Internationally Recognized Nasal & Sinus Specialist
Joins UT Houston With Plans to Create World-Class Sinus Institute
HOUSTON—(May 8, 2008)—The University of Texas Medical School at Houston announced the appointment of Martin J. Citardi, MD, F.A.C.S., as professor and chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. Citardi is internationally recognized for his expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex disorders of nose and paranasal sinuses. Among his priorities is the establishment of a world-class program in nasal and sinus diseases.
Martin J. Citardi, MD, F.A.C.S.
Citardi, who previously led the Section of Nasal & Sinus Disorders at the Cleveland Clinic Head & Neck Institute, is excited about his new position, which includes an appointment as chief of otorhinolaryngology at Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center.
“We have the opportunity to significantly expand the clinical enterprise,” Citardi said. “Our goal is to establish national and even international resources for patients with ear, nose and throat diseases.”
Samer Fakhri, M.D., assistant professor of otorhinolaryngology, helped recruit Citardi. Recalling the work the two did together when he was a fellow at the Cleveland Clinic, Fakhri recommended to the search committee that Citardi be brought to UT.
“He is a very well-recognized rhinologist and otolaryngologist. He will definitely bring a lot of experience and help us build a great department,” Fakhri said.
Citardi is leading the creation of the Texas Sinus Institute (TSI), a collaboration between the UT Medical School at Houston and Memorial Hermann - TMC. TSI will combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate, comprehensive care for patients who have failed conventional treatments. In addition, TSI will develop programs for physician education and research.
“The kind of services that we will offer through TSI are unique to the state of Texas, and probably unique to the country,” Citardi said. He and Fakhri plan to offer innovative treatments for conditions related to the nose and paranasal sinuses, including refractory rhinosinusitis, anterior skull base lesions and spinal fluid leaks. “We will offer compassionate and innovative care that is just not commonly available,” Citardi said.
Citardi is also building other subspecialties within the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. “We have a tremendous opportunity here to build a department of subspecialty expertise that spans all aspects of ear, nose and throat medicine and surgery,” he said.
Guiseppe Colasurdo, M.D., dean of the UT Medical School at Houston and chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, offered a “Texas-sized welcome” to Citardi and said he is confident Citardi will create a leading sinus institute and build a comprehensive department.
“I expect him to have a first-class department, and he has had outstanding candidates coming in to interview for faculty positions,” Colasurdo said.
Citardi received his doctor of medicine degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his residency training at Yale University. He then pursued a fellowship in rhinology at the Georgia Rhinology & Sinus Center. He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Rhinologic Society.
Patients interested in making an appointment at the institute can call 832-325-7171. More information can be found online at www.ut-ent.org.