History of the Department of Otolaryngology/ Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York, NY

Establishment of Department:

The genesis of the Department of Otolaryngology can be traced back to 1870. The summer session of 1870, is the earliest mention in the P&S bulletin, courses were taught in Laryngology at the College of P&S. Dr. Woolsey Johnson lectured on diseases of the larynx and laryngoscopy. The first record of an Otology course offered at P&S is in 1882 under the direction of Dr. George B. Hickok. Prior to 1882, individual courses were taught on diseases o f the eye and ear by Dr. Cornelius R. Agnew.

The Department of Otolaryngology has been an independent department since, 1914. The Department of Otolaryngology was originally established as two departments; Laryngology and Otology in 1908. Dr. William K. Simpson was the first Professor (Chairman) of Laryngology (1908-1914).  Dr. Gorham Bacon was Professor and Chairman of Otology from 1908 until 1916.

On March 16, 1916 the Trustees approved a merger between the departments of Laryngology and Otology and the Department officially became the Department of Laryngology and Otology.

In 1917, the department's name was changed to Oto-Laryngology. The hyphenated spelling would last seventeen years. In 1934, Dean Willard Rappleye decided to change the name to the Department of Otolaryngology.

Former Chairmen and Acting Chairmen:

1. Cornelius G. Coakley, MD
   1916 -1934
2. John D. Kernan, MD
   1935 -1947
3. Edmund P. Fowler, MD
   1947 - 1964
4. Daniel C. Baker, MD
   1964 - 1974
5. Robert M. Hui, MD
   1974 - 1977 Acting Chairman
6. Maxwell Abramson, MD
   1977 - 1991
7. Andrew Blitzer, MD
   1991 - 1994 Acting Chairman
8. Lanny Garth Close, MD
   1994 - present

GOALS AND MISSIONS:

To be recognized as one of the leading departments of Otolaryngology/ Head &, Neck Surgery in the nation on the basis of excellence in patient care, resident training education, basic and clinical research and to develop creative and innovative diagnostic treatment modalities for disorders of the head and neck

To provide compassionate and comprehensive care for all of our patients, respecting the needs and dignity of every patient and their families regardless of race, color or payor mix.