Message from the chair

Dear Friends and Colleagues, 

As we begin a new year, I am honored to write to you for the first time as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. Joining this department is both a privilege and an exciting opportunity. UW’s history of innovation, collaboration, and collegiality has long impressed me, and I am thrilled to now be part of this legacy and to help shape what comes next. 

My first priority is simple: listening and learning. Over the coming months, I look forward to understanding our people, culture, and processes so we can work together to refresh our mission, vision, and values. In a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, alignment around shared goals will be essential for continued growth and excellence. 

Mentorship is at the heart of an academic department, and I believe it deserves both intention and recognition. I hope to build on a strong foundation by creating supported networks that make mentorship both expected and rewarded. Similarly, collaboration, one of UW’s greatest strengths, will remain central to our strategy. Otolaryngology is inherently multidisciplinary, and when collaboration is structured and resourced, it elevates clinical care, research, and education across the board. 

Outside of work, my family and I are excited to explore the Pacific Northwest. From skiing, fly-fishing, hiking and cycling, we look forward to embracing all that this beautiful region offers. 

Vision for 2026 

As we look ahead, my vision for 2026 centers on three pillars: 

• Shared purpose and values 
  By the end of this year, we will have refreshed our mission, vision, and values to reflect who we are and where we want to go. These will guide every decision and initiative moving forward. 
• Mentorship as a core strength 
  We will implement a structured mentorship program that is intentional, inclusive, and recognized as a key driver of academic success. Our goal is to make mentorship not just a tradition, but a measurable and celebrated part of our culture. 
• Collaborative excellence 
  We will strengthen program-based teams across clinical, research, and educational domains, ensuring clear leadership, resources, and shared strategies. This will position us to lead nationally in multidisciplinary care and innovation. 

Together, these priorities will help us build a department that is not only resilient in the face of change but thriving, where every member feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to our collective success. 

Thank you for the warm welcome I’ve already received. I am eager to meet more of you, hear your ideas, and work together to advance our shared mission. Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and purpose. 

Let’s go! 

Matthew Old, MD 
Allison T. Wanamaker Professor and Endowed Chair, Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery