This competition is available to residents training in a Canadian otolaryngology-head and neck surgery program. It recognizes, in memoriam, the name of Jacques Poliquin, who was a prominent otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, researcher, and educator. Dr. Poliquin fostered this competition in its formative years.
The goal of the Poliquin Resident Research Competition (PRRC) is to:
The Awards Chair will select four additional judges who are members in good standing of the Society. It will be the Chairs responsibility to consider balancing institutional, geographic and subspecialty representation while ensuring that the academic rigor of the committee.
The committee will select the following awards :
The Society will reimburse successful candidates’ expenses to the annual meeting by providing return economy airfare and meeting registration at the earlybird rate (up to $1000 with reciepts). Participants have up to 60-days to submit their expenses after the annual meeting at which they have presented. Reimbursement does not apply for virtual events.
The competition is open to all residents training in a Canadian otolaryngology-head and neck surgery program. A paper may be submitted any time during the candidate’s training and no later than the first competition year following completion of the training period. Residents who are enrolled in a graduate program during their residency are eligible to submit to the Poliquin competition. Residents are only permitted to submit one abstract to the competition per year.
One (1) prize will be awarded for Outstanding Research with a cash value of $1,000. Three (3) additional Research Awards will be presented with a value of $500 each. The winners’ names and project titles will become part of an ongoing Society listing.
The Society receives many more submissions than are ultimately selected for presentation at the Poliquin Resident Research Competition. Late withdrawal of a submission precludes others the opportunity for presentation. Please note that the withdrawal date for the 2024 Poliquin competition is April 19, 2024. After that date a sanction decided by the Awards Committee Chair for both the resident and supervisor will apply.
An accepted candidate must include a letter from their program director or otolaryngology supervisor confirming their status as a resident at a Canadian program and that they were responsible for the design, analysis and manuscript composition of the research project.
Once again, we would like to remind candidates that the quality of the manuscript factors greatly into whether they will be a strong candidate for a research award. It must be of publication quality to be considered. It is strongly suggested that you start working on your submission as soon as possible and carefully review it with your supervisor to ensure it is of top quality.
Abstract Submission Deadline – December 30, 2023
Withdrawal of Submission – April 19, 2024
Manuscript Submission & Letter from Program Director (For accepted candidates only) – May 3, 2024
2024
OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD WINNER
Dr. Jess Rhee, Western University, London, ON – “Reducing Unnecessary X-Rays for Nasal Fractures: A Quality Improvement Project”
RESEARCH AWARD WINNERS:
Dr. Hugh Kim, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON – “Analysis of mandibular osteotomy angles to optimize plate patient stress”
Dr. Fatima Ramazani, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB – “The Future of Local and Regional Flap Reconstruction with Virtual Reconstructive Techniques”
Dr. Tanya Chen, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON – “Resource utilization and cost analysis of pediatric esophageal foreign bodies”
2023
OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD WINNER
Dr. J. Reid, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Development and Validation of a 3D-Printed Middle Ear Dissection Model and Competency-Based Curriculum for Teaching Endoscopic Ear Surgery
RESEARCH AWARD WINNERS
Dr. E. Aleksa, Western University, London, ON
Exploring Burnout in Canadian Otolaryngologists – A Mixed Methods Study
X.C Hong, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Oral Cavity Cancer in Young Patients: A Multi-Institutional Study of the Canadian Head & Neck Collaborative Research Initiative
Dr. T. Chen, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Socioeconomic Status as a Risk Factor for Pediatric Esophageal Foreign Body Ingestion
2022
OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD WINNER
Dr. Alexander Clark, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
The Need for Tympanostomy Tubes in Children with Recurrent Acute Otitis Media Without Middle Ear Effusion
RESEARCH AWARD WINNERS
Dr. Sena Turkdogan, McGill University, Montréal, QC
Effect of Perioperative Patient Education via Animated Videos in Patients Undergo- ing Head and Neck Surgery; A Randomized Clinical Trial
Dr. Christopher Noel, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Algorithm Predicting Emergen- cy Department Use and Unplanned Hospitalization in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Dr. John JW Lee, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cigarette Smoking Cessation, Duration of Smoking Abstinence, and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Prognosis
2021
OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD WINNER
Dr. Jennifer Siu, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Development of a Neural Network Model to Predict Longterm Mortality in Patients Eligible for Tracheostomy in the
ICU
RESEARCH AWARD WINNERS
Dr. Amr Hamour & Dr. John JW Lee, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Development of a Murine Model for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Dr. Ryan Instrum, Western University, LONDON, ON
Does Parathyroidectomy Reverse Mortality Risk in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism?: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Dr. Victoria Kuta, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
Treatment Choices in the Management of Bethesda III and IV Thyroid Nodules: A Multi-institutional Study
2020
OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD WINNER
Dr. Devin Piccott, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
National Access to Otolaryngology Surgical Care: Demographic and Geographic Variation in Rates of Otolaryngology Surgery in Canada
RESEARCH AWARD WINNERS
Dr. Justin Cottrell, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Quality Indicators for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media in Children
Dr. Jonathan Melong, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
The Effect of Tongue-tie Research on Speech Sound Articulation in Children Presenting with Speech Concerns
Dr. Christopher Noel, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
The Impact of Immigration Status and Ethnicity on Head & Neck Cancer Outcome: A Population Based Study
2019
OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD WINNER
Dr. Marco Mascarella, McGill University, MONTREAL, QC
Head and Neck Surgery Risk Index: Predicting 30-day Postoperative Major Adverse Events
RESEARCH AWARD WINNERS
Dr. Nathan Yang, Université de Montréal, MONTREAL, QC
Rapid Tissue Identification in Thyroid Surgery Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Dr. Priya Sivarajah, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Association Between Frailty Status and Post-operative Morbidity and Mortality Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Dr. David Forner, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
Turn Analysis and Patient Centeredness in Pediatric Otolaryngology Surgery
Consultations
2018
OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD WINNER
Dr. David Forner, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
Oncological and Functional Outcomes Following Transoral Laser Microsurgery in Patients with T2a vs T2b Glottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma
RESEARCH AWARD WINNERS
Dr. Érika Mercier, Université de Montréal, MONTREAL, QC
Assessment of Surgical Competency for Neck Dissection: A Prospective Validation Study
Dr. Josie Xu, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Effectiveness of Discovery Learning Using a Mobile Otoscopy Simulator on Knowledge Acquisition and Retention in Medical Students
Dr. Jessica Clark, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Donor Site Morbidity Following Radial Forearm Free Flap Reconstruction with Split Thickness Skin Grafts Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
2017
Non-Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Adrian Mendez, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Brief Electrical Stimulation and Synkinesis After Facial Nerve Crush Injury: A Randomized Prospective Animal Study
2nd Place – Dr. Christopher Yao, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
System Users May Be At Risk for Early Onset Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Scott Murray, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Management of Persistent Epistaxis Using A Thrombin Hemostatic Matrix vs Traditional Nasal Packing: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
2nd Place – Dr. Nicolas Tkaczyk, University of Manitoba, WINNIPEG, MB
Late Effects of Treatment Following Radiation for Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer
2016
Non-Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Sherif Idris, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Investigation of EZH2 Pathways for Novel Epigenetic Treatment Strategies in Oropharyngeal Cancer
2nd Place – Dr. Faisal Alzahrani, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
Hippo Signaling in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Brittany Barber, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Brief Electrical Stimulation (BES) for Prevention of Shoulder Dysfunction After Oncologic Neck Dissection: A Randomized Controlled Trial
2nd Place – Dr. Krupal Patel, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
Treatment of Early Stage Supraglottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Meta-analysis Comparing Primary Surgery versus Primary Radiotherapy
2015
Non-Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Elise Graham, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
Identification of Serum microRNA Biomarkers as a Potential Diagnostic Tool in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
2nd Place – Dr. Adrian Mendez, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Brief Electrical Stimulation After Facial Nerve Transection and Neurorrhaphy: A Randomized Prospective Animal Study
Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Michael Roskies, McGill University, MONTREAL, QC
3-phase Dual-energy CT Scan as a Feasible Salvage Imaging Modality for the Identification of Non-localizing Parathyroid Adenomas: A Prospective Study
2nd Place – Dr. Brittany Barber, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Depression as a Predictive Factor of Postoperative Functional Performance Status and Treatment Adherence in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study
2014
Non-Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Timothy Cooper, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Oncolytic Activity of Novel Reovirus Mutants in HPV Positive and Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
2nd Place – Dr. Rickul Varshney, McGill University, MONTREAL, QC
A Rhinology High Fidelity Surgical Simulator: An Initial Validation Study
Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Han Zhang, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Metabolic Tumour Volume as a Prognostic Factor for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Primary Surgery
2nd Place – Dr. Edward Park, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Predictors of Round Window Accessibility via Facial Recess Approach Based on Pre-Operative CT Petrous Bones Imaging
2013
Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Fawaz M. Makki, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
CO2 Laser versus Cold Steel Margin Analysis Following Endoscopic Excision of Glottic Cancer
2nd Place – Dr. Caroline C. Jeffery, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Association Between Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma in Northern Alberta: A Population-based Study
Non-Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Vinay T. Fernandes, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Development of an Ototoxicity Model in Adult CBA/CaJ Mouse and Determination of a Golden Window of Corticosteroid Intervention for Otoprotection
2nd Place – Dr. Xiao Zhao, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
The Role of Neural Precursor Cells and Self Assembling Peptides in Nerve Regeneration
2012
Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Jeffrey Yeung, University of Ottawa, OTTAWA, ON
The New Age of Play Audiometry: Validation Testing of an iPad-based Play Audiometer
2nd Place – Dr. Vincent Biron, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Surgical vs Ultrasound-guided Drainage of Deep Neck Space Abscesses: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Non-Clinical
1st Place – Dr. Nikolaus Wolter, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Propranolol as a Novel Adjunctive Treatment for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
2nd Place – Dr. Aman Grewal, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Corticosteroid Uptake in Auditory Hair Cells via Trans-tympanic versus Systemic Administration
2011
Dr. B.J.Hubbard, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
A Novel Low-Cost System for Posturography: A Platform for Longitudinal Balance Telemetry??
Dr. J. Szudek, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Can uHear Me Now? Validation of An iPhone-based Hearing Loss Screening Test
2010
Dr. James P. Bonaparte, University of Ottawa, OTTAWA, ON
Healing Time of Radial Forearm Free Flap Donor Sites After Pre-operative Tissue Expansion: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Dr. Praby Singh, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Heparin vs Tirofiban in Microvascular Anastomosis: A Randomized Trial in a Rat Model
2009
Dr. Clarke Bartlett, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
Treatment of Patulous Eustachian Tube Using Mass Loading of the Eardrum
Dr. Ashlin Alexander, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
From Fragments to the Whole: A Comparison Between Cochlear Implant Users and Normal Hearing Listeners in Music Perception and Enjoyment
2008
Basic Sciences – Dr. John De Almedia, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Testing Biomechanical Strength of Grafts Sealed with Adjuncts in an Ex Vivo and in Vivo Models of CSF Leaks
Clinical Research – Dr. Scott Hamilton, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
Microvascular Changes in Oral Mucositis
2007
Basic Sciences – Dr. Jay Zhu, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Efficacy of Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Preventing Free Flap Failure: A Rat Model. Venous Thrombosis in Microvascular Surgery in the Rat Model
Clinical Research – Dr. Jason Chau, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
The Radial Forearm Donor Site – A Comparison of the Functional and Cosmetic Outcomes of Different Reconstructive Methods
2006
Basic Sciences – Dr. S. Roberge, Universite de Sherbrooke, SHERBROOKE, QC
Influence of the Level of Consciousness on the Frequency of Non-nutritional Swallows and Their Coordination with Breathing in Adult Sheep
Clinical Research – Dr. M.G. Brandt, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
A Randomized Control Trial of Fluorescence Guided Surgical Excision of Nonmelanotic Cutaneous Malignancies
2005
Basic Sciences – Dr. Jordon Hochman, University of Manitoba, WINNIPEG, MB
Prevention of Aminoglycoside Induced Ototoxicity in Mice with the Free Radical Scavenging Agent Sodium Thiosulfate
Clinical Research – Dr. Maya Sardesai, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
Donor Site Morbidity following Radial Forearm Free Tissue Transfer
2004
Basic Sciences – Dr. Timothy Wallace, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
Endoscopic Transantral Repair of Orbital Floor Fractures: A Computer Tomography Volumetric Analysis Using A Cadaveric Model
Basic Sciences – Dr. Brad Mechor, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
A Positive Margin Resection Mouse Model
Clinical Research – Dr. Sebastien Bathalon, Universite de Sherbrooke, SHERBROOKE, QC
Visualization in the Teaching of Criothyroidotomy
2003
Basic Sciences – Dr. Brian Rotenberg, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Pediatric Laryngeal Paralysis: A New Proposed Surgical Therapy
Clinical Research – Dr. Ali Moshaver, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Early Operative Intervention vs Conventional Treatment in Epistaxis: A Randomized Prospective Trial
2002
Basic Sciences – Dr. Paul van der Sloot, University of Alberta, EDMONTON, AB
Vascularized Periosteum and Osteogenesis: A Comparison of Bone Carriers.
Clinical Research – Dr. Jason Atlas, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
Intratympanic Gentamicin Titration Therapy for Intractable Menieres Disease – 5 Year Follow-up.
2001
Basic Sciences – Dr. Paolo Campisi, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Overview of the Radiology, Histology, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein Expression during Distraction Osteogenesis of the Mandible.
Clinical Research – Dr. Murad Husein, McGill University, MONTREAL, QC
Assessment of the Subglottis in the Paediatric Population Using Ultrasound, Bronchoscopy and Endotracheal Tube Sizing.
2000
Clinical Research – Dr. M. Korman, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Topical Preparations for Nasal Endoscopic Examination
Basic Sciences – Dr. S. Abov-Khalil, McGill University, MONTREAL, QC
Clinical Applications of a Finite-Element Model of the Human Middle Ear
1999
Clinical Research – Dr. Richard Liu, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
The Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Pedicled Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction – Indications and Results in 249 Cases at the Toronto Hospital.
Basic Sciences – Dr. Jonathan Trites, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
Early Steps in Nodal Metastasis: New Insights with In Vivo Microscopy.
1998
Clinical Research – Dr. Mark Emery, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
An Investigation of Dysphagia in the Tracheotomized Patient Using a Speaking Valve.
Basic Sciences – Dr. David Lemaire, Universite de Sherbrooke, SHERBROOKE, QC
Animal Model for the Study of Laryngeal Function during Apnea Phenomenon.
Basic Science – Dr. Danny Enepedikes, McGill University, MONTREAL, QC
The Independent and Combined Effects of RAR-, RXR-, and VDR- Selective Ligands on the Growth of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Vitro.
1997
Clinical Research – Dr. Shirley Lo, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
CT Analysis of Tumour Volume in T2/T3 Cancer of the Larynx: Its Prognostic Significance.
Basic Sciences – Dr. M.M. Elahi, McGill University, MONTREAL, QC
Ultrasound in the Assessment of Craniomaxillofacial Bone Thickness.
1996
Clinical Research – Dr. Terry Liu, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Laryngostroboscopy following Botulinum Toxin Injection in Spasmodic Dysphonia.
Basic Sciences – Dr. Mark Prince, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
Effect of Upper Airway Passages on Craniofacial Growth in an Animal Model: A Pilot Study.
1995
Clinical Research – Dr. Stanley Mah, University of British Columbia, VANCOUVER, BC
Functional Results in Oral Cavity Reconstruction Using Reinnervated vs Non-reinnervated Free Fasciocutaneous Grafts.
Basic Science – Dr. Adam Toth, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
Neuronal Differentiation of Modified Myoepithelial Cells within Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas and Polymorphous Low-Grade Adenocarcinomas.
Basic Sciences – Dr. Paul Moxham, University of British Columbia, VANCOUVER, BC
TGF-B1 in a Guanidine-Extracted Demineralized Bone Matrix Carrier Rapidly Closes a Rabbit Critical Calvarial Defect.
1994
Clinical Research – Dr. David Wong, University of TORONTO, TORONTO, ON
The Effect of Neuromuscular Activity on Botox Injections in Spasodic Dysphonia.
Basic Sciences – Dr. Jamie Rappaport, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
Auditory Temporal Resolution in Multiple Sclerosis.
1993
Clinical Research – Dr. Manohar Bance, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Clinical Decision and Cost Analysis for Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis.
Basic Sciences – Dr. Anthony Zeitouni, McGill University, MONTREAL, QC
Functional Imaging of Head and Neck Tumors Using Positron Emission Tomography.
Basic Sciences – Dr. Andrew Golde, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
The Oxygen Optode: An Improved Method for Assessing Flap Bloodflow Viability.
1992
Clinical Research – Dr. Sunil Ummat, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
Anatomy and Development of the Osteomeatal Unit in Childhood – A Radiological Study.
Basic Sciences – Dr. Robert Mounsey, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Ischemic Pre-conditioning and Deferoxamine in the Prevention of Ischemic Necrosis in Skeletal Muscle: A Pig Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap Model.
1991
Clinical Research – Dr. Greg Chernoff, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
The Potential Clinical Impact of the Fine-Needle Aspiration/Flow Cytometric Diagnosis of Malignant Lymphoma.
Basic Sciences – Dr. David Cheung, Dalhousie University, HALIFAX, NS
The Surgical Approach to the Sphenoid Sinus.
1990
Clinical Research – Dr. Jeff Jones, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
Radioprotective Effect of Superoxide Scavenging Enzymes.
Basic Sciences – Dr. David Finkelstein, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Cell Surface Recognition Determinants Involved in Triggering the Lymphokine Activated Killer (LAK) Tumor Lysis Phenomenon.
1989
Clinical Research – Dr. Andre Tan, McGill University, MONTREAL, QC
Hospitalized Croup (Bacterial and Viral): Trends in Management
Basic Sciences – Dr. Jonathan Irish, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Oncogenes in Head & Neck Cancer
1988 Dr. Ted Bojanowski, University of British Columbia, VANCOUVER, BC
Analogue Signal Representation of the Medical Superior Olive in the Cat
1987 Dr. Graham Bryce, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
The Cross-sectional Osteology of the Midface
1986 Dr. Rachael Cormier, University of Ottawa, OTTAWA, ON
The Cell Mediated Response of the Guinea Pig’s Middle Ear
1985 Dr. Ralph Gilbert, University of Toronto, TORONTO, ON
Prognosis for Advanced Laryngeal Carcinoma with Thyroid Gland Involvement
1984 Dr. Lorne Parnes, University of Western Ontario, LONDON, ON
The Effect on Hearing of Posterior Semi-circular Canal Occlusion in Guinea Pigs