.jpg "David J. Dillard photo")
Medical Student
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
David Joseph Dillard, OMS-II is a medical student at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Auburn Campus and an aspiring otolaryngologist with a focus on surgical innovation and upper airway disorders. His research interests include rhinology, laryngology, dysphagia, and sleep surgery, with projects exploring balloon-assisted septoplasty, non-biologic therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and tongue-base ablation for obstructive sleep apnea. He has presented at national and international meetings. Recent podium presentations include: “Revisiting Zileuton: A Non-Biologic Alternative in the Treatment of Nasal Sinus Polyposis” and “Balloon-Assisted Septoplasty: A Novel Device and Technique Case Review.”
Mr. Dillard has also studied pharyngeal swallowing mechanics in stroke and ALS, presenting "Unraveling the Swallow: How Stroke Impacts Pharyngeal Swallowing Mechanics" at the American Association for Anatomy. He conducts research with ENT Associates of South Atlanta and currently serves as Residency Outreach Committee Liaison for the Medical Students of South Alabama. He previously served as Treasurer of the VCOM Surgery Club and is committed to advancing evidence-based, patient-centered care through both clinical research and academic collaboration.