معرفی
Dr. Richard K. Gurgel is a Professor of Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Utah, with adjunct appointments in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Neurosurgery. He serves as Section Chief of Otology and Director of the Cochlear Implant Program at the University of Utah, and at the Salt Lake Veteran’s Hospital for veteran care. His clinical expertise spans neurotology, vestibular schwannomas, glomus tumors, cochlear implantation, and facial nerve disorders.
- Education: B.A. in Biology (magna cum laude, University of Utah), M.D. (University of Utah), MSCI (Master of Science in Clinical Investigation, University of Utah), Residency (Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa), Fellowship (Otology, Neurotology, Stanford University).
Dr. Gurgel’s research focuses on the interplay between hearing loss and cognition in older adults, particularly how cochlear implants can improve cognitive function. His work also addresses surgical outcomes for skull base lesions, robotic-assisted cochlear implantation, and public health implications of hearing metrics.
His recent publications highlight multinational analyses of temporal bone fractures, conductive hearing loss-dementia associations, and advancements in cochlear implantation techniques. Articles emphasize hearing preservation, facial nerve outcomes, and standardized reporting in clinical trials.
- Scientific Awards: 2025 Dr. Clark Lowe Rich Distinguished Surgeon & Mentor Award, Alpha Omega Alpha honor society (junior), Fellow Teacher of the Year at Stanford (2x).
As Fellowship Director for Neurotology at the University of Utah, Dr. Gurgel trains future specialists. His clinical practice integrates teaching, patient care, and research, particularly in NIH-funded studies on hearing-cognition links. He is fluent in Cebuano and Waray-Waray (Filipino dialects) and balances family life with five daughters.
