Our History
The Montefiore Einstein Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery has been at the forefront of visionary discovery and research for over 50 years. Created on July 1, 1970 at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, we’re now an international referral site for the most complex cases and are ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for complex specialty care according to U.S. News & World Report. Today, Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is a global leader, providing state-of-the-art, patient-centered care for the full range of ear, nose and throat and head and neck conditions in children and adults.
In 1981, the first two Albert Einstein College of Medicine Departments, Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology, became unified across both institutions. Prior to 1981 and for some years after, clinical otolaryngic services were carried out in the Departments of Surgery, Dentistry and Rehabilitation Medicine. The Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Division of General Surgery cared for noncancerous, otological problems of the external and middle ear, sinus and rhinological cases and laryngological patients. All head and neck cancer and bronchoesophageal cases were cared for by general surgeons. Maxillofacial trauma and facial plastic surgery were cared for by the Divisions of Oral Surgery and Plastic Surgery. Hearing and speech were in Rehabilitation Medicine.
In the years preceding the establishment of the Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Department, Dr. Max Som developed conservative surgery of the head and neck at Montefiore Medical Center/Montefiore Einstein in conjunction with others worldwide. Dr. Som’s most important contribution was in surgery of the larynx and throat. He developed the techniques of using mucous membrane flaps, laryngeal organ transfer and other regional techniques associated with partial and total pharyngotomy and laryngectomy.
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery became an active component in medical care at Montefiore Einstein in 1982 when the administrative office moved to Van Cortlandt Pavilion Annex. During the next four decades, the department developed the staff and facilities to care for conditions affecting the head and neck. Today, there are nine divisions at various sites, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM); Montefiore Hospital, Moses Campus; Jack D. Weiler Hospital, Einstein Campus; Montefiore Hospital, Wakefield Campus; Greene Medical Arts Pavilion; Montefiore Westchester Square; etc.
To learn more about the early years of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, read The History of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University and the Montefiore Medical Center: 1968-1998.
