AIVER Researchers

Robert T. Sataloff, MD, DMA, FACS

Robert T. Sataloff, MD, DMA, FACS is Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Specialties, Drexel University College of Medicine. He also holds Adjunct Professorships in the Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; and he is on the faculty of the Academy of Vocal Arts. He serves as Conductor of the Thomas Jefferson University Choir. Dr. Sataloff is also a professional singer and singing teacher. He holds an undergraduate degree from Haverford College in Music Theory and Composition; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University; received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance from Combs College of Music; and he completed Residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a Fellowship in Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Sataloff is Chair of the Boards of Directors of the Voice Foundation and of the American Institute for Voice and Ear Research. He also has served as Chair of the Board of Governors of Graduate Hospital; President of the American Laryngological Association, the International Association of Phonosurgery, the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Society of Geriatric Otolaryngology, Vice President of the Eastern Section of the Triological Society, and in numerous other leadership positions. Dr. Sataloff is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Voice; Editor Emeritus of Ear, Nose and Throat Journal; Associate Editor of the Journal of Singing; on the Editorial Board of Medical Problems of Performing Artists and is an editorial reviewer for numerous otolaryngology journals. He is a member of the Editorial Panel of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Dr. Sataloff has written over 1,000 publications including 77 books, and he has been awarded more than $5 million in research funding. His h-index is 47 (as of March 2024). He has invented more than 75 laryngeal microsurgical instruments distributed currently by Integra Medical, ossicular replacement prostheses produced by Grace Medical, and a novel laryngeal prosthesis (patent pending). He holds a patents on unique thyroplasty implant. His medical practice is limited to care of the professional voice and to otology/neurotology/skull base surgery. Dr. Sataloff has developed numerous novel surgical procedures including total temporal bone resection for formerly untreatable skull base malignancy, laryngeal microflap and mini-microflap procedures, vocal fold lipoinjection, vocal fold lipoimplantation, and others. Dr. Sataloff is recognized as one of the founders of the field of voice, having written the first modern comprehensive article on care of singers, and the first chapter and book on care of the professional voice, as well as having influenced the evolution of the field through his own efforts and through the Voice Foundation for over 4 decades. Dr. Sataloff has been recognized by Best Doctors in America (Woodward White Athens) every year since 1992, Philadelphia Magazine since 1997, and Castle Connolly’s “America’s Top Doctors” since 2002.

Mary Hawkshaw, RN, BSN, CORLN

Mary J. Hawkshaw, RN, BSN, CORLN, FCPP, is Research Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Initiatives in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine. She has been associated with Dr. Robert Sataloff, Philadelphia Ear, Nose & Throat Associates and the American Institute for Voice & Ear Research (AIVER) since 1986. Ms. Hawkshaw graduated from Shadyside Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. In addition to her specialized clinical activities, she has been involved extensively in research and teaching. She mentors medical students, residents, and laryngology fellows, and has been involved in teaching research, writing and editing for over three decades. In collaboration with Dr. Sataloff, she has co-authored 188 articles, 111 book chapters, and 22 textbooks. She is on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Voice and Ear, Nose and Throat Journal. She has served as Secretary/Treasurer of AIVER since 1988 and was named Executive Director of AIVER in January 2000. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Voice Foundation since 1990. Ms. Hawkshaw has been an active member of the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head - Neck Nurses since 1998. She is recognized nationally and internationally for her extensive contributions to care of the professional voice.

Karen M. Lyons, MD

Dr. Lyons is Clinical Associate Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979 after having received her undergraduate degree in mathematics from the University of Connecticut. She completed her residency in otorhinolaryngology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1983. Dr. Lyons became assistant professor of otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. In 1985, she returned to Philadelphia and has practiced at Pennsylvania Hospital, Northeastern Hospital,Graduate Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. She has been associated with our office since 1996. Her publications include works on evaluation of flap perfusion and on vocal fold physiology.

Mausumi Syamal, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.S.

Mausumi Syamal, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified, fellowship trained laryngologist and the Director of the Philadelphia Voice & Airway Institute.

She graduated with distinction from Duke University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan. Dr. Syamal's diverse background includes early leadership experience as a Global Project Engineer at General Motors, coupled with her artistic pursuits as a professional actress and singer in New York. She later earned her medical doctorate and completed her residency in Detroit, Michigan, followed by a fellowship in voice and airway surgical disorders at the esteemed Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Her unique, multidisciplinary, patient- centered approach blends her passions for the arts and sciences with a commitment to teaching

Dr. Syamal serves on the editorial boards of two peer- reviewed journals and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Triological Society, and the American Laryngological Association (ALA)—the highest honor awarded to laryngologists. She is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the International Association of Phonosurgery, and The Voice Foundation.