Departments

Otolaryngology Outreach and Community Service

In This Section

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate, and state-of-the-art care for patients with medical and surgical conditions of the head and neck. In addition to clinical excellence, we embrace a broader mission of service – engaging with communities through education, outreach, and advocacy.

Our team contributes to the health and well-being of both local and global populations through initiatives such as support groups, health screenings, charity fundraisers, and volunteer efforts driven by the personal passions of our faculty, staff, and trainees.

We are proud to serve the communities of central Pennsylvania and beyond, and we remain dedicated to building a future of health care that is inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of those we care for.

Local Outreach and Community Service

Cancer screenings and awareness programs
Head and neck cancer support group
Hearing and speech screenings
Hershey Bears Penn State Health and Hockey Fights Cancer Night
Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community
Pennsylvania Walk4Hearing
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central PA
Susquehanna Service Dogs

Global Health

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is dedicated to improving global health through surgical care, hands-on training, and education. Humanitarian outreach trips provide critical access to care for patients – some of whom travel for days to receive treatment – and offer deeply meaningful experiences for the attendings, residents, and fellows involved. The team has completed global health initiatives in Peru, Ghana, Ecuador, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Ukraine.

In partnership with the University of Ghana Medical Center, attendings and residents completed a week-long educational global health trip in Ghana to bolster otolaryngological training and education.

Dr. Jessyka Lighthall has served with the Foundation for the Advancement of Cleft Education and Services (FACES) surgical team in Peru on multiple campaigns.

Faculty and resident Dr. Cheng Ma completed proctored surgeries with the University of Ghana Medical Center trainees as part of their educational global health trip.

Dr. Heather Schopper and Dr. Jessyka Lighthall traveled to Ecuador on a cleft lip and palate surgical mission with Operation of Hope.

With the FACES Foundation, Dr. Jessyka Lighthall and Dr. Heather Schopper, pictured, traveled to Peru, performing dozens of cleft lip and palate surgeries for patients in need.

Ways to Give

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is supported by funds from private philanthropy, institutional grants and patient service revenue. While every source of funding is important, private philanthropic support is especially vital to the success of our department.

Gifts help our team reach new heights of innovation, expand our local and global outreach, continue to provide high-quality education and enhance otolaryngology care worldwide.

Donate Now

Make a donation now to support our mission.

Explore Giving Options

Learn about different ways to contribute.

Creating Smiles Around the World

Repairing Head and Neck War Injuries

Medical Education Mission in Ghana

A Professional Portrait of Jill McClelland

Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic conditions among older adults, affecting nearly one in three people aged 65–74, and half of those over 75, yet only a small fraction seek help. Left unaddressed, hearing loss can contribute to feelings of isolation and has been strongly linked to cognitive decline. In fact, age-related hearing loss is now recognized as the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia.
By providing these free hearing screenings, we’re helping people take that first step toward a healthier, more connected life. It’s a small action that can make a big difference and I’m proud to be part of it.
Dr. Jill McClelland
Manager, Audiology Services at Penn State Health

A Professional Portrait of Dr. Jessyka Lighthall

Read the story here of a young patient, who underwent surgery and speech therapy through the Foundation for the Advancement of Cleft Education and Services (FACES) in Peru, who found her voice – both literally and figuratively. She went on to graduate with a degree in engineering and now works professionally in the field. Today, she gives back by volunteering with the same program that helped transform her life.
These trips are an emotional reset for us and remind us why we got into medicine in the first place. We work very hard, but we get back probably more than we give through the emotional reset and the relationships we build. It’s a really lovely feeling.
Dr. Jessyka Lighthall
Division Chief, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

A Professional Portrait of Dr. Neerav Goyal

Our goal with the support group is to provide meaningful resources and a sense of camaraderie for those navigating a head and neck cancer diagnosis. This group brings together survivors and caregivers who truly understand the journey and can offer real, compassionate support. Together, we foster a community of strength, understanding, and hope – so no one has to face cancer alone.
Dr. Neerav Goyal
Division Chief, Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery