Renowned singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks has made a significant contribution to the Keck School of Medicine of USC, helping to establish a $3 million endowed chair in otolaryngology. This chair honors Dr. Joseph Sugerman, a Beverly Hills ear, nose, and throat specialist who has served performers and other patients for nearly five decades.
Honoring a Legacy in Vocal Medicine
Dr. Sugerman, a USC alumnus and longtime faculty member, has been instrumental in treating professional singers, including Nicks, throughout his career. Nicks expressed her gratitude, stating, “Through late nights on the road, years of touring, hours in the recording studio, I always knew I could count on Dr. Sugerman to be there to help keep my voice healthy, just as he does for his other patients.”
The newly created Stevie Nicks and Joseph Sugerman, MD, Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology is a testament to Sugerman’s impact on the field. The inaugural holder of the chair will be Dr. Michael M. Johns, director of the USC Voice Center, which focuses on treating voice, swallowing, and airway disorders.
Supporting Future Research and Education
The endowed chair will support research, education, and patient care related to vocal medicine and disorders affecting the ear, nose, and throat. John S. Oghalai, chair of the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, highlighted the importance of this recognition for Sugerman’s contributions to patients and medical trainees.
Dr. Sugerman, who completed his internship and residency at USC, has also served as an adjunct faculty member in the otolaryngology department. He expressed his appreciation, saying, “I am touched and humbled by the support of my patients who have extended themselves to create this endowed chair, which will be dedicated to advancing vocal medicine.”
Nicks’ connection with USC dates back to 1979 when Fleetwood Mac collaborated with the USC Trojan Marching Band. Her recent contribution underscores her ongoing relationship with the university and her commitment to supporting the medical community.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
