Dr. Oliver F. Adunka Named Chair of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
A globally recognized physician-scientist and leader in hearing science, Oliver F. Adunka, M.D., MBA, brings a track record of innovation, NIH-funded research and academic leadership.
After a comprehensive national search, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has appointed Oliver F. Adunka, M.D., MBA, as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery.
A globally recognized physician-scientist, Dr. Adunka has built a career defined by innovation in hearing science, translational research and academic leadership. His work has expanded treatment options for patients with hearing loss and helped advance technologies that are now widely used in clinical practice.
“The Miller School’s Department of Otolaryngology is already one of the premier academic departments in the country,” Dr. Adunka said. “It has outstanding faculty, excellent trainees, dedicated staff and a culture that people genuinely enjoy being part of. My goal is to build on that strong foundation, not change what already makes the department special.”
“Dr. Adunka is an internationally respected clinician-scientist whose accomplishments in hearing science, translational research and patient care have helped shape the field of otolaryngology,” said Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., UHealth chief executive officer and founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, the Magnier Endowed Chair in Urology and the Victor A. Politano Endowed Chair in Urology at the Miller School. “Throughout the search process, it was clear that he brings the vision, collaborative leadership and commitment to excellence needed to build on the department’s strong foundation and guide its continued growth. We are thrilled to welcome him to UHealth and the Miller School.”
A Career at the Forefront of Hearing Innovation
Throughout his career, Dr. Adunka has focused on bridging laboratory discovery with patient care. His early work in electric-acoustic stimulation helped shape a pivotal clinical pathway that led to FDA approval and expanded candidacy for cochlear implantation worldwide.
He has also played a critical role in translating novel surgical and diagnostic technologies from concept to real-world application, including systems designed to preserve hearing and improve surgical precision during cochlear implantation.
Dr. Adunka maintains an active, NIH-funded research portfolio and serves as principal investigator on multi-center clinical trials focused on hearing preservation and long-term outcomes.
His scholarly impact is substantial, with an extensive body of peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Ear and Hearing, reflecting the global reach of his work.
In addition to his research, Dr. Adunka has contributed to international clinical guidelines, consensus statements and multidisciplinary collaborations that continue to shape the future of hearing health care.
“Dr. Adunka’s career reflects the very best of academic medicine, combining groundbreaking research, clinical innovation and a deep commitment to education,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “His ability to translate scientific discovery into meaningful advances for patients makes him an exceptional fit for our institution. I am confident that, under his leadership, the Department of Otolaryngology will continue to advance its national reputation and expand its impact across all facets of its mission.”
Leadership Across Clinical, Research and Education Missions
Dr. Adunka comes to Miami from The Ohio State University, where he oversaw clinical operations across a large, multi-site department, supporting more than 55 faculty members and more than 200 staff while advancing strategic growth initiatives and multidisciplinary care programs.
He has led the development of comprehensive hearing programs serving both adult and pediatric populations and has been deeply committed to education, mentoring trainees who now hold academic positions across the United States and internationally.
“This is an exciting time in our specialty,” he said. “Advances in big data, robotics, medical devices, regenerative medicine and precision therapies are changing how we care for patients. Miami is exceptionally well positioned to be part of that future because it already has outstanding clinicians, talented scientists and an institution that embraces innovation.”
More from the Miller School of Medicine
University of Miami experts are advancing cochlear implant guidelines to improve access for Spanish-speaking patients with hearing loss.
Researchers at the Miller School are using an NIH-funded inner ear-on-a-chip model to study potential regeneration of hearing cells.
An educational specialist at the Miller School is bridging clinical care and classroom support for children with cochlear implants.
UHealth’s first otolaryngology patient navigator is helping families overcome barriers to care, doubling pediatric cochlear implants.
Tags: cochlear implants, Department of Otolaryngology, Dr. Oliver Adunka, head and neck surgery, hearing, hearing aids, hearing loss, otolaryngology