On June 5, 2025, the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UCSF marked a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of the Lewis Francis Morrison, MD Lectureship. This annual event, established to honor the legacy of Dr. Lewis F. Morrison, has become a cornerstone for advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the field.
Honoring a Legacy: The Morrison Lectureship
The Morrison Lectureship was founded through the generosity of Richard (Dick) J. Elkus, Jr. and his wife Helen, as a tribute to Helen’s father, Dr. Lewis F. Morrison. Dr. Morrison served as Chairman of the Division of Otolaryngology at UCSF from 1944 to 1956, leaving a profound impact on the department’s growth and reputation. The Elkus family's endowment has ensured that this lectureship continues to attract preeminent voices in otolaryngology and supports the ongoing education of residents and faculty alike.
The 2025 Morrison Endowed Lecturer: Dr. Mark D. Courey
This year’s distinguished Morrison Endowed Lecturer was Dr. Mark D. Courey, a nationally and internationally recognized leader in laryngology. Dr. Courey currently serves as Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Vice-Chairman of Quality, and Director of the Eugen Grabscheid Voice and Swallowing Center at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York. He is also the Division Chief of Laryngology at Mount Sinai.
Deep Roots at UCSF
Dr. Courey’s selection for the 20th anniversary lecture was especially meaningful given his longstanding professional ties to UCSF. Before joining Mount Sinai, Dr. Courey was a Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UCSF, where he held several key leadership roles: Director of the Division of Laryngology, Medical Director of the Voice and Swallowing Center, and Medical Director of Speech Language Pathology. He also served as physician to the San Francisco Opera, further cementing his reputation as an expert in voice care. His research at UCSF included pioneering work on the rehabilitation of the paralyzed larynx, surgical management of laryngeal cancer, and the study of neural activity in spasmodic dysphonia.
The 2025 Lecture: Advancing the Field of Laryngeal Microsurgery
Dr. Courey’s lecture, titled “Refining laryngeal microsurgery: an example of how understanding physiology improves patient outcomes and can define a field,” exemplified the spirit of the Morrison Lectureship. In his talk, Dr. Courey explored how advances in the understanding of laryngeal physiology have led to significant improvements in surgical techniques and patient care. He highlighted the critical importance of integrating physiological knowledge into surgical practice, demonstrating how this approach not only enhances outcomes but also shapes the evolution of the specialty.
The lecture was held at UCSF’s Rock Hall Building – Pottruck Auditorium and was also accessible via live webinar, reflecting the department’s commitment to broadening access to high-quality continuing medical education.
The Enduring Impact of the Morrison Endowment
The Lewis Francis Morrison, MD Endowed Lectureship stands as a testament to the enduring power of philanthropy in academic medicine. The generosity of Richard and Helen Elkus has not only honored Dr. Morrison’s legacy but has also enabled UCSF to attract world-class speakers, support innovative resident education, and advance research in otolaryngology. The endowment continues to fuel progress across clinical care, education, and discovery, ensuring that UCSF remains at the forefront of the specialty.
Looking Ahead
As the department celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Morrison Lectureship, the impact of this tradition is clear. By bringing together leaders like Dr. Mark D. Courey—whose career bridges UCSF’s storied past and the field’s dynamic future—the lectureship inspires excellence and collaboration across generations. The event not only honors the achievements of the past but also sets the stage for continued innovation and leadership in otolaryngology for years to come.
