Sean Parker Institute for the Voice at Weill Cornell
The Opportunity
The human voice is an essential but often overlooked aspect of human health and function, particularly in today’s information based society in which communication is key. Yet voice disorders are frequently ignored or minimized, even though they may represent significant impairments or handicaps. Voice disorders affect more than 20 million people in the United States, but finding appropriate evaluation and specialized, effective care too often remains a challenge due to underinvestment in both clinical and basic science research in the field.
The Program
The Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, part of Weill Cornell’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, exists to provide state of the art patient care at the same time that it advances the knowledge base in laryngology through systematic investigation. Led by noted laryngologist Dr. Lucian Sulica, the Institute seeks to establish clinical care on evidence-based principles to enhance, or where necessary, to replace received or anecdotal knowledge. The Parker Foundation grant allows for the acquisition and analysis of treatment data in a systematic fashion, which drives high quality care, as well as discovery and innovation. This allows the Institute to provide expert diagnosis and sophisticated treatment appropriate for a range of patients, including performers, public speakers or other intensive voice users, or people with more routine vocal demands. Foundation resources also power unique educational opportunities through the Institute for the Voice. The Parker Fellowship is the first and only two year fellowship in laryngology, and combines clinical training with formal education in research methodologies. The graduates of this program will bring rigor and insight to voice disorders research and will power future investigation and breakthroughs.
Leadership
- Director, Sean Parker Institute for the Voice
- Sean Parker Professor of Laryngology
- Weill Cornell Medicine