To Joseph Sugerman, MD, a leading ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist in Beverly Hills, human vocal cords are like finely tuned guitar strings or violins. They can be easily damaged by wear and tear and require the best of care to last a lifetime.
For nearly 50 years, Dr. Sugerman has been providing patient-centered, personalized care to performers and non-performers alike, helping them preserve and restore their voices and prevent and treat hearing loss, as well as other conditions of the ear, nose and throat.
As an adjunct faculty member in the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery , and distinguished alumnus of its Residency Program, he also has helped shape the careers of future ENT specialists.
Now, singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks—the first woman inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—has made a major gift to establish the Stevie Nicks and Joseph Sugerman, MD, Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology. Her contribution completed the $3 million goal for the endowed chair, which was also supported by generous gifts from other donors, all seeking to honor their longtime friend and caregiver.
Well-Deserved Recognition
“The Stevie Nicks and Joseph Sugerman, MD, Endowed Chair pays tribute to Dr. Sugerman’s extraordinary impact on patients, trainees, and the field of Otolaryngology,” said John S. Oghalai, MD, Leon J. Tiber and David S. Alpert Professor, and Chair, USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. “We are deeply appreciative of the generous donors who contributed to the establishment of this chair.”
The inaugural holder of the Stevie Nicks and Joseph Sugerman, MD, Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology is Michael M. Johns, MD, director of the USC Voice Center, and a world-class expert in professional voice care.
The mission of the USC Voice Center, which Dr. Johns established in 2017, is to improve the quality of life for individuals with voice, swallowing, and airway disorders. The center achieves this goal through a true interprofessional approach to promoting health, preventing and curing disease, advancing biomedical research, and educating health care providers. It is a vibrant and growing center, with satellite clinics throughout Los Angeles.
“I am touched and humbled by the support of my patients who have extended themselves to create this endowed chair, which will be dedicated to advancing vocal medicine,” said Dr. Sugerman. “I’m especially excited that this will strengthen the outstanding programs at the USC Voice Center.”
Grateful Donors
The idea to recognize Dr. Sugerman’s accomplishments by raising $3 million to establish an endowed chair came from Anita May Rosenstein and her husband, Arnold. Other patients quickly stepped forward to express their gratitude to their one-of-a-kind ENT physician.
“I am deeply grateful to the donors who recognize the importance of an endowed chair as a means to ensure that our Voice Center work will flourish for years to come," said Carolyn Meltzer, Dean of the Keck School of Medicine of USC and May S. and John H. Hooval, MD, Dean’s Chair.
The giving cohort includes the Bloomfield Family Foundation, Barbara and Gary Brandt Family Foundation, James & Deborah Burrows Foundation, Crawford Family Foundation, Anne and Kirk Douglas Foundation, Lowell Milken Family Foundation, Arnold & Anita Rosenstein Family Foundation, The Fran and Ray Stark Foundation, and Howard Ruby.
Nicks is a solo artist and member of Fleetwood Mac, a pioneering American rock band she joined in 1974. Rolling Stone has called her the “Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll” and included her in its “100 Greatest Songwriters” and “100 Greatest Singers” of all time.
Her connection to USC dates back to 1979, when Fleetwood Mac invited the USC Trojan Marching Band to record the title track of their album, Tusk, at Dodger Stadium and to perform with them live on tour. The results led to both bands earning platinum albums.
Nicks has been no stranger throughout her stage and recording career to the value of an experienced hearing and vocal care specialist.
“Through late nights on the road, years of touring, hours in the recording studio, I always knew I could count on Dr. Sugerman to be there to help keep my voice healthy, just as he does for his other patients,” said Nicks. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to acknowledge his talent and insights and mark his many years of outstanding practice.”
About Dr. Joe Sugerman
Dr. Sugerman’s association with USC has been long and productive—for himself and the university. After graduating from the Chicago School of Medicine, he completed his internship at USC, followed by his ENT residency, also at the LAC-USC Medical Center, now known as the Los Angeles General Medical Center.
In 1978, Dr. Sugerman joined a prominent ENT practice in Beverly Hills, known for treating renowned singers. After the retirement of his mentor, he took over the clinic, which flourished under his leadership. Today, the walls of his clinic showcase gold records and platinum albums reflecting his status as a leading ENT specialist for many well-known performers.
The founding of the Stevie Nicks and Joseph Sugerman, MD, Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology represents another step forward in Dr. Sugerman’s shining career. With the appointment of the chair holder, Dr. Sugerman is excited to create the preeminent Voice Center on the West Coast, in collaboration with Dr. Oghalai and Dr. Johns.
“I couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds,” said Dr. Sugerman.