Steeped in a rich history dating back to its founder, Howard House, the House Institute Foundation has long been a beacon of hope and innovation in the hearing health community. Inspired by a simple yet profound belief—that knowledge is meant to be shared—the House Institute Foundation orchestrates a program that transcends borders to transform lives – the Visiting Physicians Program.
The program welcomes otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, residents, and hearing health specialists from across the globe. These medical professionals immerse themselves in a unique experience, observing life-changing surgeries, interacting with House physicians, and attending lectures given by physicians, fellows, and invited experts.
In the words of one of the program’s participants, Estefania Chavez, a dedicated ENT resident from Mexico City, the House Institute is a place where “magic happens.” With awe in her voice, she recounts her journey, shadowing renowned physicians such as Dr. Brackmann, Dr. House, Dr. Slattery, Dr. Luxford, and Dr. Peng. For Dr. Chavez, witnessing intricate surgeries like stapedectomies, mastoidectomies, and cochlear implantation has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Mihret Adane Woldemichael, an ENT resident from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, echoes the sentiments of countless physicians whose education has been significantly advanced by the program. In a region where access to advanced medical techniques remains limited, the knowledge acquired at the House Institute means care for her entire community. In her hometown of Hosaina, she will be the only ENT surgeon, serving about 1.5 million people. As she prepares to set up a practice where she will see almost 100 patients per day, she will carry with her not just skills but the promise of a better life for those suffering from chronic ear complications.
For Durval Chagas, an ENT doctor from São Paulo, Brazil, the House Institute embodies excellence. Having attended the Institute’s Temporal Bone Dissection Course earlier this year, he felt an irresistible pull to return and delve deeper into the world of ontology and skull base surgery. He marvels not only at the groundbreaking research and education programs but also at the compassion and dedication of the physicians. In his eyes, the House Institute isn’t just a place of healing; it’s a vision of what healthcare can be—a harmonious blend of expertise, empathy, and innovation.
This program, made possible by the generous donations of supporters like you, illuminates a path towards a future where everyone has access to hearing care by educating and sharing knowledge that is then spread across the globe. The House Institute Foundation’s commitment to advancing the field of otology is not just an investment in medical science; it’s an investment in humanity.
In the spirit of Howard House’s timeless wisdom, “It does not help to develop new procedures unless we share,” the House Institute Foundation’s Visiting Physicians Program stands as a testament to the effectiveness of shared knowledge. As these physicians return to their respective corners of the world, they carry with them not just technical expertise, but a profound sense of purpose and a steadfast commitment to a world where all can hear, one patient at a time.
