In April 2016, we were saddened by the sudden loss of Dr. Niparko, Tiber-Alpert Professor and Chair of the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Niparko arrived at Keck Medicine of USC in 2013 from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he was a professor and Interim Director of the Department of Otolaryngology.
An author of more than 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts and investigator on numerous NIH- and foundation-funded grants, Niparko attained his bachelor’s degree and medical degree from the University of Michigan.
After arriving at Keck Medicine of USC, Niparko oversaw the dramatic expansion of the research faculty in the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. His tenure was associated with a significant increase in NIH-funded research in the department. Within the first year and a half of his arrival, the department was ranked in the top 10 in funding in the United States. He also helped strategically recruit new clinical faculty members to increase the services and expertise available at Keck Medicine of USC. Patients always had access to Niparko whenever it was necessary, including by house calls and weekend clinic hours.
One of the clinical highlights of Niparko’s work at Keck Medicine of USC was his involvement in creating the USC Caruso Family Center for Childhood Communication. Niparko brought in a team of interdisciplinary specialists to provide a full continuum of care, including educational and rehabilitation services, after children receive a cochlear implant.
It was evident to Niparko’s medical school teachers that he would become a great leader. He was a gifted communicator who could engage with people from a wide array of backgrounds and education. Always inspiring, he was selfless and a true humanitarian who treated everybody with respect.
A highly regarded leader in clinical and research advancements, Niparko performed the definitive clinical trial that convincingly demonstrated cochlear implantation at a young age leads to significant improvement in speech and language.1 This evidence-based medicine not only allowed hearing-impaired children to hear at an earlier age but also allowed them to develop cognitively at a normal rate, which could lead to improvements in their quality of life.
“[Niparko] fought to open a pediatric clinic and serve all children… in the greater Los Angeles area and provide outreach, so that schools, hospitals, teachers and parents were educated [about cochlear implantation].”
Ashley Foster, MPH, Senior Clinical Administrative Director in the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, recalled that before Niparko’s arrival, “there was limited access to services for pediatric cochlear implantation, activation and rehabilitation [in southern California]. [Niparko] fought to open a pediatric clinic and serve all children… in the greater Los Angeles area and provide outreach, so that schools, hospitals, teachers and parents were educated [about cochlear implantation]. [Niparko] encouraged that hearing-impaired children receive cochlear implants before 12 months of age.”
Dr. Niparko enjoyed time with colleagues, and always strived to raise the bar for those in the department.
Niparko’s commitment to mentoring residents and junior faculty distinguished him from other faculty members. He was a very involved mentor who would engage with junior colleagues on a frequent basis. He raised the bar for all of his colleagues and always strived to perform better than before.
Lindsay S. Reder, M.D., Assistant Professor, Clinical Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, said, “Dr. Niparko acted for me as a role model, mentor and friend. When I started my career under his wings, he provided a sense of safety, support and empowered me to strive for my goals that he was confident I could achieve. During tough patient-related moments, Dr Niparko imparted warmth and guidance; he was mindful to improve my visibility in our community; and he constantly counselled me to go above and beyond in my academic endeavors.”
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