<p>Michael E. Hoffer, MD is a Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami who came to Miami after a career in the US Navy where he retired as a US Navy Captain. Dr. Hoffer is a neurotologist and surgeon/scientist whose primary area of emphasis includes the study of inner ear and brain damage from traumatic insults. He has an active clinical practice with an emphasis on adult and pediatric cochlear implants as well as individuals with balance disorders. His basic science lab performs rapidly translatable studies that involve basic and clinical science. Dr. Hoffer’s current work involves studying the mechanisms of novel pharmaceuticals as countermeasures for mild traumatic brain injury and as protective agents to stabilize cognitive impairment. His lab also focuses on novel methods of assessing vestibular disorders particularly after traumatic insults. He is very active in many professional organizations and is the past President of the Triological Society, Editor-in-Chief of Otology &Neurotology Open, and a member of the ACGME Review Committee for Otolaryngology.</p>

<p>Michael Hoa, MD, is a surgeon-scientist and a Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Hoa completed his neurotology fellowship at the House Clinic in Los Angeles in 2012. Dr. Hoa is board certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, otology, and neurotology. Dr. Hoa serves as the director of the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Cochlear Implant Program which provides comprehensive cochlear implant services to both pediatric and adult populations. His main research interests as an NIH-sponsored surgeon-scientist include hearing restoration and preservation and the identification of novel and repurposable therapeutics in the setting of hearing instability disorders and cochlear implantation. In addition, he has clinical interests in both surgical management of vestibular and facial nerve schwannoma, endoscopic and microscopic management of cholesteatoma and chronic ear disease, otosclerosis, paraganglioma management, and lateral skull base encephalocele and CSF leak management.</p>

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<p>Dr. Esther X. Vivas, MD is a Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine and serves as the Chief of the Division of Otology-Neurotology and the Director of the Surgical Dissection Laboratory.</p> <p>Dr. Vivas specializes in cochlear implantation, neurotology, and skull base surgery, with her research focusing on cochlear implant outcomes and the otologic manifestations of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Her scholarly work is complemented by her role as an educator and mentor, shaping the next generation of otolaryngologists through her dedication to resident and fellowship training programs.</p> <p>In addition to her academic and clinical achievements, Dr. Vivas is committed to community outreach, promoting hearing health awareness through educational seminars, including programs delivered in Spanish to enhance accessibility. A sought-after speaker, she has been invited to present at national and international conferences on advanced topics in otology and neurotology, further solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in the field.</p>