Hussein Jaffal, MD

Associate Professor, Associate Program Director, Quality & Performance Improvement Medical Director, Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology

Organization:

West Virginia University School of Medicine

Department:

Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery

Classification:

Faculty

Hussein Jaffal, MD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Department of Pediatrics at West Virginia University, where he serves as Chief of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Medical Director of Quality and Performance Improvement, and Residency Program Associate Director. Dr. Jaffal completed dual fellowships in Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada (2018-2020) and UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas (2020-2021), following his residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon.

Dr. Jaffal earned both his medical degree and Bachelor of Science in Biology from the American University of Beirut. He is licensed to practice in West Virginia, New York, and Utah, and maintains active membership in the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Society for Ear, Nose and Throat Advances in Children. His clinical expertise encompasses pediatric airway disorders, swallowing problems, and sleep-disordered breathing in children.

Dr. Jaffal has contributed to the clinical program at WVU, founding and leading the pediatric FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) clinic and helping to establish the first multidisciplinary pediatric Aerodigestive clinic. His research focuses on pediatric sleep and airway disorders, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals. Recent work includes studies on pediatric drug-induced sleep endoscopy, surgical techniques in pediatric laryngology, and innovative 3D printing applications for surgical training. He serves as a reviewer for multiple journals including The Laryngoscope and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Jaffal is deeply committed to medical education and quality improvement, serving as Residency Program Associate Director and chair of the Clinical Competency Committee. He has implemented multiple quality improvement projects to enhance patient safety and reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization. His teaching contributions include developing a 3D-printed airway reconstruction training course for residents and delivering invited lectures at national meetings. He has received recognition for his educational efforts, including the resident teaching award in 2023, and continues to mentor the next generation of otolaryngologists through his various academic roles.

Medical Specialties

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Otolaryngology

Special Training

• Fellowship, Pediatric Otolaryngology
  UT Southwestern, 2021
• Fellowship, Pediatric Otolaryngology
  University of Alberta, 2020
• Residency, Otolaryngology
  American University of Beirut, 2019