# Harvard OHNS Residents and Fellows Celebrate 2025 Graduation July 08, 2025 ![Residents Class of 2025 ](/sites/g/files/omnuum8391/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-07/Residents%20Graduating%202025.JPG?itok=-REgLVqQ) Faculty and staff from the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) at Harvard Medical School (HMS) celebrated the 2025 graduating class of residents from the Harvard Combined Residency Program in OHNS and fellows on Friday, June 20. The ceremony took place in the Meltzer Auditorium at Mass Eye and Ear, where current and former trainees, along with immediate family members, gathered to honor the graduates. Five chief residents graduated from the program, which is led by HMS Otolaryngology Residency Director [Stacey T. Gray, MD,](https://doctors.masseyeandear.org/details/119) Associate Residency Directors [Kevin S. Emerick, MD,](https://doctors.masseyeandear.org/details/57/kevin-emerick) [Alice Z. Maxfield, MD,](https://physiciandirectory.brighamandwomens.org/details/13144/alice-maxfield-otolaryngology_ears_nose_and_throat-boston-foxborough) and [David Jung, MD, PhD, FACS,](https://doctors.masseyeandear.org/details/47/david-jung-neurotology-otolaryngology-boston) and Chair of OHNS [Mark A. Varvares, MD, FACS.](https://doctors.masseyeandear.org/details/49) In addition to the chief residents, seven clinical fellows graduated from the Mass Eye and Ear program. Boston Children’s Hospital celebrated the graduation of four clinical fellows at a separate event. [Derrick T. Lin, MD, FACS,](https://doctors.masseyeandear.org/details/26) Associate Chair of OHNS at Mass Eye and Ear, opened the ceremony, followed by a meaningful presentation from Dr. Gray, emphasizing the deep impact that mentorship and a sense of connection can have on both personal and professional fulfillment in medicine. Drawing from personal experience, Dr. Gray shared that while residencies and fellowships can be demanding and unpredictable, one thing trainees can actively build is strong, intentional relationships. “If you have a best friend at work, you’re more committed, more engaged and you encourage each other,” said Dr. Gray. “These people often become the closest part of your life. As you grow older, those you once saw as mentors often become your friends, too. It’s a truly special aspect of our field.” Following Dr. Gray’s presentation, Konstantina Stankovic, MD, PhD, a 2006 graduate of the Harvard Combined Residency Program in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and now Bertarelli Foundation Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, was introduced to deliver the annual Joseph B. Nadol, Jr., MD, Graduation Lectureship. She was welcomed by Dr. Emerick, a colleague and friend she trained with during residency and worked alongside for nearly 20 years at Mass Eye and Ear. Their live Q&A offered a glimpse into her journey, reflecting on mentorship and shared experiences—fitting for the day’s theme—before she took the podium. Honored to deliver the lecture, Dr. Stankovic reflected on how training in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery prepares physicians for both clinical excellence and life’s broader journey. Using a painting that hung for many years in Dr. Nadol’s office as a metaphor, she explored five elements: the ship (self), the crew (community), the storm (world), the waves (surgeon’s calling), and the compass (purpose). Through these symbols, she encouraged graduates to embrace their strengths, honor their support systems, find resilience, seek fulfilling work and pursue a meaningful path ahead. “Remember the words of Mark Twain, who said, ‘Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover,’” said Dr. Stankovic in conclusion. “Graduating residents and fellows, congratulations, and may your sailing continue to be adventurous and lead to breakthrough discoveries.” Prior to graduation, residents gathered in the Meltzer Auditorium at Mass Eye and Ear on Thursday, June 12, to present the annual Chief Resident Research Talks. The chief resident with the most outstanding presentation is awarded the Jeffrey P. Harris, MD, PhD, Research Award. At a reception and award ceremony hosted at the Boston Museum of Science, Christopher I. McHugh, MD, PhD, was named the recipient of this year's award for his talk on “Elucidating the anatomy and motion of the human cochlear partition.” The following is a complete list of award recipients from the 2025 graduation reception: Mark A. Varvares Chief Resident Teaching Award: **Megan B. Mitchell, MD, MS-HPEd** Fellow Teaching Award: **Abel P. David, MD** Resident Life Award: **Donald Fabiano, RN** William Montgomery Award: **Caroline A. Banks, MD** Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)