Shan Huang, MD, PhD, research assistant professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (HNS) and an expert in device implant technology died on Feb. 10. He was 78.
Dr. Huang was a graduate of Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Fourth Military Medical University. He joined the Department of Otolaryngology in 1989 upon its founding, but his 38-year employment at Vanderbilt began three years prior when he worked with Vanderbilt neurosurgeons to study specific brain areas with implantable electrodes.
David Zealear, PhD, professor of Otolaryngology-HNS recruited Dr. Huang to join Vanderbilt Otolaryngology for studies of laryngeal pacing in canines using implantable devices. Together, Zealear and Dr. Huang designed and constructed this technology.
Dr. Huang oversaw every aspect of animal research for otolaryngology conducted in Medical Center North. He expertly taught medical students, residents and research fellows sterile and surgical techniques used in device implant technology. Since 2015, he acted as co-manager of the otolaryngology’s Medical Center North research facility with Jody Peters, otolaryngology laboratory manager, overseeing all animal research and implantable electrode manufacturing.
“Even more than his steadfast contributions to our research endeavors, we will miss him tremendously as a very affectionate and humble human being,” said Eben Rosenthal, MD, professor and chair of Otolaryngology-HNS.
Dr. Huang is survived by his wife, Min Xu, and daughters, Kimin and Tai Hao.
