The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is excited to announce that Matthew Bush, MD, PhD, MBA, has been selected to serve as the new department chair of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
Dr. Bush currently serves as a tenured professor and vice chair for research in the department of otolaryngology, as well as the UK College of Medicine Endowed Chair in Rural Health Policy.
Dr. Bush is a highly regarded surgeon-scientist with an extensive research background and with many publications to his name. He developed one of the first fully independent National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research programs focused on equity in health care access and utilization in otolaryngology. Dr. Bush also serves as an honorary lecturer at the University of Nairobi School of Medicine, where he has developed a collaboration since 2011 that facilitates the training of residents in otolaryngology and the delivery of specialty surgical services throughout East Africa.
During his tenure at UK College of Medicine, Dr. Bush has provided compassionate care to countless patients and has worked to expand the UK lateral skull base surgery and cochlear implantation programs. Under his leadership, these programs have grown through the recruitment of expert transdisciplinary care team members and by the expansion of access and utilization of these specialty services for Kentuckians.
In addition to his clinical and research expertise, Dr. Bush is a highly respected leader with a rich history of mentoring undergraduates, medical students, residents, graduate students, and early-career faculty.
“Dr. Bush’s exemplary leadership and vast expertise in health care, education, and translational research, will be vital as our otolaryngology department continues to address health care needs in Kentucky,” said Dean Charles Griffith, MD, MSPH.
Dr. Bush earned his MD at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. He completed his otolaryngology residency at the UK College of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in neurotology and cranial base surgery at The Ohio State University. He later earned a PhD in clinical and translational science from the UK College of Medicine, as well as a master’s degree in business administration from the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Dr. Bush will take over a department with a storied history of exceptional care, research, and education. The UK College of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery sees more than 32,000 patient visits at its clinics and performs 5,000 surgeries annually. The department has a robust research portfolio, with NIH funding totaling over $1.8 million. The department also houses the only head and neck oncology program in the area which operates within Markey Cancer Center, the state’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.
To hear Dr. Bush reflect on his experiences at UK College of Medicine in his own words, check out this faculty spotlight.
UK College of Medicine leadership is grateful for prior department chair Raleigh Jones, MD, MBA, for his service to both the department and college over his 35-year tenure. Dr. Jones is an alumnus of the UK College of Medicine and helped found the department of otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. Under his leadership, the UK Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic has provided exceptional care and training, work that was recently recognized by the U.S. News and World Report with a Top 50 ranking.
Finally, the college extends a thank you to the search committee that worked to appoint Dr. Bush and looks forward to what the department can accomplish under his leadership.