Herbert Silverstein, MD, FACS of Sarasota, FL, has established an endowment at the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in support ofclinical or basic science research projects focused on diseases of the peripheral or central auditory /vestibular system. His goal is is to help young full-time academic investigators get new research projects started.
The ANS/AAO-HNSF Herbert Silverstein Otology and Neurotology Research Award has been granted every other year since 2000. To date, seven grants have been awarded totaling $175,000. This awarded is funded by the American Neurotology Society ($5,000), the Silverstein endowment ($10,000) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation ($10,000)
Herbert Silverstein, MD, FACS is currently the president and founder of the Silverstein Institute and the Ear Research Foundation. Since 1979 Silverstein has been consistently recognized by Woodward and White as one the “Best Physicians in the USA.” He has been a leader in otology (science of the ear) for more than 25 years, developing surgical and diagnostic procedures; inventing instruments (such as the facial nerve monitor/stimulator); teaching medical students, residents, and fellows; and helping people from all walks of life.
Born in Philadelphia, he received his MD and MSc. degrees from Temple University Medical School. Before moving to Sarasota in 1973, he served on the teaching staff of Harvard University Medical School, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, as director of the Walker Biochemistry Research Laboratory. He also was an associate professor and director of the Otological Research Laboratory at University of Pennsylvania Medical School.
He is internationally regarded as a leading authority on Meniere’s Disease, having received the Prosper Menieres Societys prestigious Gold Medal Honor Award in 1996 for his contributions to understanding the biochemistry of Meniere’s Disease and his surgical developments to treat the disease. He developed the Retrolabyrinthine/retrosigmoid vestibular neurectomy which relieves vertigo and preserves hearing. Dr. Silverstein was one of the first physicians in the U.S. to use a laser in ear surgery to restore hearing in patients with otosclerosis. He has developed a new procedure for otosclerosisthe Laser STAMP (Laser Stapedotomy Minus Prosthesis)that does not require a prosthesis to restore the patients hearing, as well as many minimally invasive surgical techniques, including the Silverstein MicroWick for treating Meniérè’s Disease and sudden deafness using Gentamicin or Dexamethasone ear drops.
Dr. Silverstein serves as a Clinical Professor of Surgery on the teaching faculty of the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and at the University of South Florida. He is Board-certified in Otolaryngology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is an active member of many medical societies, including the prestigious American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society, and the Triologic Society. He is on the active staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and, Cape Surgery Center,
In 1979, Dr. Silverstein founded the Ear Research Foundation and currently serves as its president, as well as medical director. An active researcher, Dr. Silverstein speaks at many annual international medical meetings and is the author of over 240 scientific papers, six textbooks, and numerous chapters in medical text. Among his many honors and accolades are the second Howard P. House Award for Excellence in Ear Surgery, and the 10th Prosper Menieres Society Gold Medal Honor Award. He has been elected by Woodward and White to the Best Doctors in the U.S.A. repeatedly since 1979. In 2002 he was honored by the American Academy of Otolaryngology and given the Presidential Citation. He also received the American Otological Society Award of Merit in 2006. Herbert Silverstein is not only a dedicated physician, he is also an accomplished jazz musician, and has produced nine musical CDs containing 37 of his original tunes and written a book entitled Jazz Harmony and Improvisation. The proceeds of his musical endeavors go to the Ear Research Foundation.
