Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE: RICHARD T. MIYAMOTO, MD, MS PRESIDENT FROM 2006-2007

R ichard T. Miyamoto, MD, MS, experienced “outstanding professors” at the University of Michigan Medical School as a young medical student. Each made their field so exciting and interesting that he had difficulty choosing the one he would pursue. In his senior year, Dr. Miyamoto travelled around the country interviewing for the rotating internships required at the time—telling each program director that he had narrowed his field of choice down to either psychiatry or one of the surgical subspecialties, two very disparate areas. That choice soon clarified when he had the opportunity to observe micro ear surgery with Frank Ritter, MD, and do a rotation with Roger L. Boles, MD, who would later serve as AAO-HNS/F President from 1984-1985. Thus began a fascination with otolaryngology that led to Dr. Miyamoto’s keen interest in otology and neurotology and the development of clinical skills and extensive research involving cochlear implants that established him as a pioneer. That path forward— from residency in otolaryngology through a storied career—wove through the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. Joining the first class of residents under chair Raleigh E. Lingeman, MD, Dr. Miyamoto decided on a career in academic otolaryngology. While still a resident, he was invited by Dr. Lingeman to return and help him build the department. There was, Dr. Miyamoto recalled, an understanding that besides being fully trained in otolaryngology, he also would first develop a “long suit” and bring that expertise back to the department. Dr. Miyamoto did just that once he completed two years of service in the United States Air Force. He applied for neurotology fellowships. The House Ear

Institute in Los Angeles, California, offered him an otology/neurotology fellowship where he trained with William F. House, MD, and Howard P. House, MD. “Those were the gentlemen who really set the early stage for my career,” said Dr. Miyamoto, who earned a Master of Science in otology from the University of Southern Californian while in Los Angeles. Working with the House family, Dr. Miyamoto was encouraged to engage in the specialty in a new way. “Howard House was on the program for the otosclerosis study group, and he needed some help to just collect some data. So, he asked me to help him review his fenestration cases for otosclerosis,” Dr. Miyamoto said.

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