Surgical oncologist named university head and neck department chair

Marion E. Couch, MD, PhD, MBA, has been named the Richard T. Miyamoto professor and chair of the department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery of the Indiana University School of Medicine. 

“Dr. Couch has had a distinguished career in otolaryngology, in addition to extensive administrative experience,” Jay L. Hess, MD, PhD, vice president for Indiana University’s clinical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, said in a press release. “The recipient of numerous teaching and service accolades, Dr. Couch is a distinguished clinician and researcher who will expand clinical programs across Indiana, build on the strengths of the Indiana University otolaryngology program in hearing as well as further the department’s translational programs in head and neck cancer.”

Couch is a professor and interim chair of the department of surgery at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, where she created the division of surgical research. She also serves as the surgeon-in-chief of Fletcher Allen Health Care, and has focused her research in cancer cachexia.

Couch will succeed Richard T. Miyamoto, MD, who served as chair and Arilla Spence DeVault professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and medical director of audiology and speech language pathology of Indiana University School of Medicine, where he has been on the faculty since 1978.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected to become the next chair of otolaryngology at IU,” Couch said. “My hope is to build upon the impressive foundation that Dr. Miyamoto established over the years. The department enjoys a wonderful national reputation, thanks to Dr. Miyamoto and the faculty and staff.”