Otolaryngologist Performs Reconstructive Surgery for WG Patients - Robert S. Lebovics, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Lebovics 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lebovics, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a nationally known Otolaryngologist with expertise in infectious and inflammatory disorders for both adults and children, nasal and sinus surgery, and disorders of the special senses. Dr. Lebovics is a New York native who received his medical degree from the State University of New York in Brooklyn and trained at the Albert Einstein/Montefiore Hospital Center in otolaryngology. For nearly nine years, Dr. Lebovics was Chief of the Clinical Otolaryngology Service at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

In 1997, Dr. Lebovics joined the Head and Neck Surgical Group, affiliated with the St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital Center. In 1999, Dr. Lebovics was appointed Chief of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at Cabrini Medical Center in New York City.

Among his accomplishments, Dr. Lebovics has authored over 25 articles and text book chapters in the field of otolaryngology head and neck surgery. Dr. Lebovics continues as a surgical consultant to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD for the Department of Health and Human Services.

Dr. Lebovics has seen approximately 200 WG patients including patients from Central America, Mexico, Canada and Ireland. He receives calls from physicians in Australia and Europe seeking advice and tapping into his expertise.

Most of the surgery that Dr. Lebovics performs is in the reconstructive realm. He has performed many surgeries on WG patients in need of reconstruction for saddlenose deformity. His goal for this type of surgery is a fine balance between cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the best possible outcome.

Dr. Lebovics also performs tracheal repairs on WG patients, a serious operation with no room for mistakes. Few situations in medicine are as black and white as the need for an open airway. Endoscopic dilation is the preferred method but not always sufficient for the repair. Each repair is an individual condition with its’ own problems and peculiarities.

Dr. Lebovics enjoys the work he is able to accomplish in the operating room. With the belief that we need to live for today and do all we can to make each day brighter, he sees his work as a method to achieve this goal.

Dr. Lebovics has learned a great deal from his WG patients - medically and philosophically. There is no limit to the power of the human spirit and no greater lesson than that of redemption. There is always hope, there is a future, do not give up. Dr. Lebovics emphasizes that he can and wants to help his WG patients with the pain, discomfort and deformity that WG so often brings. He loves his WG patients and says they are a fun loving group - some of the nicest people you could ever meet.

During his time at NIH, Dr. Lebovics worked with Dr. Fauci, Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Langford on WG research. There was a tremendous need for the research at the time along with an interest among these doctors that resulted in a “match made in heaven” team. The combination of brilliant physicians and a multidisciplinary approach to the research resulted in great strides within the knowledge and treatment of WG.

Gail Schultz, cosponsor of the NYC support group, says that Dr. Lebovics has been the primary promoter of the NYC support group. He has graciously offered the conference room of his practice for meetings which otherwise would have no place to gather. He attends every meeting and is always available to answer questions. He is dedicated to his patients and once took a patient aside to provide a consultation after one of the support group meetings.

Dr. Lebovics is not only a wonderful and knowledgeable physician, but a great human being as well, says Gail. He truly cares about his patients and in return, he has the admiration of every WG patient in the tri state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut).

*Some material excerpted from www.entsurg.com with Dr. Lebovic's permission.