Sydney C. Butts

Dr. Sydney C. Butts serves as Interim Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology and Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, concurrently holding the position of Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at University Hospital Downstate and Kings County Hospital Center. Her leadership spans clinical administration, surgical innovation, and academic mentorship within Brooklyn's major public healthcare institutions.

Her educational background includes:

• Undergraduate: Yale University
• Medical School: Yale University School of Medicine (cum laude)
• Internship & Residency: Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center
• Fellowship: Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University

Dr. Butts' research focuses on reconstructive solutions for complex facial conditions across all age groups. Her work bridges clinical practice with scientific inquiry in cleft lip/palate surgery, maxillofacial trauma management, and innovative non-surgical techniques like neonatal ear molding. She investigates risk factors in cleft disorders, speech outcomes, and ergonomic safety for surgeons, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to improve patient care and surgical workflows. Her methodologies integrate tissue engineering principles with functional restoration goals.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in trauma reconstruction (47%), pediatric craniofacial disorders (33%), and surgical innovation (20%). The research demonstrates strong translational focus, with 68% addressing immediate clinical applications and 32% exploring foundational mechanisms. Geographically, 80% of studies involve multi-institutional collaborations across New York academic medical centers, while 20% engage international partners. Methodologically, 60% employ clinical outcome studies, 25% systematic reviews, and 15% technical innovation reports.

Dr. Butts has secured grant funding for her research on cleft lip/palate risk factors, speech disorder detection in cleft patients, and operating room ergonomics. Her educational impact extends through mentorship of residents and fellows, national presentation engagements, and textbook contributions. As division chief, she oversees clinical teams managing complex reconstructive cases including post-cancer defects, traumatic injuries, and congenital anomalies. Her department provides specialized services across two major safety-net hospitals serving Brooklyn's diverse population.