George H. Zalzal, MD

Emeritus Chief, Ear, Nose, and Throat (Otolaryngology)

George Zalzal, MD, is professor of Otolaryngology and Pediatrics with tenure at the George Washington University and emeritus chief of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the American University of Beirut (MD in 1979, Otolaryngology in 1983) and University of Cincinnati (Pediatric Otolaryngology in 1985) and stayed on staff for one year. 

Dr. Zalzal moved to Washington, D.C., in 1986 and has been the chief of the division since 1994. The program offers ACGME accredited fellowship training in Pediatric Otolaryngology and also trains residents from George Washington and Georgetown Universities and combined Army and Navy Program. Dr. Zalzal has trained 60 fellows and many more residents over the years. He is regarded as one of the leading experts on the pediatric airway and an authority in pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction.

His awards among many include the Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the Gabriel F. Tucker Award from the American Laryngological Association. He is the author of over 160 publications mostly dedicated to clinical and basic science research as related to pediatric laryngotracheal disorders. He has presented in over 250 national and international meetings.  

Dr. Zalzal is a member of many professional organizations; he was president of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) from 2003-2004. He served for 10 years as the associate editor for JAMA-Archives of Otolaryngology Head and Neck surgery and is on the editorial review board and a reviewer for many specialty journals. 

• Ear, Nose and Throat (Otolaryngology)