Dr. Christine Dinh Honored as the Inaugural George Lerner University Chair in Otolaryngology
Dr. Dinh’s innovative work has contributed significantly to our our understanding of vestibular schwannoma and auditory disorders.
Christine Dinh, M.D. ’08, a renowned physician-scientist and educator, has been named the George Lerner University Chair in Otolaryngology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She is the first woman in her department to to be named an endowed chair.
The endowed chair recognizes Dr. Dinh’s groundbreaking research in Schwann cell biology, vestibular schwannoma and auditory disorders — work that continues to advance treatments for complex neurological and auditory conditions.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this chair,” said Dr. Dinh, professor of otolaryngology and neurological surgery at the Miller School. “This achievement is not mine alone. It reflects the community that has supported, challenged and believed in me.”
Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, praised Dr. Dinh’s contributions to science and medicine during the ceremony attended by faculty, staff, donors and many of Dr. Dinh’s family and friends.
“An endowed chair is among the most important academic honors our faculty members receive,” said Dean Ford. “It is a tradition that is testament to their dedication and pursuit of excellence.
A Trailblazer in Science and Education
A quadruple ’Cane, Dr. Dinh earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Miami and her medical degree at the Miller School, then completed her residency and a neurotology fellowship at UHealth — University of Miami Health System/Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Today, she holds several leadership roles at the Miller School, including director of the Vestibular Schwannoma Research Laboratory, co-director of the Auditory Brainstem Implant Program and vice chair of academic affairs in the Department of Otolaryngology. She also leads the University of Miami site for a major clinical trial investigating innovative therapies for NF2-related schwannomatosis tumors.
Dr. Guillermo “Willy” Prado, Dr. Fred Telischi and Dr. Roy Casiano
A passionate mentor, Dr. Dinh has guided students, residents and fellows throughout her career. She co-directs the NIH R25 Miami Otolaryngology Surgeon Scientist Training Program and the Dinh-Bracho Surgeon Scientist Boot Camp, training the next generation of academic physician-scientists.
She received the Goodwin Faculty Teaching Award from graduating residents and chairs the Education Committee of the American Neurotology Society, a three-year commitment to overseeing critical learning activities of this senior subspecialty organization.
Guillermo “Willy” Prado, Ph.D., interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Miami, recognized Dr. Dinh’s extraordinary leadership.
“It takes a special type of person and scholar to be a chair with other administrative roles, in addition to pursuing clinical work and research,” said Dr. Prado. “I know that you will continue to advance the field of otolaryngology and train and mentor the next generation. You are an incredible source of pride for all of us.”
He also highlighted the enduring power of endowments.
“Endowments offer sustained support in perpetuity and also provide a way for students to learn from the very best in their fields,” said Dr. Prado. “For generations to come, this gift will supply the resources researchers need to nurture their work and apply it to new knowledge that drives innovation in health care.”
Honoring a Legacy of Excellence
The chair was established through a planned gift from the late George G. Lerner, M.D., a beloved professor emeritus and expert in ear disorders who taught and mentored at the Miller School for three decades as a voluntary faculty member. His gift supported his family during their lifetimes and now fuels the institution that meant so much to him.
Dr. Lerner balanced private practice, hospital service and volunteer teaching with distinction. Known for his integrity, skill and commitment to students, he remained devoted to medical education even in retirement, creating the endowed chair to sustain future excellence.
Dr. Dinh expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Lerner and his family for their generosity.
“Education is not just the transfer of knowledge,” said Dr. Dinh. “It’s the creation of a legacy — wisdom and mentorship passed from teacher to trainee, generation after generation. This donation recognizes the important role that educators like Dr. Lerner play in shaping the next generation of doctors, surgeons and clinicians — individuals who will not only advance our fields but also care for our family and friends and our communities.”
A Lasting Impact
Fred Telischi, M.D. ’85, professor of otolaryngology, neurological surgery and biomedical engineering at the Miller School, who met Dr. Lerner as a medical student and later trained under him as a resident at Jackson Memorial Hospital, reflected on his influence.
“Dr. Lerner left his mark on this department, not only through his years of service as a volunteer faculty member and practicing otolaryngologist, but also through his enduring philanthropic vision,” said Dr. Telischi, the James R. Chandler Chair in Otolaryngology. “Even now, decades after his passing, the endowment will provide resources for future students and resident physicians to train and innovate in the practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.”
Longtime colleagues Roy Casiano, M.D., and W. Jarrard “Jerry” Goodwin, M.D., echoed the sentiment.
“Dr. Lerner loved teaching and inspired me to remain in academic medicine,” said Dr. Casiano, professor and chief of rhinology and director of the Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Fellowship Training Program at the Miller School. “It is fitting that someone like Dr. Dinh, who shares his passion for teaching, now holds this chair.”
“Dr. Lerner cared for our patients and he cared for us, setting the tone for our clinic,” said Dr. Goodwin, former chair of the Department of Otolaryngology and emeritus professor of otolaryngology, as well as the former director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the Miller School. “We are grateful to Dr. Lerner and other donors that place their trust in us and their hope for a better future through our work. They enable the Miller School to recruit and retain an even stronger senior faculty, and there is nothing more important to an institution of higher education.”
Get Involved
For more information on planned giving, email Kyle Paige.
Tags: Department of Neurological Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Dr. Christine Dinh, Dr. Fred Telischi, Dr. Roy Casiano, Dr. W. Jarrard Goodwin, neurological surgery, otolaryngology