Ralph Abi Hachem

Ralph Abi Hachem is an Associate Professor of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences and Neurosurgery at Duke University School of Medicine, specializing in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery. He serves as Fellowship Co-Director for Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery and Medical Director of the Duke Skull Base Center.

Education:

• M.D. from St. Joseph University of Beirut (2008)
• M.S. from St. Joseph University of Beirut (2008)
• Clinical Fellow in Advanced Rhinology & Skull Base Surgery at Ohio State University (2015-2016)
• Residency in Otolaryngology-head & neck surgery at University of Miami (2010-2015)

Dr. Abi Hachem's research focuses on sinonasal malignancies, skull base surgery techniques, CSF leak repair, endoscopic sinus procedures, and olfactory disorders. His work spans clinical outcomes research, development of in vitro models for targeted therapies, and investigation of neuronal regeneration in the olfactory system. He has made significant contributions to understanding non-rhinogenic facial pain and the misdiagnosis of sinusitis.

His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a clear research trajectory focused on improving skull base surgical techniques, developing better models for studying sinonasal tumors, and addressing diagnostic challenges in facial pain conditions. His work bridges clinical practice with translational research, particularly in olfactory neuroblastoma and sinonasal malignancies.

Awards:

• Excellence in resident mentorship award from Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences (June 18, 2022)

Dr. Abi Hachem serves as Principal Investigator for multiple significant research grants, including the Development of an Esthesioneuroblastoma culture model (North American Skull Base Society, 2023-2024) and the SinoNasal HPV Study Clinical Trial (Johns Hopkins University, 2022-2024). He also contributes as Co-Investigator on the Migraine Study - Godley Gift Research (2021-2025), demonstrating his commitment to understanding headache disorders related to sinonasal conditions.

As Medical Director of the Duke Skull Base Center, he oversees a multidisciplinary team focused on complex skull base pathologies, integrating expertise from neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and other specialties to provide comprehensive patient care and advance surgical techniques in this challenging field.