Surgery. We felt that our field needed an authoritative text on this subject when we started the first edition. This book fills that need and covers the breadth of the surgical treatments used in Otology and Neurotology.
Moises Arriaga: Having a single location with up-to-date surgical techniques written by world-renowned experts is necessary for reference for experienced surgeons and as a teaching tool for medical students, residents, and fellows.
Richard Gurgel: The book, Otologic Surgery, now in its fifth edition, is the defining book in our field. The topics covered represent the full spectrum of our specialty. The assortment of invited authors represents some of the preeminent experts in the world. With the updated edition, cutting-edge information is presented in a format that is accessible to learners.
What is the most exciting aspect of Otologic Surgery, 5th Edition? What chapter or topic covered in the new edition are you most excited about?
Clough Shelton: We have extensively updated the contents of the book to reflect the latest techniques and treatment strategies. The chapter on Endoscopic Surgery is a good example.
Moises Arriaga: The inclusion of new surgical videos and extensive emphasis on endoscopic techniques add a whole new dimension to the text.
Richard Gurgel: Each chapter represents an up-to-date evaluation of the topic addressed. Advances in microsurgery, radiology, surgical approaches, the medical management of ear conditions, and future directions are covered in this text. For this publication, we focused on adding online video content that really augments the text. The videos are interesting and engaging and show a “real world” application of what is covered in the text. I am most excited about the parallel topics of skull base tumors and surgical approaches, which are covered extensively in this book.
Who will find the greatest value from this book and why?
Clough Shelton: The target audience is a surgical trainee or surgeon in practice who can use Otologic Surgery as a resource in preparation for a surgical case.
Moises Arriaga: The structure is perfect for residents, fellows and practicing neurotologists. For residents and fellows, the clear description of a successful surgical approach is great preparation for an upcoming OR case. For practicing neurotologists, the text serves as a wonderful refresher, especially on uncommon techniques and procedures.
Richard Gurgel: Clinicians who seek to learn more about caring for patients with conditions that affect the ear and skull base.
What problem do you hope the future generation of your specialty will be able to solve?
Clough Shelton: Cure for deafness.
Richard Gurgel: I hope that we will eventually understand the tumor biology of vestibular schwannomas well enough that they can be treated medically to maximize the functional benefit of patients. I also hope that, as a field, we will learn how to unlock the regenerative potential of the inner ear to be able to restore natural, acoustic hearing to those with sensorineural hearing loss.
Is there anything else about the book you would like to say?
Richard Gurgel: The cumulative wisdom, knowledge, and insights that are shared in this book are unparalleled. The serious student of otology will find treasures in the text and video content associated with this book that will have immediate clinical application to help patients.
About the Authors
Clough Shelton, MD: Formerly Professor and Chief of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Utah. I have been on the faculty at Utah for 27 years and was Chief for 17 years.
Moises Arriaga, MD: Director of Neurotology, LSU New Orleans
Richard Gurgel, MD: I am an associate professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, with emphasis on Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery. I am based in Salt Lake City, Utah. My residency was at the University of Iowa and fellowship at Stanford University. I practice the full spectrum of otology – neurotology with emphasis on cochlear implantation and skull base tumors. My main area of research emphasis is in evaluating the impact of hearing loss on cognition in older adults.
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