John S. Rhee

John S. Rhee, MD, MPH, is a tenured Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, with a secondary appointment as Professor in the Department of Dermatology. He has led the Otolaryngology department since 2011. His primary institutional affiliation is the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he is also a member of the Comprehensive Injury Center and Neuroscience Research Center. Previously, he held positions at Mount Sinai Medical Center (Resident), University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital (Fellow), and Zablocki VA Medical Center (Chief).

Professor Rhee's research program is highly focused on improving outcomes in nasal airway surgery and facial plastics. Key areas include:

• Utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model nasal airflow and predict surgical outcomes for obstruction.
• Developing and validating patient-reported outcome measures, notably the Skin Cancer Index (SCI) for nonmelanoma skin cancer.
• Advancing virtual surgical planning techniques for septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
• Investigating the biomechanics of facial trauma and upper airway collapsibility in sleep apnea.

His work is characterized by integrating engineering principles with clinical otolaryngology.

Analysis of his recent publications (2019-2024) reveals a dominant theme: the application of engineering tools (CFD, 3D imaging, virtual surgery) to solve clinical problems in nasal obstruction and facial reconstruction. His articles consistently bridge technical modeling with patient-centered outcomes, emphasizing evidence-based surgical planning and objective measurement of nasal function.

Professor Rhee has received significant recognition for his contributions:

• Alpha Omega Alpha (1991)
• George Adams Young Faculty Award (Triological Society, 2009)
• Distinguished Service Awards (AAO-HNS 2013, MCW 2017)
• Excellence in Professionalism Award (MCW Physicians, 2013)
• Multiple Faculty Teaching Awards
• Consistent inclusion in Best Doctors in America (2007-2017)

He has successfully secured substantial research funding, including NIH R01 grants (e.g., R01EB009557 for computer modeling of nasal surgical outcomes totaling over $1.1M). His leadership extends to directing the department's Clinical Outcomes Program. While no specific lab name is provided, his research program involves significant collaboration with engineers and utilizes advanced computational resources. He actively mentors residents and has held key educational leadership roles, including Residency Program Director and Chair of the ACGME Residency Review Committee for Otolaryngology.