No one in my family is a physician. Growing up, my parents held physicians in high regard. Both for their academic achievement as well as their dedication to helping others.
As a child, I suffered from allergies, migraines, and vertigo so I was quite familiar with the doctor’s office. Originally, I wanted to be a carpenter. I spent a lot of time helping my dad with woodworking and remodeling projects and was quite skilled with my hands. But I showed an aptitude for science that wouldn’t be used as a carpenter.
When I was 13, my dad had an unfortunate accident and sustained facial trauma that changed my life’s path. A surgeon was called in on a Sunday evening as my father’s life hung in the balance. That surgeon’s skill saved my father and planted the seed that would grow into my life’s work. As he did, I wanted to be able to use my intelligence, compassion, and even manual dexterity to make a difference in the lives of others. For me, there could be no other career with greater rewards than surgery. For a young boy who nearly lost his beloved father, my profession provides me daily with the chance to pay it forward.
The Craft of Surgery
There are many kinds of workers who use the title carpenter. Some are laborers who apply their skills to create rather ordinary things. Think of those neighborhoods full of rows of houses that look virtually identical. In this case, the builder learned to create a simple structure and do it over and over again. An inside look may reveal that the houses are adequate, adhering to recognized codes and standards but lack creative thought and dedication to detail. I did not want to be this type of carpenter. Some carpenters are true builders that use their creativity to produce unique and valuable homes. Each one is different from the next and each reflects aspects of the builder and the family the home is created for. Surgery is a lot like this. There are some surgeons who apply the same techniques day after day and produce reliable results. They stick to a limited number of techniques and simply repeat what they’ve been taught. They often brag of caseloads and compile volume as evidence of quality. But just like the rows of identical houses, there may be something lacking in the redundancy of their craft.
My dream was to become skilled artisan who is capable of producing hand crafted works of art. Each piece reflecting the summation of experience and constant dedication to improving my craft. I prefer to keep improving my skills with a broad range of problems and challenges that emphasizes quality over quantity. I continually evaluate my technique and enjoy the challenges of surgical problem solving. The thyroidectomy that I performed years ago seems simplistic and unrefined compared to the thyroid operations that I do today. The surgical scar is one example. My technique has evolved so that scarring is minimized- many of my patients’ friends and family can’t tell that they even had surgery, just months after the operation. Today, I’m also providing scarless thyroid surgery – an option for people who scar badly, keloid, or who just want the best possible cosmetic outcome. This new surgery, first developed in Thailand and South Korea, is being offered at such places at Johns Hopkins, University of Chicago, UCLA, Baylor, and here! This innovative approach requires an enormous amount of expertise with the traditional thyroidectomy as well as an intimate knowledge of anatomy, with all its possible variations, that can only come from extensive experience.
The Importance of a 2nd Opinion
I am very conservative in my recommendations for surgery. I follow this simple rule: would I encourage my wife, child, parent, or friend to have the surgery under the same conditions? I sleep well at night because I never forget this very simple guideline: treat patients as though they are family and everyone you care about is watching!
So, if I’m doing my job right, an expert second opinion will only make me look good and provide reassurance to the patient and family. If’ I’m offended by a second opinion – then I’m not following the simple rule stated above. I encourage my family and friends to get second opinions for major surgery.
As a high-volume thyroid surgeon at this point in my career, most cases seem routine to me. But surgery is never routine to the patient. Each surgery is likely the first for the patient and a lot is on the line! The best outcomes are with the first surgery. Complications and completeness of resection matter, especially to cancer outcomes. While I strive to reduce complications to the lowest possible rates, there is still risk with every surgery. A thorough and honest discussion is part of every pre-operative counseling visit. In my field of expertise, it’s literally the patient’s neck on the line!
Dr. Forwith's Favorite Things
Alta and Gold Miner’s Daughter
there is no better place to experience deep powder skiing than Alta, Utah. It’s where I became seriously addicted to skiing! Gold Miner’s Daughter is an unpretentious lodge situated at the base lift that remains laid back and remarkably cheap! Full buffet breakfast and a sit down dinner with table service included – a value that can’t be beat! Rough River We have a place that overlooks the water and serves as our weekend getaway. My winter snow ski addiction transforms into a water ski addiction beginning in March or April. The slalom course is where my passion lies; there’s nothing better than an early morning set on butter smooth water!Strategy games
Our lake house has no internet, no phone, and no tv – so we break out the games and have some good old fashion quality family time. We started with Ticket to Ride, progressed to Settlers of Catan, and recently have a Dominion obsession. Pandemic has been the most recent addition and the first cooperative game (players work as a team and either all win or all loose – a bonus for the overly competitive gamer). Hockey A patient and friend introduced me to the Never Ever league at Iceland where I learned how to skate and stick handle. Now, I play as often as my bad knees will tolerate! It’s great exercise, great camaraderie, and there’s not checking!The Bible
I never found much use for the bible until recent years. Now, its the book I read and study the most! Somehow, I missed out for so long on how marvelous it really is! So much truth and wisdom!Nature Photography
I’ve always loved animals; in fact, I wanted to be a National Geographic photographer when I was a kid. Ok, so that’s a lie – I still want to be a National Geographic photographer! My gallery shows some of my better work so please show it to all your friends that work at the Geographic!Music
I was the misfit in high school that was on the varsity wrestling team and in the band. Trumpet was my first and long time love, but I dabbled with the saxophone and played French horn as well. I love music of nearly every kind. I used to say I loved “ABC” music – “anything but country.” This was mostly because my dad used to insist we listen to the country music station while we worked (which wasn’t my favorite thing growing up). So for years I insisted on ABC music. Then, my dad passed and a year or so later I happened across a country station that brought me back to those days- and suddenly I’m a country music fan! I’m sure some shrink could tell me what type of reaction that is, but I don’t really care to know. I’ve just found some comfort in it and I will leave it just like that!Technology
I’m a gadget guy. I love the stuff. It drives my wife crazy, actually! “What’s wrong with your old one? Why do we need this? Don’t you already have one of these?” Non-techies just don’t get it! Kim Crawford Savignon Blanc I really enjoy a good glass of wine. I used to call this variety “Savignon bland”, but then I discovered that a cool, crisp glass of Kim Crawford at the end of a hot summer ski day just really hit the spot.Les Miserables
Well, it makes sense if you love music, that you’d love musicals- and I do! Somehow for me, nothing can match Les Mis. I know every song and nearly every lyric. I’ve heard every version every recorded and believe the 10th Anniversary concert edition can’t be beat. Can you hear the people sing?EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Advanced ENT and Allergy
4004 Dupont Circle, Suite 220
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 893-0159
March 1, 2010 to present
Commonwealth Ear, Nose & Throat
4004 Dupont Circle, Suite 220
Louisville, KY 40207
July 2001 to February 28, 2010
DATE OF BIRTH: September 24, 1964
PLACE OF BIRTH: Mansfield, OH
MARITAL STATUS: Married \\ Susan Forwith
Children: 4
EDUCATION
- Xavier University 1986 B.S. Chemistry
University Scholar - Purdue University 1992 Ph.D.
- Case Western Reserve University 1996 M.D.
Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, Mastin Scholar
INTERNSHIP:
- University of Cincinnati
- General Surgery
- University of Cincinnati Hospital
- Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati
- Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery
1996-1997
1997-2001
LICENSURE:
- Kentucky 36650
- Indiana 01054405
- Ohio 35073389
BOARD CERTIFIED:
- American Board of Otolaryngology 2002, 2010
- Head and Neck Surgery
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES:
- Alpha Omega Alpha
- American Academy of Otolaryngology
- American Thyroid Association
PRESENTATIONS: Kinetic Studies on Ovomucoid Inhibitors. PhD thesis. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. 1992.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE: Director of Clinical Research, Advanced ENT & Allergy (1/06 present)
“Human Participants Protection Education for Research Teams” online course sponsored by the National Institutes of Health 4/14/03
Duke University Health System Online Course for Human Subjects Protection 5/15/07
Completion of online course for Good Clinical Practice and Human Subjects Protection 5/13/09
Sub-investigator: “Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of XXX, XXX, and XXX plus XXX in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis”
Sub-investigator: “A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of XXX once daily for 5 days versus XXX once daily for 10 days in the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Adults”
Sub-investigator: “A Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of XXX in the Treatment of Xerostomia Secondary to Radiation Therapy for Cancer in the Head and Neck Region”
Sub-investigator: “A Pilot, Multicenter, Open-Label, Non-Comparative Study of the Safety and Efficacy of XXX in the Treatment of Acute Otitis Media Twice Daily for Seven Days in Children with Tympanostomy tubes”
Sub-investigator: “Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness Trial”
Principal Investigator: “A Multicenter, Randomized, Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of XXX in the Treatment of Children Who Have Recurrent and/or Persistent Acute Otitis Media”
Principal Investigator: “A Multicenter, Long-Term, Active-Surveillance Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders That Occur After Initiating a Course of XXX or XXX Therapy for Acute Infectious Diseases in Children Who Were Enrolled in Phase 3 Clinical Trials Involving XXX”
Sub-investigator: “A Phase III, Open Label, Long-Term Safety Surveillance Study of XXX in Patients with Xerostomia Secondary to Radiation Therapy for Cancer in the Head and Neck Region”
Sub-investigator: “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of XXX and XXX plus XXX in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis”
Sub-investigator: “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of XXX at a Dosage of One Spray per Nostril Twice Daily in Patients With Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis”
Sub-investigator: “A Phase II, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Dose-Ranging Study of the Effects of XXX on Oral Mucositis in Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy for Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity, Oropharynx, or Nasopharynx”
Sub-investigator: “A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy Comparative Trial if XXX versus XXX for the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis in Adults Undergoing Diagnostic Sinus Aspiration”
Sub-investigator: “Bioequivalence Study of XXX versus XXX in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis”
Sub-investigator: “A Phase 2, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Center, Randomized Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of XXX in Post-Surgical Subjects with Chronic Rhinosinusitis”
Sub-investigator: “A Phase II, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial Comparing XXXXXX at XXmg orally BID for 7 Days and XX mg orally BID for 5 Days in Subjects with Acute Maxillary Sinusitis Diagnosed by Antral Tap”
Sub-investigator: “An Investigator-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study to Demonstrate the Safety and Bioequivalence of XXXXXX Nasal Spray compared with XXXX Nasal Spray in the Relief of Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR).”
Principal Investigator: “Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of XXXXXX QD for 5 Days versus Placebo in the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis.”
Sub-investigator: “Bioequivalence study of XXX vs XXX Nasal Spray in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis”
Principal Investigator: “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Once-Daily, Intranasal Administration of XXX for 4 weeks in Adult and Adolescent Subjects with Vasomotor Rhinitis”
Sub-investigator: “A Comparison of XXX plus Lifestyle Modifications versus Lifestyle Modifications Alone for the Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) in Adults”
Principal Investigator: “Safety and Efficacy of XXX in the treatment of Acute Otitis Media with Otorrhea through Tympanostomy Tubes (AOMT)”
Sub-investigator: “Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of XXX Compared to XXXX in the Treatment of Acute Otitis Media with Otorrhea through Tympanostomy Tubes (AOMT)”
Sub-investigator: “Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of XXX in the treatment of Acute Otitis Externa”
Sub-investigator: “An Open-Label Study of XXX Pharmacokinetics in Sinus Mucosal Tissue and Plasma in Subjects with Chronic Rhinosinusitis Following XXX or XXX”
Sub-investigator: “Double-Blind, Multi-Centre, Placebo-Controlled study to Evaluate the Equivalence of XXX vs. XXX for the Indication of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis”
Sub-investigator: “Phase 2 Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Center, Randomized study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of XXX in Post-Surgical Subjects with Chronic Sinusitis”
Sub-investigator: “Safety Study of XXX Nasal Spray (in subjects with perennial allergic rhinitis)”
Sub-investigator: “A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group, study of intranasal XXX in patients with refractory, postsurgical chronic sinusitis”
Sub-investigator: “A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design study to assess the effectiveness of XXX to improve oral health in patients with xerostomia secondary to radiation therapy for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma”
Sub-investigator: “Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XXX in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis”
Sub-Investigator: “Safety and Efficacy of XXXX in 6-11 Year Old Patients”
Sub-Investigator: “Safety and Efficacy of XXXX in the Treatment of Peri-Operative Tube Otorrhea”
Sub-Investigator: “Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of XXXX in the Treatment of Acute Otitis Externa”
Sub-Investigator: “A Clinical Evaluation of XXXX When Used in Post-Sinus Surgery Patients with Recurrent Nasal Polyps”
Sub-Investigator: “A Clinical Evaluation of XXXX Used Following Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS)”
Principal Investigator: “A Multi-Center, Prospective, Observational Study to Assess the Psychometric Properties of the XXX in Tinnitus Patients”
Co-Investigator: “Parental Response to Ear Disease in Children with and without Tubes”
Principal Investigator: “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of XXX in Patients with Subjective Tinnitus”
Sub-Investigator: “Safety of XXX in Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis”
Sub-Investigator: “A Clinical Evaluation of XXX When Used Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Sinusitis”
Principal Investigator: “Healthcare Utilization and Outcomes of XXX Treatment in the Office”
Sub-Investigator: “Natural History of Post Tympanostomy Tube Otorrhea,” Alcon C-09-041
Sub-Investigator: “Topical Treatment of Acute Otitis Media through Tympanostomy Tube (AOMT) and its Effect on Microbial Flora Distal to the Site of Infection,” Alcon C-09-017
Principle Investigator: “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Neramexane in Patients with Subjective Tinnitus,” Protocol Number: MRZ 92579/TI/3003
Principle Investigator: “An Open-Label, Long-Term Treatment Study to assess the Long-Term Safety and Tolerability and Efficacy of Neramexane in Patients with Subjective Tinnitus,” Protocol Number: MRZ 92579/TI/3004
Sub-Investigator: “A Clinical Study of the Acclarent Tympanostomy Tube Delivery System In-Office (inVENT-IO Study)” Acclarent Protocol CPR005016 Rev. A
Principle Investigator: “Surgical Reduction of the Inferior Turbinate using a Coblation® Device for Treatment of Nasal Obstruction in a Pediatric Population: A Prospective, Multi-center Clinical Study.”
Sub-Investigator: “Clinical Protocol MQT10-01: Determination of Modified Quantitative Testing (MQT) Conditions Using Skintestor OMNI Skin Test Device,” Greer Pharmaceuticals
Sub-Investigator: “A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-blind Placebo-Controlled, Single-Dose Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous XXXXXX for Treatment of Pain in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy,” Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. Protocol# CPICL014
Sub- Investigator: “A Clinical Study of the Acclarent Tympanostomy Tube Delivery and Iontophoresis Systems In Office (inVENT-visIOn study),” Acclarent, Protocol CPR005022 Rev. C
Sub-Investigator: “A Clinical Evaluation of the Steroid-Releasing S8 Sinus Implant Used in Post-Sinus Surgery Patients with Recurrent Sinus Obstruction,” S8 Sinus Implant Pilot Study,” Intersect ENT
Sub-Investigator: “A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, 16-week Phase 2 study of OTO-104 given as a single intratympanic injection in subjects with unilateral Meniere’s disease.” Otonomy Inc.
Principle Investigator: “ A Prospective, Randomized, Multi-Center Evaluation of XXXXMiddle Turbinate Implant versus XXXX, a Bioresorbable Nasal Dressing / Sinus Stent after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery,” ENTrigue Surgical, Inc. Protocol# CSA 2011-01
Sub-Investigator: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of XXXXX% plus XXXXX % Otic Solution Compared to XXXX% Otic solution and to XXXXX% Otic Solution in the Treatment of Acute Otitis Media with Tympanostomy Tubes (AOMT) in Pediatric Patients, Laboratorios SALVAT, S.A. Protocol# CIFLOTIII/10IA04
Sub-Investigator: “Comparison of Single versus Repeat Doses of XXXX in the Treatment of Acute Inner Ear Tinnitus (TACTT1),” Auris Medical Inc.
Sub- Investigator: “Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of Topical XXXXXX Otic Suspension, XXX% in the Treatment of Acute Otitis Externa,” Alcon Research, Ltd. Protocol# C-10-018
Sub-Investigator: “A 16-Week RaNdomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, PArallel-Group, Multicenter Study EValuatInG the Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Administration of XXX, XXX and XXX μg of XXXXXX XXXX Twice a Day (BID) Using a Novel Bi-DirecTional DEvice in Subjects with Bilateral Nasal Polyposis Followed by an 8-Week Open-Label Extension Phase to Assess Safety,” OptiNose US, Inc. Protocol# OPN-FLU-NP-3102
Sub- Investigator: “Medical ThErapy veRsus BaLloon Sinus Dilation for Patients with ChrOnic RhinosinusiTis (MERLOT) Acclarent, Protocol #: CPR005028
Sub-Investigator: “A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo and Sham-Controlled Multicenter, Phase 1B Study of XXX-XXX given as a Single Intratympanic Injection for Intra-operative Treatment of Middle Ear Effusion in Pediatric Subjects Requiring Tympanostomy Tube Placement” Otonomy Protocol # : 201-201101
Principle Investigator: “A Clinical Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of the Steroid-Releasing S8 Sinus Implant Used in Post-Sinus Surgery Patients with Recurrent Sinus Obstruction (RESOLVE STUDY)” Intersect ENT Protocol#: P500-1012
Sub-Investigator: “A 3-Month Open-Label Multicenter Study Evaluating the Safety of Intranasal Administration of xxx μg of xxxxxxxxxxx Propionate Twice a Day (BID) Using a Novel Bi-Directional Device in Subjects with Chronic Sinusitis With or Without Nasal Polyps OptiNose Protocol#: OPN-FLU-CS-3204
Sub-Investigator: “A prospective randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, multicenter, Phase 3 study of OTO-201 given as a single intratympanic injection for intra-operative treatment of middle ear effusion in pediatric subjects requiring tympanostomy tube placement. Otonomy Otonomy Protocol #: 201-201303
Sub-Investigator: “Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of Topical AL-60371 Otic Suspension, 0.3% in the Treatment of Otitis Media in Subjects at the Time of Tympanostomy Tube Insertion
Alcon Research, Ltd. Protocol#: C-13-008
Sub-Investigator: “Study title: Efficacy and Safety of AM-101 in the Treatment of Acute Peripheral Tinnitus 2 (TACTT2). Auris Medical Inc.
Protocol #: AM-101-CL-12-01
Sub-Investigator “AM-101 in the Post-Acute Treatment of Peripheral Tinnitus 1 (AMPACT1) – An open-label extension to the TACTT2 study. Auris Medical Inc. Protocol #: AM-101-CL-12-03
What if you needed surgery – and there were only two surgeons for your entire state? In many African countries, this degree of critical shortage of trained surgeons is the painful reality. I serve primarily with PAACS – the Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons.
PAACS is a strategic response to the need for surgeons in Africa – a non-denominational, multinational service organization training African physicians to become general surgeons who are willing to remain in Africa to meet that need. My role is first to teach the core elements of ENT to the PAACS resident surgeons. I see patients with them in clinic and teach surgery in the operating room. When these young men and women graduate from PAACS as general surgeons, they will likely be the only surgeon of any type in their region. Knowledge of ENT surgical basics becomes critical to serving their community. I also serve on the PAACS ENT taskforce to plan for ENT surgical education in Africa and recruit other American ENT’s to serve. This work has been among the most rewarding of my professional career. My personal blog helps illustrate that.
In January, 2011 I joined other Louisville and Southern Indiana physicians on a mission to Ecuador. We served in Manta with Healing the Children. During our week we screened over 500 patients and operated on 161 children. I spent most of my operative time repairing cleft lips. Others on our team addressed basic ENT needs, orthopedic problems, and general surgical problems. In March, 2012 my daughter Megan and I served on a team of 60 doctors and medical students on a medical mission to Nicaragua.
The Global Health Missions Conference is also a terrific conference for anyone interested in missions. I will be attending again this year with my wife, Sue and our daughter Allegra.