M3 student Sam Razmi joins some of the world’s most renowned doctors, surgeons, and medical professionals at the American Head and Neck Society’s 11th International Conference in Montreal, Canada on July 8-12.
The American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) is the largest organization in North America for the advancement of research and education in head and neck oncology, and the conference strives to promote the research, education, and innovation of head and neck cancer. It is no secret that innovation lies in the heart of the EnMed program, and Razmi’s research intends to reinvent reconstruction of head and neck surgery, taking EnMed to an international level.
Razmi and his team of mentors at Mayo Clinic have long studied the reconstruction of the head and neck, specifically reconstruction following patient surgery and congenital defects. Razmi’s research focuses on utilizing the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap
(TDAP flap), a fasciocutaneous flap that is most commonly used for breast reconstruction, as a feasible perforator flap for head and neck reconstructive surgery. While other doctors and researchers have discovered the versatility of the TDAP flap for surgeries other than breast reconstruction, it had not been thoroughly discussed in terms of head and neck reconstructive surgery—that was until Razmi.
Putting his theory to the test, Razmi and his team investigated and reviewed countless studies and past patient operations using the TDAP flap for other forms of reconstructive surgery. “To see if it was a viable option for surgeons to use, we needed to uncover all variables and complications,” stated Razmi. The team determined donor site morbidity, surgical outcomes, and post-surgical complications, which led them to the conclusion that the TDAP flap was not only a viable option to use during reconstruction but would give surgeons the ability to choose the better suited option for their patient.
To showcase their findings, Razmi submitted his research as an abstract that evaluates the versatility and reliability of the TDAP flap to the AHNS. “We hope to provide insight for head and neck surgeons into an alternative flap that they can use for reconstruction,” said Razmi. After a few short months of waiting, Razmi’s abstract was selected to be presented at their next international conference. “The AHNS only holds an international conference every few years, and I was extremely lucky to have this opportunity to showcase our work, meet outstanding faculty, and explore my passion further,” said Razmi.
The Dallas native’s interests lie in ENT medicine, rhinology, and otolaryngology, and the AHNS international conference is only the beginning of his advancements in health care: “As a student, it’s hard to put into perspective if your work is going to be meaningful—you hope you’re influencing the health care world as a whole,” Razmi expressed. In less than a month, Razmi will present his abstracts to the world, leaving a greater impact on health care than he could have ever imagined.