Dr. Itzhak Brook, MD, MSc, a throat cancer survivor and professor of pediatrics and medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine, visited the EVMS campus Nov. 18-19 as part of an invited lecturer series sponsored by the EVMS Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and the Tidewater Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology Society.

Dr. Brook addressed physicians and speech pathologists from throughout Hampton Roads as well as the Tidewater Lost Chord Support Group (TLCSG). His message for both audiences was inspirational as well as educational.

After a recurrence of throat cancer, doctors advised Dr. Brook that he should have his larynx, including the vocal chords, removed. This was quite devastating for an enthusiastic teacher like Dr. Brook. While having a microphone helped, he was concerned that his rusty whisper limited his lecturing abilities. But he soon discovered that when sharing his story with ear, nose and throat doctors, speech therapists and other laryngectomy patients, his impaired speech was actually an asset rather than a handicap. With this type of audience, he had the added credibility of personal experience instead of professional detachment.

Dr. Brook began sharing his unique personal perspective as both a throat cancer patient and clinician with his medical colleagues and other laryngectomy patients. Like the members of TLCSG, Dr. Brook breathes through an opening in his neck and, in order to speak, he forces air into a small prosthesis connecting his upper airway to his reconstructed throat, enabling it to vibrate and imitate the function of vocal chords.

In the past, laryngectomies were the most common form of treatment in cases of laryngeal cancer; more recently, the cancer is treated with radiation, chemotherapy or laser surgery in an effort to save the larynx. But, a laryngectomy remains the best recourse when these methods fail. It is a life-altering procedure that forever affects a patient's ability to speak, breathe, swallow and cough. Ear, nose and throat surgeons who specialize in laryngectomies and management of head and neck cancers perform these operations, but Dr. Brook is concerned that sometimes there is confusion among health-care workers unfamiliar with the procedure and its effects about how to properly address the special needs of laryngectomy patients.

Dr. Brook's presentation merged the academic and clinical vantage point with that of a scared and frustrated patient. He hopes that his efforts lead to a better understanding and management of laryngectomy patients.

Dr. Brook closed his presentation by sharing what he believes could have helped to make his experience as a patient a better one. Dr. Brook advises that medical professionals take more time to talk to patients before surgery to educate them about the short-term and long-term medical and social implications of the procedure. He believes that greater vigilance, communication and training among staff will help avoid errors. He advises doctors to remember to treat their patients as human beings and not just another case. Finally, Dr. Brook said that a patient needs to learn as much as they can about their condition and take steps to be their own advocate.

The TLCSG was very excited to have Dr. Brook speak. Many of them remarked on how nice it was to hear from someone with medical expertise who actually understood their struggles and frustrations. They plied him with questions following his presentation. Several patients also praised the care they receive from the EVMS Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and thanked the department for inviting Dr. Brook to share his story.

Dr. Brook is the author of "Neck Cancer - A Physician's Personal Experience" which appeared in the March 2009 issue of Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He also penned, "Rediscovering My Voice" published in the July 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.