<p>Dr. Daniel Chelius is an associate professor of pediatric otolaryngology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he practices pediatric head and neck surgery and leads a multidisciplinary pediatric head and neck tumor program at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Chelius has held many leadership and volunteers roles in the otolaryngology community. He recently completed a term as American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Annual Meeting Program Coordinator from 2020 - 2024, and he has been elected the 130th AAO-HNS President (2026 - 2027). Dr. Chelius’s research intersts include pediatric thyroid surgery, pediatric head and neck tumors, and social determinants of health impacting head and neck cancer care. He also serves as the Surgical Director of Perioperative Care at Texas Childrens.</p>

<p>Jeffrey P. Simons, MD, MMM is Professor and Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is a full-time pediatric otolaryngologist at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP). He received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at UPMC, followed by a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at CHP. He also completed a Master of Medical Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.</p> <p>Dr. Simons is the Immediate Past Coordinator for Education for the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Dr. Simons is also Chair for the Section on Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Past President of the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He is an editor for the Fifth Edition of the textbook, Bluestone and Stool’s Pediatric Otolaryngology. Dr. Simons is very interested in medical education and enjoys mentoring medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty. His research interests include pediatric airway disorders as well as pediatric thyroid disease. His clinical interests encompass all aspects of pediatric otolaryngology, with a focus on airway and thyroid disorders.</p>