The Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at UC Irvine is proud to announce the graduation of its chief residents, Dr. Benjamin Bitner and Dr. Ashley Lonergan. This distinguished pair of physicians have demonstrated outstanding dedication, clinical excellence, and leadership throughout their residency, and they are now prepared to embark on the next phase of their professional journey.

During their tenure at UC Irvine, the chief residents have contributed to groundbreaking research, provided exceptional patient care, and played a vital role in mentoring junior residents. Their commitment to advancing the field of otolaryngology has left a lasting impact on the department and the broader medical community.

As the next step in their journey, Dr. Bitner will be joining the Rhinology & Skull Base Surgery Fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University and Dr. Lonergan will be joining the Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at The Williams Center with Edwin Williams in Latham, NY.

In addition, the department will be saying goodbye to graduating facial plastics and reconstructive surgery fellows Dr. John Ryan and Dr. Rebecca Brady. After graduation, Dr. Ryan will be joining Palo Alto Medical Foundation as an attending surgeon. Dr. Brady will be taking a Faculty position in Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

The UC Irvine Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery extends its heartfelt congratulations to the chief residents and fellows and wishes them success in their future endeavors.