About

Michael A. Holliday, MD, is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, and earned his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from Duke University. He completed his medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School and his Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery training at Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Holliday also completed subspecialty training in Laryngology at UCLA, enabling him to treat complex disorders of the larynx, including vocal cord, airway, and swallowing disorders. His clinical focus includes general otolaryngology and laryngology disorders, with particular expertise in treating voice and airway issues. He strives to provide top-notch medical and surgical care to his patients.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Internal medicine
• Materials science
• Medical education
• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Anesthesia
• Waste management
• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Business
• Medical emergency

Selected publications

• In Response to <i>Regarding: Postoperative Gabapentin's Effect on Opioid Consumption and Pain Control Following Sinonasal Surgery</i>

  The Laryngoscope · 2023-02-22 · 1 citations

  letter
  PublisherDOI

• Simulation‐based workshop for emergency preparedness in otolaryngology

  Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology · 2023 · 4 citations

  • Medicine
  • Medical education
  • Medical emergency

  Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a hands-on simulation-based course with emphasis on procedural techniques, clinical reasoning, and communication skills developed to improve junior Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) residents' preparedness in managing otolaryngologic emergencies. Methods: Junior OHNS residents and faculty from residency programs in California, Nevada, and Arizona participated in this workshop in 2020 and 2021. The stations featured airway management techniques, ultrasound-guided needle aspiration, nasoseptal hematoma evacuation, and facial fracture repair using various models and cadavers. Participants completed a pre-workshop survey, post-workshop survey, and 2-month follow-up survey that assessed resident anxiety and confidence in three OHNS emergency situations across knowledge, manual skills, and teamwork using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: < .01). Data collected for the epistaxis station showed decreasing confidence and increasing anxiety following the workshop. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of a workshop in preparing junior residents in potentially lifesaving otolaryngologic techniques that residents will encounter. Optimizing use of simulation centered training can inform the future of residency education, improving confidence and decreasing anxiety in residents responsible for the safety of patients. Level of Evidence: III.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Postoperative Gabapentin's Effect on Opioid Consumption and Pain Control Following Sinonasal Surgery

  The Laryngoscope · 2022 · 5 citations

  • Medicine
  • Anesthesia
  • Surgery

  OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the impact of postoperative gabapentin on opioid consumption and pain control following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and/or septoplasty. METHODS: Patients who underwent ESS and/or septoplasty at a single institution from 2021 to 2022 were enrolled. All patients received postoperative hydrocodone-acetaminophen for pain control. Half of the patients were also prescribed gabapentin for the first postoperative day in addition to hydrocodone-acetaminophen. Subjects completed the Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire 24 h and 7 days after surgery. We conducted a multivariable regression analysis to assess opioid consumption and improvement in pain scores in the first week between gabapentin and non-gabapentin groups. RESULTS: A total of 102 subjects, 51 in each arm, were enrolled. The mean age was 52 years and 53% of participants were female. Controlling for important baseline demographic, clinical, and surgically related variables, the addition of postoperative gabapentin was associated with a 44% (9.5 mg from 21.6 mg) reduction in opioids consumed in the first postoperative week (B = -9.54, 95% C.I. = [-17.84, -1.24], p = 0.025). In addition, patients in both arms exhibited similar improvement in pain severity and sleep interference in the first 7 days (B = -1.59, 95% C.I. = [-5.03, 1.84], p = 0.36). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the impact of postoperative gabapentin on opioid consumption and pain control following ESS and/or septoplasty. Our analysis demonstrated that postoperative gabapentin effectively reduced opioid use during the first postoperative week without compromising pain control. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1065-1072, 2023.

  PublisherDOI

• Decontamination Methods for Reuse of Filtering Facepiece Respirators

  JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery · 2020 · 23 citations

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Waste management
  • Environmental science
  • Medicine

  Importance: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has proven to be highly infectious, putting health care professionals around the world at increased risk. Furthermore, there are widespread shortages of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for these individuals. Filtering facepiece respirators, such as the N95 respirator, intended for single use, can be reused in times of need. We explore the evidence for decontamination or sterilization of N95 respirators for health care systems seeking to conserve PPE while maintaining the health of their workforce. Observations: The filtration properties and fit of N95 respirators must be preserved to function adequately over multiple uses. Studies have shown that chemical sterilization using soap and water, alcohols, and bleach render the respirator nonfunctional. Decontamination with microwave heat and high dry heat also result in degradation of respirator material. UV light, steam, low-dry heat, and commercial sterilization methods with ethylene oxide or vaporized hydrogen peroxide appear to be viable options for successful decontamination. Furthermore, since the surface viability of the novel coronavirus is presumed to be 72 hours, rotating N95 respirator use and allowing time decontamination of the respirators is also a reasonable option. We describe a protocol and best practice recommendations for redoffing decontaminated N95 and rotating N95 respirator use. Conclusions and Relevance: COVID-19 presents a high risk for health care professionals, particularly otolaryngologists, owing to the nature of viral transmission, including possible airborne transmission and high viral load in the upper respiratory tract. Proper PPE is effective when used correctly, but in times of scarce resources, institutions may turn to alternative methods of preserving and reusing filtering facepiece respirators. Based on studies conducted on the decontamination of N95 respirators after prior outbreaks, there are several options for institutions to consider for both immediate and large-scale implementation.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Laryngeal Pilar Cyst Masquerading as an Internal/External Laryngocele

  Clinical Medicine Insights Ear Nose and Throat · 2018-01-01 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to document and describe a case of a laryngeal pilar cyst and to review the literature. METHODS: We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman with a laryngeal pilar cyst presenting with occasional ear pain and positional dyspnea, with imaging studies suggesting external/internal laryngocele. We also review the existing clinical literature. RESULTS: Pilar cysts are adnexal skin lesions most commonly found in the scalp of elderly women. They generally have a benign course, but in rare instances single or multiple foci of proliferating cells can lead to the neoplastic formation of proliferating trichilemmal cysts, which carry malignant potential. Depending on the location of the cyst, pilar cysts may also present functional challenges for the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we describe a pilar cyst in and around the larynx appearing initially as a laryngocele. Pilar cysts may present surrounding the larynx and may be mistaken for a vast array of pathologies. It is important to keep the differential broad when evaluating laryngeal masses.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Low‐cost modular phonosurgery training station: Development and validation

  The Laryngoscope · 2015-01-19 · 27 citations

  article1st authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: Phonosurgery requires technical precision and careful tissue handling. Typically, phonosurgical procedures require single-operator techniques, making it difficult for novice residents to develop necessary skills. We developed a low-cost phonosurgery simulator to allow practice and acquisition of microlaryngeal skills. STUDY DESIGN: Validation study assessing the simulator's face and content validity in surgical education. METHODS: For construction, the simulator is composed of a simulation station and laryngeal modules, each constructed with inexpensive, easily accessible materials including plywood and polyvinyl chloride pipe. Laryngeal modules were constructed using rubber bands, bacitracin, and plastic wrap to simulate layers of the true vocal fold. Three separate modules were developed to address specific skills: 1) basic instrumentation; 2) papilloma debulking; 3) subepithelial and epithelial lesion excision. Papillomas, subepithelial, and epithelial lesions were simulated with grapefruit, caulk, and suture, respectively. The Kantor-Berci video laryngoscope was used for visualization. For validation, face and content validity were assessed by attending otolaryngologists (n = 16), who performed the three specific skills using the simulation station and completed a 5-point Likert-type postsimulation questionnaire. RESULTS: Most participants (89%) strongly agreed that the simulator incorporates essential phonosurgery skills and that portions of the model simulated an actual case (content validity). All participants (100%) agreed that the simulator is an adequate training device to increase resident competency and would be interested in using it to train residents (face validity). CONCLUSION: This simulator has the potential to be an important component of phonosurgical education and preoperative preparation. Advantages include a realistic experience, modular design, and inexpensive construction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

  PublisherDOI

• Use of Polyglycolic Acid Nerve Conduit (Neurotube) to Alleviate Pedicle Kinking in Microvascular Anastomosis

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery · 2014-01-28 · 4 citations

  article1st author

  Sir: Pedicle kinking in microvascular anastomosis has not been studied rigorously, but “common sense” precautions regarding pedicle orientation and postoperative positioning have long been emphasized.1 In this Viewpoint, we describe a free flap in which intraoperative kinking of the pedicle artery was alleviated with an absorbable polyglycolic acid nerve conduit (Neurotube; Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Birmingham, Ala.). A patient with oral cancer underwent composite mandibulectomy and fibula free flap reconstruction for a large mandible and skin defect. The fibula was harvested, and end-to-end anastomosis from the lingual to the peroneal artery was performed with interrupted suture. Venous coupling was performed between the venae comitantes and the superior thyroid and facial veins. The flap reperfused after removal of hemoclips, but after draping the pedicle in the wound, a 60-degree kink of the pedicle artery was noted just distal to the anastomosis, compromising distal flow (Fig. 1).Fig. 1: Kinking of the pedicle artery 5 mm from the anastomosis. The kink obscures the coupled vein.To alleviate the kinking, the polyglycolic acid nerve conduit (inside diameter, 4 mm; length, 2 cm) was cut along its long axis and wrapped around the kinked artery as a sheath, straightening the pedicle (Fig. 2). Distal perfusion was restored, and the defect was closed. The acute flap-healing period was uneventful.Fig. 2: Neurotube applied to the pedicle artery (background) and pedicle vein (foreground).The corrugated polyglycolic acid tube is typically used as a biodegradable nerve conduit to guide nerve regeneration. It bioabsorbs within 3 months and is characterized by high porosity, flexibility, safety, and efficacy compared with other devices and the criterion standard nerve autograft.2,3 Theoretical drawbacks are related to acidic degradation products, which could induce tissue necrosis, but this does not appear to have a clinical effect.3,4 During microvascular anastomosis, care is taken to optimize the three-dimensional geometry of the flap. In a series by Urken et al. identifying pitfalls of pedicle geometry, kinking was found at the mesentery of one flap and at the site of excess redundancy in another.1 A later study examining 200 free flaps by the same group suggested that kinking causes venous hypertension and retrograde thrombosis.5 To optimize pedicle geometry, it is placed longitudinally to prevent kinking with side-to-side motion of the patient’s head.1 Intraoperatively, the authors move the neck through a full range of motion to evaluate tension. Creating a tension-free anastomosis is encouraged, but excess redundancy may cause kinking. Despite positioning the patient to avoid turning the head toward the pedicle side, the postoperative patient instinctively withdraws from the source of pain—the surgical site—which will increase tension. In this patient, we observed a gross kink with physiologic implications in the postanastomotic artery. Resecting the involved segment with reanastomosis may have increased tension on the repair and increased operative time, so the polyglycolic acid tube was used to mechanically straighten the kinked segment. Its minimal risks and observed benefit make it a potentially valuable tool in the microvascular surgeon’s toolbox. DISCLOSURE None of the authors has a financial interest in any of the products or devices mentioned in this communication. Michael A. Holliday, M.D. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Steven P. Davison, M.D., D.D.S. DAVinci Plastic Surgery Washington, D.C.

  PublisherDOI

• Reply

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery · 2014-07-29

  letter1st author

  Sir: We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the recent letter by Dr. Sapountzis and colleagues, wherein the authors described a novel technique of preventing kinking in a free flap pedicle by affixing a 4-0 polydioxanone (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, N.J.) suture to the adventitia of the anastomotic segment using a 9-0 nylon suture. This is an elegant, low-cost solution to pedicle kinking that is effective according to the authors’ series of 11 patients treated with this technique. This adds at least a small degree of technical difficulty and a possible risk of injury to the endothelium, either by suture trauma or increased manipulation of the vessels, which could potentially cause thrombus formation. In addition, the use of polydioxanone suture material as an external “rod” exploits the intrinsic memory of the suture, yet the ex vivo memory may not be generalizable in vivo, because heat, moisture, and mechanical forces will lessen its memory. We recently described a simple technique using a polyglycolic acid nerve conduit (Neurotube; Synovis, Birmingham, Ala.) for the same indication. We split the Neurotube longitudinally and ensheathed the anastomotic segment within the tube with minimal added manipulation of the pedicle. Although compression of the vascular pedicle is theoretically a risk of using this device, we did not appreciate any compression intraoperatively, nor were flap-related complications noted postoperatively. The Neurotube is available in different diameters that can accommodate larger or smaller vessel diameters to address this concern. Increased cost of the device is a legitimate drawback of this technique, but for the right patients, this technique will provide added mechanical support of the pedicle, with minimal clinical risks. Both approaches appear to be viable options for a commonly encountered yet incompletely studied problem. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest in any of the products or devices mentioned in this communication. Michael A. Holliday, M.D. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Washington, D.C. Steven P. Davison, M.D., D.D.S. DAVinci Plastic Surgery Washington, D.C.

  PublisherDOI

• Audiovestibular Characteristics of Small Cochleovestibular Schwannomas in Neurofibromatosis Type 2

  Otolaryngology · 2014-04-08 · 13 citations

  article1st authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: Describe the relationship between cochleovestibular schwannoma (CVS) volume, audiovestibular characteristics, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). STUDY DESIGN: Subgroup analysis of NF2 prospective natural history study from 2008 to 2011. SETTING: Quaternary medical research institute. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: NF2 patients with small treatment-naive CVSs (volume <1000 mm(3)) by ear; N = 49 ears (32 patients). Cross-sectional analysis of the following parameters was performed: tumor size, auditory brainstem response (ABR), 4-frequency pure-tone average (4f-PTA; 0.5, 1, 2, and 4KHz), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), caloric testing, 240° velocity step test (VST), and MRI findings. RESULTS: For all physiologic measures but the 4f-PTA, larger tumors correlated with abnormal responses (P < .05). For abnormal ABR, mean tumor volume was 405 vs 151 mm(3) (P = .0007) for normal ABR. Similarly, larger tumors correlated with weak caloric responses (mean 521 vs 165 mm(3); P = .0007) and weak cVEMP (mean 357 vs 192 mm(3); P = .0262). Tumor volume was not significantly correlated with 4f-PTA. Elevated intralabyrinthine protein on MRI fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences was correlated with larger tumor volume (mean 333 vs 55 mm(3); P = .001) and abnormal ABR and 4f-PTA (P < .05) but did not correlate with cVEMP, VST, or caloric responses. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, ABR, caloric response, cVEMP, and elevated intralabyrinthine protein correlated with tumor volume, but 4f-PTA did not. Abnormal ABR and 4f-PTA correlated with elevated intralabyrinthine protein. These findings may provide insight on the effect of small CVS on the inner ear and cochleovestibular nerves, which may aid in their optimal management.

  PublisherDOI

• Use of the video-laryngoscope (GlideScope) in vocal fold injection medialization

  The Laryngoscope · 2014-01-24 · 4 citations

  article

  Laryngoscope, 124:2136–2138, 2014

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• John C. Salerno

  Kennesaw State University

  27 shared

• Dipak Ghosh

  27 shared

• Gordon Tollin

  25 shared

• Clayton Thomas

  University of Arizona

  25 shared

• John H. Enemark

  University of Arizona

  25 shared

• Changjian Feng

  25 shared

• Pam Angelus

  Georgetown University

  11 shared

• Thomas L. Pinckert

  George Washington University

  11 shared

Education

• B.S., Biomedical Engineering

  Duke University

• M.D.

  Eastern Virginia Medical School

• Other, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

  Georgetown University Hospital

• Other, Laryngology

  UCLA

Awards & honors

• Super Doctors® Southern California Rising Stars 2021
• Super Doctors® Southern California Rising Stars 2023
• Super Doctors® Southern California Rising Stars 2024
• Super Doctors® Southern California Rising Stars 2025