Herbert Silverstein, MD, FACS president and founder of Silverstein Institute and the Ear Research Foundation, has been consistently recognized since 1979 as one of the ‘Best Physicians in the USA.’ He has been a leader in otology for more than 25 years, developing surgical and diagnostic procedures, inventing instruments (such as the facial nerve monitor/stimulator), teaching medical students, residents and fellows, and helping people from all walks of life.
Born in Philadelphia, he received his BS degree from Dickinson College (cum laude), and both MS (in physiology) and MD degrees from Temple University Medical School. Before coming to Sarasota in 1973, he served on the teaching staff of Harvard University Medical School, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary.
He is internationally regarded as a leading authority on Meniere’s disease, having received the Prosper Meniere’s Society’s prestigious Gold Medal Honor Award in 1996 for his contributions to understanding the biochemistry of Meniere’s disease and his surgical developments to treat the disease. He has developed a new procedure for otosclerosis, the Laser STAMP (Laser Stapedotomy Minus Prosthesis), which does not require a prosthesis to restore the patient’s hearing, and many minimally invasive surgical techniques including the Silverstein MicroWick for treating inner ear disease through the ear canal.
In 1979, Dr. Silverstein founded the Ear Research Foundation. Today, he serves as its president, as well as its Medical Director. An active researcher, Dr. Silverstein is the author of over 240 scientific papers, 81 textbooks, and videos. Among his many honors and accolades are the 2nd Howard P. House Award for Excellence in Ear Surgery, and the 10th Prosper Meniere Society Gold Medal Honor Award. Other honors include Presidential Citation: American Academy of Otolaryngology 2002, and Award of Merit: American Otological Society 2006.
Dr. Silverstein is also a jazz pianist, has wrtten 42 songs, produce