By Armine Kocharyan
I was a medical student over seven thousand miles away from Los Angeles, in Yerevan, Armenia, when I initially searched for “House Ear Clinic” in my browser. I was engaged in research and curious to learn more about this institution that repeatedly surfaced. I found myself inspired by the magnitude of work done at the House Institute to advance hearing science through research, education, and surgical excellence.
This past summer marked a pivotal moment for me as I walked through the doors of House Clinic as a clinical neurotology fellow. Crossing the threshold to commence my two-year program, I felt a profound sense of gratitude and awe. It quickly became apparent that the culture here is deeply rooted in a strong work ethic—one of excellence and commitment to continuous learning and research.
The House Institute has stood at the forefront of significant discoveries in our field, fundamentally shaping the practice of neurotology/skull base surgery on a global scale. It is an absolute honor to be part of the surgical team here, where the commitment to advancing global hearing health and educating young surgeons to carry the torch forward has been a hallmark for more than 75 years.
The tradition of teaching and welcoming new surgeons has been ingrained in the House Institute culture since its inception. As a fellow, I am actively involved in instructing our Temporal Bone Dissection Course, one of the hands-on training opportunities that attracts surgeons from around the world. Through scholarships, we provide instruction that is not accessible in their home countries. In these aspiring surgeons, I see a reflection of my own journey. It is through our commitment to sharing knowledge that we continue to advance the science of hearing and enhance quality of life globally.
