Renowned for his research and surgical skill in otology, Dr. Robert Schindler was Chairman of our department from 1989-1999. In the 1970s, Dr. Schindler and his research colleagues made groundbreaking strides in the development of the cochlear implant. They were responsible for the creation of the first multichannel cochlear implant and performed some of the first studies evaluating the feasibility of cochlear implants in patients with hearing loss.

Since he stepped down from the Chairmanship, Dr. Schindler has remained on the faculty performing surgeries and training residents at San Francisco General Hospital.

Faculty, alumni, residents, fellows and staff gathered at the Westin St. Francis Hotel on Saturday, October 9, 2004, for a research symposium beginnning at 2 p.m., followed by a reception and dinner that evening. We were honored to have as our keynote speaker Al Mann, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Bionics Corporation.