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Panel Presentations

Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology

Vocal Feminization Surgery: A Perioperative Tour

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Location: 120
Disclosure(s):
David E. Rosow, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Chloe Santa Maria, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Voice and gender are inextricably linked. Transgender/gender-nonconforming (TGNC) patients seeking vocal gender affirmation treatments are rising. As voice and communication surgeons, otolaryngologists have the unique skill set, the incredibly gratifying opportunity, and the fulfilling ethical commitment to care for the critical needs of this marginalized population. In this panel, we demystify the perioperative process, as we tour the preoperative evaluation with indications and contraindications, detail perioperative technique and intraoperative decision-making, and discuss navigating the postoperative period to ideal outcomes.

Join Dr. Katherine Yung (she/her), Director of SF Voice and Swallowing, Dr. David Rosow (he/him), Professor and Director of University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine’s Division of Laryngology, and Dr. Chloe Santa Maria (she/her), Assistant Professor and Director of Complex Airway Program at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Voice, Airway, and Swallow Center, as we comprehensively explore vocal feminization surgery. Moderated by Dr. Brian Nuyen (any pronouns), Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of the Gender Affirmation Voice Center at Stanford Medicine’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: To construct ideal frameworks in approaching the clinical encounter with TGNC patients, discussing critical history components and essential physical exam/videostroboscopy findings that influence vocal feminization treatment decision-making.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: To appraise operative techniques that optimize ideal voice feminization outcomes while avoiding pitfalls associated with operative complications.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: To discuss the facilitation of the postoperative process, highlighting the difference between outcomes within normal limits and results that may require revision, and what revision techniques to apply.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Training knowledgeable gender-affirming voice specialists is crucial and timely. In May 2024, the AAOHNS Voice Committee itself published a clear imperative for otolaryngologists to be trained to meet this urgent and growing patient need.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • BN

    Brian A. Nuyen, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor
    Stanford Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Palo Alto, CA, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Panelist(s)

  • DR

    David E. Rosow, MD

    Professor
    University of Miami
    Miami, FL, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Chloe Santa Maria, MD

    Assistant Professor
    University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
    Pittsburgh, PA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • KY

    Katherine Yung, MD

    Director
    San Francisco Voice and Swallowing, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.