Precision Head and Neck Surgery: 3D Models and Real-time Imaging

In this episode of Voices of Otolaryngology, host Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F EVP and CEO, talks with Michael C. Topf, MD, MSCI, a head and neck surgical oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Topf shares his groundbreaking work in precision head and neck surgery, including 3D scanning of resected cancer specimens to improve communication among multidisciplinary cancer care teams. The conversation explores his innovative research on specimen-based margin assessment, the development of custom software for annotating 3D models, and his team's pioneering work with intraoperative PET-CT scanning. Dr. Topf also discusses his recent $2.5 million ARPA-H grant for optical lightsheet microscopy, the importance of deep margin assessment in head and neck cancer, and offers invaluable advice to early-career researchers about navigating the competitive funding landscape. A son of an otolaryngologist himself, Dr. Topf reflects on his journey from Rochester to Stanford and Vanderbilt, and the clinical unmet needs that drive his research vision.

Helpful Resources:

• Submit your CORE Letter of Intent by December 15, 2025, at 11:59 pm (ET): www.entnet.org/quality-practice/research/core-grants-program/2026-core-funding-opportunity-announcements/