It is hard to believe 2014 has gone by so fast – it has been an amazing year in many ways!
1) Private Practice
Surgical Trends: More patients than ever have taken advantage of the combined 1st stage Medpor Ear Reconstruction and Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA). This provides patients the ability to get nearly normal hearing directly through bone conduction at the same time as they get a new ear in one outpatient surgery. In addition, I have made several “tweaks” to my surgical technique, continually striving to improve the aesthetic outcome.
Low Complication Rates: Because I have devoted my practice to Microtia Ear Reconstruction using the Medpor technique for the past 10 years, I am happy to see that experience has steadily decreased my surgical complication rates, with this year being the lowest rate ever (refer to slide).
EarPals: We have been thrilled to connected over 90 Microtia families through our EarPals program, including new BFFs Neabella and Aliyah (pictured right):
2) Non-Profit Earicles – Miracles for Ears (helping children born without ears thrive through Education, Research, Advocacy and Surgery (EARS):
Four Microtia Atresia Educational Conferences: The 2nd Annual Los Angeles Microtia Atresia Conference (LAMAC) was held at the beautiful Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, California. This comprehensive conference brought together several informative speakers and connected Microtia Atresia families from all over the world. Seattle Seahawks Derrick Coleman attended an Autograph Session at the event and was the guest speaker at our Earicles fundraiser that evening. This event was featured on CBS show Game Changers. In addition, we hosted a “mini” Microtia Atresia Conference in Chicago (miniMAC) at the iconic Drake Hotel. We had families from all over the world at this conference as well! Finally, I traveled to Quito to host an Ecuador Microtia Conference (ECMAC) and to Bogota, to host the Colombia Microtia Conference. I was again greeted with warmth and gratitude of all those in attendance.
Surgery: Earicles was able to help several children this year with surgical care, including an 8 year old boy, Esteban, from Ecuador. He had previous failed surgeries and an exposed Medpor implant. He now has 2 big, beautiful ears! In 2014 we were able to help 6 children receive their Medpor ears!
Awareness: Our Ecuadoran Microtia Family created #StarchildForADay movement on social media, reaching out to musician Paul Stanley of KISS. He also has Microtia and brings awareness to his struggles through his new book.
3) Personally: Our family enjoyed two island retreats this year, traveling to Kauai in the spring and to the Bahamas in the summer. In addition, our 16 month old Great Dane gained 130 pounds this past year and now weighs 170. He is a gentle giant!
I feel very blessed for my wonderful family, incredible staff and amazing patients. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2015!