About Us
Vanderbilt University Medical Center was founded in 1874 and has a long and storied history. The Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center was founded in 1951 by Dr. Wesley Wilkerson and has a long history of treating hearing and balance disorders. It is internationally known for its graduate programs in Hearing and Speech sciences, being currently ranked number one in U.S. News and World Report rankings. The Otology Group was founded by Dr. Michael E. Glasscock in 1974. In January 2004, the Otology Group merged with the Department of Otolaryngology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to become The Otology Group at Vanderbilt. This merger combined the legacy of the Otology Group with excellence in research, education and patient care at one of the country's leading academic medical centers. The Otology Group of Vanderbilt is now headed by David S. Haynes, M.D., FACS who is joined by other internationally known faculty - Robert F. Labadie, M.D., Ph.D., FACS, Marc L. Bennett, M.D., and Michael E. Glasscock, III, M.D., FACS.
The Otology Group at Vanderbilt treats diseases related to the ear, hearing and balance. It is particularly known for its work with neurotologic tumors, having treated over 3,000 patients with acoustic neuromas and other skull base tumors. The chronic ear surgery experience by members of the Otology Group of Vanderbilt exceeds 15,000 in number. The medical and surgical management of Meniere's disease by members the otology group is widely referenced. The Otology Group at Vanderbilt is internationally known for its experience in cochlear implant surgery and will host the 2015 International Cochlear Implant in Children Symposium in Nashville. The Otology Group was one of the initial 12 worldwide sites to investigate auditory brainstem implants in patients with deafness, due to neurofibromatosis type 2 (bilateral acoustic tumors).
The Otology Group at Vanderbilt has been the source of over 600 medical papers, book chapters and scientific contributions. Michael E. Glasscock, III, M.D., FACS was the founder of the American Journal of Otology, now known as Otology & Neurotology. This journal is arguably the most sited periodical in the world for ear-related disorders. The Otology Group is active in both lay and professional education giving presentations regionally, nationally and internationally.
The Otology Group at Vanderbilt is a recognized resource for excellence in the field of otology and neurotology. This section will serve to introduce you to our group and answer questions you may have regarding your visit and our policies.
David S. Haynes, M.D., FACS
Robert F. Labadie, M.D., Ph.D., FACS
Marc L. Bennett, M.D.
George B. Wanna, M.D.
Michael E. Glasscock, III, M.D., FACS