ORO

Organization for Research in Otolaryngology

About Us

A Network for Medical Professionals

Our vision is to build a collaborative community of students, residents, and faculty who can exchange ideas freely and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of otolaryngology and clinical care. ORO serves as a platform where medical professionals at every stage of training, regardless of institution or background, have equitable access to research collaboration, mentorship, and professional development.

Join ORO to connect, collaborate, and advance your career in medicine.

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Upcoming Events

Sun, Mar 22
Early Sleep Outcomes After Nissen Fundoplication
ORO Journal Club: Regular Scheduled Series
RSVP
Mar 22, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
ORO Journal Club: Regular Scheduled Series
This session reviews early polysomnographic outcomes in a subset of patients from a 120-patient Nissen fundoplication cohort. Preliminary data from the first 12 cases show reductions in AHI and improved oxygenation, suggesting a link between reflux control and sleep-disordered breathing.
Sun, Mar 29
Zileuton as an Oral Alternative for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps
ORO Journal Club Regularly Scheduled Series
RSVP
Mar 29, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
ORO Journal Club Regularly Scheduled Series
An evidence-based discussion of Zileuton’s role as a potential oral therapy for CRSwNP in select patient populations.
Sun, Apr 05
Case-Based Review: Kaposi Sarcoma of the External Ear-Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic Approach
ORO Journal Club Regularly Scheduled Series
RSVP
Apr 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
ORO Journal Club Regularly Scheduled Series
A rare ENT case illustrating lesion behavior, imaging features, and histologic hallmarks in external ear Kaposi sarcoma.

A National Platform for Collaborative Surgical Research, Mentorship, and Scholarly Impact

Guided by internationally recognized surgeons and senior academic mentors with decades of experience. ORO connects you directly to faculty-led projects and real academic development.

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Project Showcase

Featured research completed by ORO members which have been peer reviewed and publicly presented.

Isolated Kaposi Sarcoma of the External Ear: A Rare Presentation in an Immunocompromised Host

Introduction : Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm associated with HHV-8 infection, often arising in immunocompromised patients, especially those with HIV (Dittmer 2016). Isolated involvement of the external ear is rare and can clinically resemble infection, cysts, or keloids. Case Presentation : A 31-year-old man presented with a month-long history of a rapidly enlarging, painful right auricular mass associated with periorbital swelling. Initial evaluation in a prio

David Joseph Dillard

Dec 9, 2025

Crushed Neck Injury With Laryngotracheal Transection and C2 Hangman’s Fracture

Authors: Joshua Rapp* 1 , David Dillard 1 , Ziad Obideen 1 , Kenneth Walton 1 , Colten Witte 1 , Romeo Massoud MD 2 , James K. Fortson MD, MBA, MPH, FACS 2 Summary : Cricotracheal transection combined with upper cervical spine fracture is exceedingly rare and often fatal. However, with efficient airway management, interdisciplinary collaboration and surgical techniques, effective outcomes can be achieved through damage control, ultimately improving quality-of-life. This un

David Joseph Dillard

Dec 9, 2025

Outcomes of force-directed balloon-assisted endoscopic Septoplasty: A retrospective analysis with a new technique and device

Authors : David Joseph Dillard 2 , Carlos Koudouovoh 2 , Vincent Lee 1 , Claire Barnes 3 , Roger Su 2 James K. Fortson 2 Key message A new balloon-assisted, endoscopic septoplasty technique straightens a deviated nasal septum with statistically significant improvements in long-term nasal alignment and patient symptoms. By reducing flap dissection, this minimally invasive approach represents an alternative to traditional septum surgery that warrants further investigation. K

David Joseph Dillard

Dec 9, 2025

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Our
Mission

To democratize access to otolaryngological and other related surgical research by creating a platform where students, residents, and faculty can easily connect, find ongoing projects, share ideas, and collaborate on scholarly work.

ORO envisions a future in which faculty are efficiently connected with capable, driven trainees who contribute meaningfully to projects through reliable execution, driven by a passion for otolaryngology and related surgical disciplines.

View Full Mission

The ORO Leadership

Meet the leaders shaping ORO’s community for the next generation of Medical Professionals.

David "Joe" Dillard

Founder

Dr. James K. Fortson

Founding Advisor

Colten Witte

President

Dr. Magalie Nelson-Charles

Founding Advisor

Joshua Rapp

Director of Outreach & Partnerships

Dr. David Edwards

Founding Advisor

Meet the ORO Team

Organization for Research in Otolaryngology & Related Surgical Specialties

ORO

Organization for Research in Otolaryngology

A Network for Medical Professionals

Upcoming Events

A National Platform for Collaborative Surgical Research, Mentorship, and Scholarly Impact

Project Showcase

Isolated Kaposi Sarcoma of the External Ear: A Rare Presentation in an Immunocompromised Host

Crushed Neck Injury With Laryngotracheal Transection and C2 Hangman’s Fracture

Outcomes of force-directed balloon-assisted endoscopic Septoplasty: A retrospective analysis with a new technique and device

Want to submit your work to be featured?

Our
Mission

To democratize access to otolaryngological and other related surgical research by creating a platform where students, residents, and faculty can easily connect, find ongoing projects, share ideas, and collaborate on scholarly work.

ORO envisions a future in which faculty are efficiently connected with capable, driven trainees who contribute meaningfully to projects through reliable execution, driven by a passion for otolaryngology and related surgical disciplines.

The ORO Leadership

Get in Touch

info@oromed.org

Contact

Organization for Research in Otolaryngology & Related Surgical Specialties

ORO Organization for Research in Otolaryngology

A Network for Medical Professionals

Upcoming Events

A National Platform for Collaborative Surgical Research, Mentorship, and Scholarly Impact

Project Showcase

Isolated Kaposi Sarcoma of the External Ear: A Rare Presentation in an Immunocompromised Host

Crushed Neck Injury With Laryngotracheal Transection and C2 Hangman’s Fracture

Outcomes of force-directed balloon-assisted endoscopic Septoplasty: A retrospective analysis with a new technique and device

Want to submit your work to be featured?

Our Mission

To democratize access to otolaryngological and other related surgical research by creating a platform where students, residents, and faculty can easily connect, find ongoing projects, share ideas, and collaborate on scholarly work.

ORO envisions a future in which faculty are efficiently connected with capable, driven trainees who contribute meaningfully to projects through reliable execution, driven by a passion for otolaryngology and related surgical disciplines.

The ORO Leadership

Get in Touch

info@oromed.org

Contact

ORO

Organization for Research in Otolaryngology

Our
Mission