VCU School of Medicine professor receives American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery's Distinguished Service Award

By Makeda Saggau-Sackey
University News Services

A Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine professor has been given the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery’s Distinguished Service Award.

Aristides Sismanis, M.D., professor and chair of otolaryngology, received the award for his valued service and contributions to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Inc., the academy’s nonprofit, educational organization.

Sismanis concentrates his practice on otology and neurotology, with areas of surgical expertise in the skull base, the facial nerve, the middle ear and mastoid and cochlear implantation.

“I feel honored for having received the service award in recognition of my contributions to the academy and its foundation,” Sismanis said.

Sismanis is a member of the American Triologic Society, the American Neurotology Society and the American Otological Society and serves on the editorial board of the American Journal of Otology, Ear, Nose and Throat Journal, and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

Sismanis has twice been honored as one of the VCU School of Medicine’s outstanding teachers and in 2000 received a service award from the American Neurotology Society.

“I have been at this institution since I completed my training 25 years ago,” Sismanis said. “This is the place where I developed my clinical, research and academic career and it has been a wonderful learning experience for me.”

A nationally recognized specialist in otolaryngology, Sismanis has written or co-written 81 publications and numerous book chapters.

Sismanis received his medical training at the Medical School of the University of Athens in Greece. He completed his residency at Long Island College Hospital and completed fellowships in head and neck surgery at Boston University.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery represents more than 12,000 specialists who diagnose and treat disorders of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.

For 70 years the academy has presented the distinguished service award to medical professionals in recognition of exceptional service through presentation of instructional courses, scientific papers and participation in continuing education committees or faculty.