A Spice, a Patent, and a Purpose: One Surgeon's Path to Cancer Prevention

Cherie-Ann O. Nathan, MD, the Jack Pou Endowed Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport and a founding member of the AAO-HNS Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section, discusses her journey in translational research, leading with purpose, and building a career at the intersection of clinical medicine and scientific discovery. Dr. Nathan reflects on the perseverance required to sustain NIH funding, the power of collaboration and team science, and how a curiosity rooted in traditional medicine led to a patented curcumin chewing gum with promising applications in oral cancer prevention. The conversation also covers the unique challenges facing HPV-negative head and neck cancer patients, the cultural health risks of betel nut use, and advice for early-career scientists navigating rejection and resilience. This episode is featured as part of celebrating WIO Day every March 8.

Helpful Resources:

• CORE Grants: https://www.entnet.org/quality-practice/research/core-grants-program/
• Get Involved: https://www.entnet.org/get-involved/sections/women-in-otolaryngology/