A group of medical professionals receiving Distinguished Service Awards, symbolizing their impact on healthcare innovation and community service.

Celebrating Excellence: Meet the 2018 Distinguished Service Award Winners

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Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Honoring dedication and innovation in otolaryngology and beyond: a look at the award recipients and their contributions."


Every year, the medical community comes together to celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and made significant contributions to their respective fields. Among these honors, the Distinguished Service Awards stand out as a recognition of extraordinary commitment and impact. In 2018, a group of talented and committed otolaryngologists were honored for their relentless pursuit of excellence. These experts have improved patient care, pioneered innovative research, and motivated their colleagues to reach new heights.

This article explores the accomplishments of the 2018 Distinguished Service Award winners, shedding light on their unique contributions and the lasting influence they have had on otolaryngology and related fields. By investigating their path-breaking work, we hope to motivate future generations of medical professionals to strive for excellence and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The award recipients showcased here represent a diverse array of skills and experiences, all united by a shared passion for improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge. From groundbreaking research to innovative clinical practices, their contributions reflect a commitment to quality and a desire to make a difference. Their stories serve as a strong reminder of the impact that individual dedication and vision can have on the broader medical community.

2018 Distinguished Service Award Winners: A Closer Look

A group of medical professionals receiving Distinguished Service Awards, symbolizing their impact on healthcare innovation and community service.

The 2018 Distinguished Service Awards honored a diverse group of medical professionals, each of whom have made remarkable contributions to otolaryngology. These awards recognize not just professional success, but also the profound impact these individuals have had on their communities and the medical field as a whole.

Here are some of the distinguished winners and their remarkable achievements:

  • Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD (Elgin, IL): Recognized for his commitment to providing high-quality care and advancing the understanding of otolaryngological disorders.
  • Nikolas H. Blevins, MD (Stanford, CA): Honored for his pioneering research and innovative approaches to treating complex ear, nose, and throat conditions.
  • Eric H. Holbrook, MD (Boston, MA): Celebrated for his contributions to medical education and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of otolaryngologists.
  • Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH (Cincinnati, OH): Acknowledged for her work in improving healthcare outcomes and her leadership in public health initiatives.
  • Brent A. Senior, MD (Chapel Hill, NC): Lauded for his expertise in complex surgical procedures and his commitment to enhancing patient recovery and well-being.
  • Maisie L. Shindo, MD (Portland, OR): Celebrated for her ground breaking research and contributions to the field of otolaryngology.
  • Carol R. Bradford, MD (Ann Arbor, MI): Recognized for her leadership and commitment to advancing the field.
  • Ron B. Mitchell, MD (Dallas, TX): Honored for his innovative surgical techniques and commitment to patient care.
  • Robert J. Stachler, MD (Bloomfield Hills, MI): Celebrated for ground breaking techniques.
  • David R. Friedland, MD, PhD (Milwaukee, WI): Acknowledged for his contributions to research.
  • Willard B. Moran, Jr, MD (Scottsdale, AZ): Recognized for his remarkable contributions to otolaryngology.
  • Sherard A. Tatum, III, MD (Syracuse, NY): Honored for his innovative surgical techniques.
  • Soha N. Ghossaini, MD (Astoria, NY): Recognized for her dedication to advancing the field.
  • Diego A. Preciado, MD, PhD (Washington, DC): Honored for his leadership and commitment to advancing the field.
  • Pell Ann Wardrop, MD (Lexington, KY): Acknowledged for his contributions to research.
  • Joel A. Goebel, MD (Saint Louis, MO): Recognized for his dedication to advancing the field.
  • Eben L. Rosenthal, MD (Palo Alto, CA): Celebrated for his contributions to medical education.
Each of these award winners has demonstrated a unique blend of skill, compassion, and dedication that has had a profound impact on their patients and the broader medical community. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of striving for excellence and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The Enduring Legacy of Excellence

The 2018 Distinguished Service Award winners have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also set a high standard for future generations of medical professionals. Their commitment to innovation, patient care, and community impact serves as a reminder of the transformative power of dedication and vision. As we celebrate their achievements, let us also be inspired to pursue our own paths of excellence and make a lasting difference in the world.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is the significance of the Distinguished Service Awards in the medical community?

The Distinguished Service Awards are significant because they recognize individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and have made significant contributions to their respective medical fields. Specifically, in 2018, otolaryngologists were honored for improving patient care, pioneering innovative research, and motivating colleagues, demonstrating the awards' importance in recognizing extraordinary commitment and impact within the medical community. Further, award recipients showcased skills united by a shared passion for improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge.

2

Can you highlight some of the specific achievements of the 2018 Distinguished Service Award winners in otolaryngology?

Several otolaryngologists were honored with the 2018 Distinguished Service Awards for their outstanding achievements. Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD, was recognized for his commitment to high-quality care. Nikolas H. Blevins, MD, was honored for his pioneering research. Eric H. Holbrook, MD, was celebrated for his contributions to medical education. Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH, was acknowledged for her work in improving healthcare outcomes. Brent A. Senior, MD, was lauded for his expertise in complex surgical procedures, and Maisie L. Shindo, MD, was celebrated for her ground breaking research. Carol R. Bradford, MD was recognized for her leadership.

3

How do the contributions of the Distinguished Service Award winners impact patient care?

The contributions of the Distinguished Service Award winners significantly impact patient care through various means. For example, Nikolas H. Blevins's pioneering research leads to innovative treatments for complex ear, nose, and throat conditions. Brent A. Senior's expertise in complex surgical procedures enhances patient recovery and well-being. Stacey L. Ishman's work in improving healthcare outcomes directly affects patient health at a population level. These advancements reflect a commitment to quality and a desire to make a difference in the lives of patients, improving their overall outcomes.

4

In what ways do the 2018 Distinguished Service Award winners contribute to the advancement of otolaryngology beyond direct patient care?

The 2018 Distinguished Service Award winners contribute to the advancement of otolaryngology beyond direct patient care in several ways. Eric H. Holbrook's contributions to medical education ensure the next generation of otolaryngologists are well-trained. Maisie L. Shindo's ground breaking research expands the knowledge base of the field. Leaders like Carol R. Bradford advance the field through leadership and committment. By pioneering innovative research, educating future professionals, and leading advancements in the field, these winners have a lasting influence that extends beyond their individual practices.

5

What qualities do the 2018 Distinguished Service Award winners share that contribute to their success and recognition?

The 2018 Distinguished Service Award winners share qualities such as skill, compassion, dedication, and vision. Their commitment to innovation drives them to develop new techniques and approaches. Their compassion enables them to provide high-quality patient care. Their dedication fuels their relentless pursuit of excellence. Their vision allows them to see the potential for improvement and make a meaningful difference in the medical community. These shared traits are essential for achieving success and earning recognition in their respective fields.

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