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Education/Training
Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Fellowship: Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (with Dr. Michael Nuara) American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIUSOM), Springfield, IL Residency (Categorical): Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Solo Chief Resident State University of New York, Buffalo, NY Internship (Non-Designated Preliminary): General Surgery University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), Honolulu, HI Doctor of Medicine California Polytechnic State University (CPSU), San Luis Obispo, CA Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy Minor: Religious Studies Colorado Mountain College (CMC), Steamboat Springs, CO Associate of Science: Biology |
07/2021 - Present
06/2016 - 06/2021 06/2020 - 06/2021 06/2015 - 06/2016 07/2011 - 05/2015 09/2007 - 06/2010 01/2005 - 05/2007 |
Certifications/Licensure
Board Eligible: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Physician and Surgeon License, Washington State Department of Health Basic Life Support Advanced Cardiac Life Support |
Written exam 08/31/2021
05/2021 - Present Valid through 05/2023 Valid through 06/2023 |
Research/Publications
In progress: “How does dysphoria related to facial features and incongruence with gender identity correlate with communication difficulties in transgender and nonbinary patients?”
In progress: “Alcohol Use and Prognosis in p16-positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”
Flaherty AJ, Sharma A, Crosby DL, Nuara MJ. “Should Gender-Affirming Surgery Be Prioritized During the COVID-19 Pandemic?” Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Dec;163(6):1140-1143.
Hara JH, Zhang JA, Gandhi KR, Flaherty A, Barber W, Leung MA, Burgess LP . “Oral and intratympanic steroid therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.” Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2 018 Mar 25;3(2):73-77.
Leung MA, Flaherty A, Zhang JA, Hara J, Barber W, Burgess L. “Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Primary Care Update.” Hawaii J Med Public Health. 2016 Jun;75(6):172-4.
Castel N, Soon-Sutton T , Deptula P, Flaherty A, Parsa FD. “Polyurethane-coated breast implants revisited: a 30-year follow-up.” Arch Plast Surg. 2015 Mar;42(2):186-93.
In progress: “Alcohol Use and Prognosis in p16-positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”
Flaherty AJ, Sharma A, Crosby DL, Nuara MJ. “Should Gender-Affirming Surgery Be Prioritized During the COVID-19 Pandemic?” Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Dec;163(6):1140-1143.
Hara JH, Zhang JA, Gandhi KR, Flaherty A, Barber W, Leung MA, Burgess LP . “Oral and intratympanic steroid therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.” Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2 018 Mar 25;3(2):73-77.
Leung MA, Flaherty A, Zhang JA, Hara J, Barber W, Burgess L. “Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Primary Care Update.” Hawaii J Med Public Health. 2016 Jun;75(6):172-4.
Castel N, Soon-Sutton T , Deptula P, Flaherty A, Parsa FD. “Polyurethane-coated breast implants revisited: a 30-year follow-up.” Arch Plast Surg. 2015 Mar;42(2):186-93.
Oral Presentations
“Alcohol Use and Prognosis in p16-positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx”
SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Resident Research Day, Springfield, IL “Prognostic Factors in p16-positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Resident Research Day, Springfield, IL “Transcending the Gender Binary: The Science and Philosophy of Transgender Medicine” Invited Guest Speaker, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA “Gender-Affirming Care for the Otorhinolaryngologist and Medical Provider” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Grand Rounds, Springfield, IL “Prognostic Factors in p16-positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Resident Research Day, Springfield, IL “Acute & Chronic Sinusitis: Diagnosis & Treatment” (By invitation) Memorial Health System Express Care & Emergency Department Skills Day, Springfield, IL “Transgender Patients: Finding Their Voice” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Grand Rounds, Springfield, IL “Prognostic Factors in p16-positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Resident Research Day, Springfield, IL “Prognostic Factors in p16-positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Grand Rounds, Springfield, IL “Post-Tonsillectomy Pain Control and Quality of Life” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Resident Research Day, Springfield, IL “Transgender Facial Surgery: History and Techniques” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Grand Rounds, Springfield, IL “Endoscopic Repair of Laryngeal Cleft: A Single Center Review of Outcomes” SIUSOM Department of Surgery Resident Research and Quality Outcomes Day, Springfield, IL “The Friends of the Medical School: My Perspective” (By invitation) Friends of the Medical School Annual Dinner Reception and Fundraiser, JABSOM, Honolulu, HI “Communication and the Management of Post-Operative Pain” Pan-Pacific Surgical Association, Hawaii Plastic Surgery Symposium, Waikiki, HI “Commencement Address for the Graduating Class of 2007” (By invitation) Graduation Ceremony, Colorado Mountain College, Steamboat Springs, CO |
06/2021
06/2020 02/2020 10/2019 06/2019 05/2019 04/2019 06/2018 04/2018 06/2017 04/2017 04/2017 12/2014 01/2014 05/2007 |
Poster Presentations
“Skull Base COREAH: Case Report and Literature Review”
American Rhinologic Society, Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings, Virtual “Polyurethane-Coated Breast Implants Revisited: A 30-Year Follow-Up” JABSOM Biomedical Sciences and Health Disparities Symposium, Honolulu, HI (Principle Investigator: F. Don Parsa, M.D.) “Long-term Follow-Up of Polyurethane Implants” Pan-Pacific Surgical Association, Hawaii Plastic Surgery Symposium, Waikiki, HI (Principle Investigator: F. Don Parsa, M.D.) |
09/2020
04/2015 01/2012 |
Video PRESENTATIONS
“Transverse Orofacial Cleft Repair—Video Presentation”
AAFPRS Spring Meeting, Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings, Virtual |
04/2021
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QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
COVID Vaccines, SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Clinics
By request, presented up-to-date information and data regarding COVID vaccines (mechanisms, efficacy, side effects, indications, contraindications, etc.); goals were to increase local vaccination rates and public health/safety by ensuring all staff had adequate knowledge for personal decision-making regarding vaccination, and also for patient education and adequate counseling Off-Site ENT Equipment Cart, Memorial Medical Center Coordinated with Manager of Surgical Services to develop and maintain a cart containing necessary equipment to perform minor emergency and inpatient procedures; goal is to facilitate rapid and appropriate patient care, avoid unnecessary operating room use and/or equipment delays, minimize costs, and increase patient satisfaction PowerChart Order Set: Nasal Surgery Working with Memorial Medical Center Evidence-Based Officer to develop a new order set for postoperative nasal surgery patients; goal is to standardize care, minimize incorrect prescribing, ensure order clarity, and improve patient outcomes Operating Room Preference Card: Epistaxis Control/SPA Ligation Collaborated with Memorial Medical Center ENT Surgery Resource RN to develop a new case card for emergency epistaxis cases requiring operative intervention; goal was to standardize OR set up and facilitate rapid and appropriate patient care, thereby improving outcomes and minimizing costs Online Paging System, Memorial Medical Center and Saint John’s Hospital Worked with Residency Coordinator to correct and clarify the online paging system for Otolaryngology consults and on-call resident services; goal was to streamline contact methods, confirm the appropriate provider was contacted, and avoid delays in patient care Express Care & Emergency Department Education, Memorial Health System Educated Express Care and Emergency Department providers regarding the AAO-HNS Clinical Practice Guideline Update for Adult Sinusitis; goals were to standardize care, minimize incorrect prescribing, improve antibiotic stewardship, and optimize patient outcomes Clinic Rooming System, SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Clinics Developed and implemented new system of patient rooming and information transfer in clinic; goal was to improve workflow and efficacy, decrease patient wait times, and increase patient satisfaction Junior Call Schedule: SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Residency Collaborated with Program Director to develop and facilitate guidelines regarding the Junior Resident Call Schedule; goal was to ensure appropriate resident supervision and education, minimize resident burnout and fatigue, and maximize patient care and outcomes PowerChart Order Set: Free Flaps and Transoral Robotic Surgery Worked with Memorial Medical Center Evidence-Based Officer to develop and maintain two new order sets for postoperative free flap and transoral robotic surgery patients; goal was to standardize care, minimize incorrect prescribing, ensure order clarity, improve patient outcomes PowerChart Order Set: Pediatric Admissions after Adenotonsillectomy Worked with Memorial Medical Center Evidence-Based Officer to develop a new order set for pediatric admissions after adenotonsillectomy; goal was to standardize care, minimize incorrect prescribing, ensure order clarity, and improve patient outcomes Sign Out and M & M List, SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Developed new, HIPAA-compliant, systematic method of centralizing patient information to facilitate safe, personalized handoffs, and track complications to ensure they are discussed at monthly Morbidity & Mortality conference ENT Resident Handbook, SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Revised ENT Resident Handbook, converted to electronic document for ease of access and updating |
06/2021
2019 - 2021 01/2020 12/2019 07/2019 05/2019 05/2019 2018 - 2019 2018 - 2019 03/2017 2016 - 2019 2016 - 2017 |
TEACHING/MENTORSHIP
Tutor, Problem-Based Learning; JABSOM (First-Year Curriculum)
Teaching Aide, Head and Neck Anatomy; JABSOM (Second-Year Curriculum) Mentorship Pod Liaison, Medical Student Mentorship Program; JABSOM Teaching Aide, Suture Workshops; JABSOM (Third-Year Clerkship, Interest Group) Teaching Assistant & Tutor, Philosophy and Organic Chemistry; CPSU Cadet, Staff Mentor, & Senior Member, Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary; Kona, HI and Steamboat Springs, CO
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2015
2014 2012 - 2015 2012 - 2013 2009 - 2010 1999 - 2008 |
LEADERSHIP/VOLUNTEER
Resident Representative (elected), Section for Residents and Fellows
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Representative from Otolaryngology (elected), House Staff Board of Directors Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Volunteer, H.O.M.E (Homeless Outreach & Medical Education) Project JABSOM student-run free clinic; aim to improve quality and access to healthcare Volunteer (2011), Coordinator (2012), Liaison (2013) JABSOM and the Ironman World Championship Triathlon Medical Tent, Kona, HI Coordinated with medical tent director to organize/direct medical student volunteers (travel, lodging, work scheduling) Health & Wellness Chair, class of 2015 (elected), Inter-Class Counsel University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine Vice President, JABSOM Chapter, American Medical Student Association University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine Race Director, Chains of Love (Annual Fundraiser), CPSU Triathlon Team Led committee to strategize, coordinate, and direct an annual 5/10/15k run and make a profit Bicycle Coach, CPSU Triathlon Team Planned and managed team workouts; provided support, first aid, instruction Volunteer, Wildflower Triathlon Medical Tent; Lake San Antonio, CA Director, Breakfast Program, Prado Day Center; San Luis Obispo, CA Undertook weekly responsibility for opening a day center to the homeless Recruited and facilitated student volunteers for the provision of morning meals Resident Advisor, Housing Department; CPSU Received numerous awards for performance and programs President, Alpha Rho Chapter, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Colorado Mountain College |
2019 - 2021
2018 - 2020 2014 2011 - 2013 2011 - 2012 2011 - 2012 2009 - 2010 2009 - 2010 2009 - 2010 2008 - 2009 2008 - 2009 2006 - 2007 |
AWARDS/HONORS
Award, Excellence in Medical Student Teaching
Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, SIU School of Medicine Award, Best Resident Educator Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, SIU School of Medicine Winner, Clinical Research Presentation “Prognostic Factors in p16-positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Resident Research Day Winner, Clinical Research Presentation “Prognostic Factors in p16-positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Resident Research Day Award, Excellence in Medical Student Teaching Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Winner, Clinical Research Presentation “Post-Tonsillectomy Pain Control and Quality of Life” SIUSOM Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Resident Research Day Award, Excellence in Medical Student Teaching Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Scholarship, J. M. Long Foundation (merit- and service-based); JABSOM Recipient, E.E. Black Scholarship (academic merit-based); JABSOM Scholarship for Travel, Surgery Department; JABSOM American College of Surgeons Annual Congress Medical Student Program, Chicago, IL Scholarship, Dr. Shigeru Richard Horio Memorial (invite only); JABSOM Winner ($500), Philosophy Department Essay Contest; CPSU Dean’s List, California State Polytechnic University National Dean’s List, Colorado Mountain College All-State Academic Team, CO; American Association of Community Colleges |
06/2021
06/2020 06/2020 06/2019 2018 - 2019 06/2017 2017 - 2018 2011 - 2014 2011 - 2014 09/2012 2011 - 2012 05/2010 2008 - 2010 2005 - 2007 2007 |
AFFILIATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, California Polytechnic State University Alumni Association, Association of Women Surgeons, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
HOBBIES/INTERESTS
Rescue dogs, cycling, snowboarding, water sports, singing/songwriting, woodworking, culinary