Women in Otolaryngology Day is a time to honor the remarkable contributions of women otolaryngologists who are shaping the future of medicine. At UCSF, several trailblazing physicians are making strides in research, clinical care, mentorship, and advocacy. Their work not only advances the field of otolaryngology but also inspires future generations of women in medicine.
Dr. Megan Durr: Leadership and Understanding OSA in Women
Dr. Megan Durr, an Associate Professor at UCSF and WIO chair-elect, has been a leader in addressing disparities in sleep apnea care. Her research focuses on the unique ways obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presents in women, a population often underdiagnosed due to nonspecific symptoms like mental fog, memory issues, and insomnia. Alongside Dr. Jolie Chang, Dr. Durr has explored how hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, influence OSA symptoms and progression.
In addition to her research, Dr. Durr advocates for multimodal treatment approaches tailored to women’s needs, including CPAP therapy, weight loss strategies, and surgical options. Her work has highlighted the importance of recognizing gender-specific presentations of OSA to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for women. Dr. Durr also collaborates with Dr. Chang on patient-centered research that emphasizes understanding individual treatment goals for OSA patients—such as improving sleep quality and reducing health risks—ensuring that care aligns with each patient’s priorities.
Dr. Kristina Rosbe: Advocacy for Pediatric Care and Physician Wellness
Dr. Kristina Rosbe has dedicated her career to advancing pediatric otolaryngology at UCSF while advocating for children’s health on a national scale. As Chief of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, Dr. Rosbe specializes in treating complex airway disorders, salivary gland diseases, and vascular malformations in children.
Her passion for pediatric care extends beyond the clinic. In 2024, Dr. Rosbe joined the Board of Directors at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), where she focuses on improving access to mental health care for children and addressing physician burnout through innovative strategies like artificial intelligence integration.
Dr. Rosbe’s involvement with the AAP spans two decades, during which she has served as Chair of the Section on Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Executive Committee, Chair of the Surgical Advisory Panel (SAP), and leader within the Pediatric Surgical Subspecialty Alliance. Her collaborative efforts with diverse pediatric specialists continue to promote wellness and health equity for children nationwide.
Advancing Gender Equity
Dr. Jennifer R. Grandis, a distinguished professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at UCSF, has been at the forefront of addressing gender equity in medicine. In 2023, she delivered the John Conley, MD Lecture on Medical Ethics titled "Building and Sustaining Careers: A Gender Equity Lens" at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO Experience.
Dr. Grandis' research has shed light on the gender pay gap in otolaryngology, revealing that women otolaryngologists earned 20% less than men for the same work. Dr. Grandis emphasizes the importance of mentorship in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine, stating, "Diverse trainees deserve diverse mentors, underscoring the importance of having a diverse faculty"
Recognizing Excellence: Muriel Steele Society Honor Roll
UCSF celebrates its accomplished women otolaryngologists through honors such as the Muriel Steele Society Honor Roll awards. In 2024, honorees included Drs. Grace Banik, Tania Benjamin, Alexandra Bourdillon, Jolie Chang, Joann Czechowicz, Megan Durr, Jennifer Grandis, Kristina Rosbe, Michelle Florentine, Jacqueline Harris, Patricia Loftus, Anna Meyer, Sifon Ndon, Karolina Plonowska-Hirschfeld, Caroline Schlocker, Ana Marija Sola, Taylor Standiford Erickson, Katherine Wei, and VyVy Young for their impactful contributions to surgery and subspecialties.
Inspiring Future Generations
The accomplishments of these UCSF leaders demonstrate their dedication to advancing medicine while addressing systemic challenges such as gender disparities and patient access to care.
As we celebrate Women in Otolaryngology Day, we honor their contributions not only to their field but also to broader societal goals such as equity, wellness, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Their work continues to inspire future generations of women pursuing careers in medicine while setting new standards for excellence in otolaryngology research, clinical care, and leadership.
