2020 Annual Report
In recognition for his work with Project Ear, a nonprofit organization he started, Edward Dodson, MD, otologist in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, received the Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service from the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) at the organization’s annual meeting in September.
This prestigious award honors academy members who, among other things, have “a love and devotion to humanity,” “a self-giving spirit” and a willingness to offer their professional skills “freely and without desire for personal gain or aggrandizement.” The person selected for the award is “an outstanding example and model to emulate for a life dedicated to a nobler, more righteous, and more productive way for the human to live as an individual on this earth,” per the AAO-HNS award qualifications.
Dr. Dodson, who’s also a clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, is highly deserving of the award, according to James Rocco, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. “By sharing his time and skills with the people of the Dominican Republic, where Project Ear helps people suffering from ear disease and hearing loss, Dr. Dodson is providing access to specialty care that most people there couldn’t get otherwise. And he’s improving lives. That’s the essence of being a physician.
“A lot of people talk the talk,” Dr. Rocco says. “Ed walks the walk.”
Dedication from day one
It was October 1995 when Dr. Dodson made his first medical mission to the Dominican Republic with his mentor, Paul Lambert, MD, who organized the trip. Then a fellow, Dr. Dodson met Roberto Batista Genao, MD, who’d just completed otolaryngology residency in the country and was eager to work with the group and learn from them. They formed an instant bond, and Dr. Batista has been an integral part of each of Dr. Dodson’s trips since.
“That day I met a man who would become my big brother,” Dr. Batista says of the first encounter with his colleague and friend. “Dr. Dodson is someone to be admired and respected for his passion, his abilities and his big heart.”
From the very first trip, Dr. Dodson recognized the importance of his work in the Dominican Republic, and he shed tears when the time arrived to depart the country. “I really didn’t want to leave,” he says. “But more importantly, I knew I wanted to go back.”
And go back he did – nearly 60 times to date. He and the volunteer teams that accompany him have performed more than 1,200 otologic surgeries, 1,500 ear exams, 700 screening audiograms and 300 hearing aid fittings. Along the way, he’s helped train new residents in the country so they can make a difference, as well. It’s been life-changing work for patients and Project Ear volunteers alike.
Team effort, team recognition
Dr. Dodson remains humble about all he’s accomplished. And he’s quick to share credit.
“This really isn’t about me,” he says. “I received the award as part of a group.” Others who deserve recognition, according to Dr. Dodson, include, Dr. Lambert, who started the trips; Dr. Batista, who does all the patient screening and follow-up care; the physicians, medical students, staff members and volunteers who travel with him to perform services; and the mission hospital where they treat patients. Even the cook, cleaners and transportation aides that tend to his team’s needs in the Dominican Republic are essential to the trips’ success.
Dr. Dodson also thanks the medical staff members, who collect unused supplies for his trips; his colleagues at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, who cover for him when he’s gone; and his family, who have graciously allowed him to be gone from home so many weeks over the years. All of them make Project Ear possible.
According to Dr. Rocco, Dr. Dodson is a prime example of what’s best about the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center staff beyond their traditional clinical, educational and research missions. He truly cares about people.
“Here at home, patients love him, and residents adore him. And Ed is an excellent surgeon – he does some of our most complicated cases,” Dr. Rocco says. “But he hasn’t forgotten how to be a doctor.”
