Harvard OHNS Residents and Fellows Celebrate 2026 Graduation

Faculty and staff from the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) at Harvard Medical School (HMS) celebrated the 2026 graduating class of residents from the Harvard Combined Residency Program in OHNS and clinical fellows on Thursday, June 18. The ceremony, held in the Meltzer Auditorium at Mass Eye and Ear, brought together current and former trainees, faculty, and family members to honor the graduates.

Five chief residents graduated from the program, which is led by HMS Otolaryngology Residency Director Stacey T. Gray, MD, Associate Residency Directors Kevin S. Emerick, MD, Alice Z. Maxfield, MD, and David Jung, MD, PhD, FACS, and Interim Chair of OHNS Derrick T. Lin, MD, FACS. In addition to the chief residents, eight clinical fellows graduated from the Mass Eye and Ear program. Boston Children’s Hospital will celebrate the graduation of three clinical fellows at a separate event.

Dr. Lin opened the ceremony by reflecting on the bittersweet nature of this year’s graduation, the first since the passing of Mark A. Varvares, MD, FACS, in May. He recognized Dr. Varvares’ lasting influence on generations of trainees and noted the profound impact he had on the department as a mentor, educator, and leader. Turning to the graduates, Dr. Lin noted that the best way to honor Dr. Varvares was to do what he would have wanted most: celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class and the exciting opportunities ahead.

Following Dr. Lin’s opening, Dr. Emerick introduced longtime friend and fellow alumnus Michael G. Moore, MD, a 2007 graduate of the Harvard Combined Residency Program in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and now Arilla Spence DeVault Professor at Indiana University School of Medicine, to deliver the annual Joseph B. Nadol, Jr., MD, Graduation Lectureship.

In his presentation, “The Spirit from the Banks of the Charles,” Dr. Moore reflected on the experiences that first brought him to Mass Eye and Ear and shaped his career. He recalled arriving in Boston as a visiting medical student and quickly becoming inspired by the institution's culture of teamwork, mentorship, and excellence. What began as a short-term training opportunity evolved into five years of residency, lifelong friendships, and an approach to medicine that continues to guide him today.

Remembering the physicians who influenced him, Dr. Moore emphasized that caring for patients requires more than clinical expertise; it requires service, compassion, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Recalling advice from his mentor, William W. Montgomery, MD, that stayed with him throughout his career, Dr. Moore said, “They are calling you because they need your help.”

Dr. Moore later shared the story of a patient whose life was transformed by advances in cancer treatment—advances that were not available when he completed his residency—highlighting the need to continue pushing the boundaries of research and innovation to improve outcomes for future patients.

As he concluded, Dr. Moore encouraged graduates to carry those same guiding principles forward as they begin the next chapter of their careers. “The greatest professional honor I've ever had was to be able to join this family, and I'm now very proud to have you join us as well,” he said.

At the graduation reception and awards ceremony held at the Museum of Science, Boston, several faculty and staff members were recognized for their contributions to education, mentorship, and resident life.

2026 Graduation Reception Award Recipients

• William W. Montgomery Award for Excellence in Teaching: Michael S. Cohen, MD
• Clinical Fellow Teaching Award: Justine Philteos, MD
• Resident Life Award: Andrea Elia, CNP
• Mark A. Varvares Chief Resident Teaching Award: Katie Marcus, MD

Prior to graduation, residents gathered in the Meltzer Auditorium on June 17 to present the annual Chief Resident Research Talks. The resident delivering the most outstanding presentation receives the Jeffrey P. Harris, MD, PhD, Research Award. This year’s recipient was Obinna I. Nwosu, MD, for his presentation titled, “Developing an Infrastructure for Practice, Preparation, and Objective Assessment in Temporal Bone Surgery.”