---
title: "Advancing otolaryngologic and head and neck surgical care through expertise and connection | Sutter Health"
description: "More than 100 clinicians gathered for Sutter’s inaugural otolaryngology and head and neck surgery symposium to share advances and build connections."
url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/advancing-otolaryngologic-and-head-and-neck-surgical-care"
---

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# Advancing otolaryngologic and head and neck surgical care through expertise and connection

More than 100 clinicians gathered for Sutter’s inaugural otolaryngology and head and neck surgery symposium to share advances and build connections.

November 11, 2026 by Jenn Lonzer

![Portrait of Patrick Carpenter, MD, in room full of people at Sutter Otolaryngologic and Head and Neck Surgical Care Symposium](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/patrick-carpenter.jpg?h=1333&iar=0&w=2000 "Patrick Carpenter, MD")

The most meaningful advances in medicine don't happen in isolation. They grow through collaboration, shared expertise, and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches to patient care.

That spirit brought more than 100 attendees to San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel September 18–19 for the inaugural Sutter California Pacific Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Advances in the Specialty Symposium.

The two-day conference highlighted updates from across the [Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-neck-oncologic-surgery) specialty, from complex reconstructive surgery and cochlear implantation to gender-affirming voice care.  Just as importantly, it created opportunities for clinicians to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen relationships that support excellent patient care.

For William Ryan, MD, Director of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Sutter West Bay Medical Group (SWBMG), those connections were an important part of the experience.  Attendees made "time for building relationships, sharing stories, and learning from one another beyond the lectures," he said.

## Clinical advances with practical applications

Six SWBMG OHNS surgeons were among the presenters, sharing their expertise and offering insights that clinicians could bring back to their own practices.

![Patrick Carpenter headshot](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/patrick-carpenter.jpg)

[Patrick Carpenter, MD](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-patrick-s-carpenter-2005142902), explored free flap reconstruction of the oral cavity, a complex surgical approach that uses tissue transferred from another part of the body to restore form and function following surgery. Beyond the technical considerations, his presentation reinforced a principle relevant across medicine: Identify the best option for each patient, remain flexible and be prepared to change course when circumstances call for a different approach.

![Nicholas Dewer Headshot](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/nicholas-dewer.jpg)

[Nicholas Dewyer, MD](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-nicholas-a-dewyer-2005142888), reviewed indications for cochlear implantation and encouraged colleagues to maintain a low threshold for referring patients to a cochlear implant center. His presentation underscored the importance of recognizing when patients with significant hearing loss might benefit from evaluation for treatment options beyond conventional hearing aids.

![Zoe Fullerton headshot](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/zoe-fullerton.jpg)

[Zoe Fullerton, MD, MBE](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-zoe-h-fullerton-2094115823), brought attention to another essential dimension of clinical care: communication. Her presentation examined the value of shared decision-making and offered approaches to difficult conversations, emphasizing the importance of helping patients understand their options and participate meaningfully in decisions about their care.   

![Portrait of Gaelen Stanford-Moore, MD, in conversation at Sutter’s Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgical Care Symposium](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/gaelen-stanford-moore.jpg)

[Gaelen Stanford-Moore, MD, MPhil](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-gaelen-b-stanfordmoore-1089981724), shared her approach to facial reconstruction, using before-and-after images to illustrate the balance between aesthetic and functional outcomes. Her presentation demonstrated how reconstructive techniques can address both appearance and the functions that matter to patients' everyday lives.

![Katherine Yung headshot](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/katherine-yung.jpg)

[Katherine Yung, MD](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-katherine-c-yung-1046245106), explored multidisciplinary gender-affirming voice care, including pitch modification surgery. Through surgical video and before-and-after voice recordings, she demonstrated how specialized interventions can help patients achieve voice characteristics that better align with their goals.

![Portrait of William Ryan, MD, speaks from the podium at Sutter’s Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgical Care Symposium](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/will-ryan.jpg)

[William Ryan, MD](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-william-r-ryan-2005142942), offered opportunities in which certain head and neck cancers could undergo de-intensified therapies to better impact patient quality of life.  He also presented a video tour of that range of procedures that make up the field of sialendoscopic salivary duct surgery. 

## Learning that extends beyond the lectures

While the presentations spanned different areas of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, several common themes emerged: the importance of individualized care, collaboration across specialties and thoughtful communication with patients.

The symposium also reflected the breadth of clinical expertise within Sutter and the value of bringing specialists together to share what they're learning in their own practices.

For attendees, the opportunity to connect with colleagues was more than a complement to the scientific program. These conversations create space to explore new approaches, discuss challenging cases and build relationships that can support future collaboration.

As the first gathering of its kind, the symposium established a foundation for continued learning and connection, with a shared purpose: translating clinical expertise and innovation into better care for patients.

The SWBMG OHNS team plans to put on the symposium again next year. 

## Topics

[Neck](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Neck%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)

## Head and neck oncologic surgery

When surgery is part of your cancer treatment, precision and expertise matter most. If you're facing head or neck cancer, our surgical specialists can provide advanced procedures to remove tumors and preserve your function.

[Learn more about Head and neck oncologic surgery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-neck-oncologic-surgery)

## Related articles

### [Sutter Health Expands Access to Care with Flagship Subspecialty-Focused Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Program](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases/sutter-health-expands-access-to-care-with-flagship-subspecialty-focused-otolaryngology-head-and)

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