In July 2025, the IU School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery proudly hosted its 110th Annual Course on the Anatomy and Histopathology of the Head, Neck and Temporal Bone — the oldest postgraduate course of any medical discipline in the United States. This a weeklong, interdisciplinary program offers an in-depth review of head and neck anatomy and histopathology for participants from across the country.
Led by IU School of Medicine faculty, the course featured lectures on a wide array of topics, including head and neck reconstruction, facial plastic surgery, endocrine and salivary gland disorders, sinus pathology, and conditions affecting the neck, larynx and temporal bone. The program was further enriched by the presence of distinguished visiting professors — including Matthew Bush, MD; Ryan Nesemeier, MD; Raj Sindwani, MD; and Bruce Tan, MD; among others — whose expertise and insights elevated the learning experience for all attendees. Dissections took place at the IU School of Medicine Surgical Skills Center, which provides a safe, immersive environment for observing, practicing and mastering surgical techniques.
This year’s participants — a mix of physicians, residents, fellows and medical students — took part in daily lectures and hands-on cadaver dissections. The course covers a broad spectrum of techniques, including microvascular free tissue transfer, rhinoplasty, laryngectomy, parotidectomy, thyroidectomy, neck dissection, tympanomastoidectomy, lateral skull base surgery and endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery.
Kennedy Sargo, MMed (ENT-HNS), a visiting physician from Kenya, attended the course this year. “I’ve had a relationship with the IU Otolaryngology faculty for about four years now,” said Sargo. “It all started in 2022 during my first experience at the Malindi Head and Neck Surgical Camp in Kenya. That was my first real exposure to the IU team, and I was immediately drawn in by their passion for teaching, mentorship and service. Over the years, the faculty have not only been mentors but also trusted colleagues and friends who continue to inspire my growth in both clinical skill and leadership.”
Sargo found the entire course to be an incredibly enriching experience, particularly the Rhinology/Anterior Skull Bases and Head and Neck Anatomy sessions. “The combination of theoretical anatomy sessions and practical cadaveric dissections had a lasting impact,” Sargo stated. “These skills are essential in my setting, and the hands-on experience gave me a lot more confidence in performing and teaching these procedures.”
“I plan to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained from this course directly in my clinical practice in Kenya, particularly in areas like endoscopic sinus surgery, head and neck procedures, and skull base approaches,” Sargo added. “These are high-impact areas where specialized training can make a real difference in patient outcomes.”
“This course thrives because of the exchange of knowledge with our visiting faculty and trainees, who bring new ideas and perspectives that benefit everyone,” said Jonathan Ting, MD, chair of the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. “The program continues to evolve each year, adapting to advances in technique and technology, and remains a cornerstone of surgical simulation for our training program.”
For more than a century, the Annual Anatomy and Histopathology Course has refined surgical expertise and reaffirmed an enduring commitment to exceptional patient care. As the department continues to build on its legacy of excellence, the course stands as a powerful testament to the lasting value of immersive, hands-on education and the tradition of advancing medical knowledge through practice.
